Lentil Twist Collection
While playing with bead crochet last year, I came up with this simple design, using Lentils. It's simple, and very satisfying to make. Once I've determined which lentils I'll be using, I proceed to choose the best thread for their coloring, and then I'll just rummage through my stash of beads to find accents that will enhance their beauty. I can string up to 6 bracelets on one spool of thread at a time, each new bead combination different from the last - I will NOT duplicate any of the combinations. The stringing is tedious, as I can't use a spinner with these, I have to sit at the table, count my lentils, and string them beads individually. But the results are well worth the extra effort.
One of the perks of being a jewellery designer: My very own personnal collection of Lentil Twist bracelets. (Lucky Moi!) :D
My most recent stash of 'bodies', just waiting to be finished with end beads and a clasp.
I found these cute little cardboard boxes at the dollar store. They are just perfect for storing my finished pieces; great bracelet length as well.
The "Loot" so far.
One of the perks of being a jewellery designer: My very own personnal collection of Lentil Twist bracelets. (Lucky Moi!) :D
My most recent stash of 'bodies', just waiting to be finished with end beads and a clasp.
I found these cute little cardboard boxes at the dollar store. They are just perfect for storing my finished pieces; great bracelet length as well.
The "Loot" so far.
This morning, I strung enough beads for 5 more bracelets, with Aqua colored lentils this time. Ooh, they're so pretty! I've been selling these bracelets so quickly, that I figured it wouldn't hurt to stock up on them. Way to be a good business girl, eh? ;) I've got plenty of lentils, all the clasps I need, my only problem is the end beads. I need them in a few more colors, to make the design look uniform. Nothing an order to my favourite Chinese supplier wouldn't fix... I'll have to find a few local girls to piggy back on the order though, I don't think I can cover the minimum $500 order by myself... yet... ;)
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It was clearly pointed out to me by someone in the 'buying' profession that Lines, or Collections are much more covetted. She kept pointing this design out, and that's how the Lentil Twist Line came about.
Hmmm, as for their length Jodie, they certainly can be made to measure... :D
I do keep my skills honed on one-off creations, but I've come to the hard realization that these are my "Bread & Butter" pieces, and are what I need to do to keep a steady cash flow coming in. Same with the earrings. I certainly would like to just make my unique artistic pieces, but I haven't been able to make a 'living' with them.
The way I see it, it's like a lampwork artist who perfects her skills on, say, a heart bead, and it becomes her 'signature' bead. Like my friend Teri, she speciallizes in making hearts...
LoL! She's a HEART SPECIALLIST!!!! :D
Ha! Ha! Ha! I guess that makes me 'twisted'!
I tried and tried to teach myself bead crochet, from books, videos, websites... I just couldn't do it, until I watched someone do it. (the easiest way I've found of teaching it is with large plastic Pony beads, and yarn, until the student gets the hang of the technique, THEN they can move on to smaller beads.)
I learned with 8/0s, and it took me 3 tries (I just couldn't get it started! LoL! Oh, and I actually had such tight tension, that I'd constantly stab myself with my teeny 1.25 hook, those things are POINTY!!!). I've been at it for about 2 years, and I've been hooked on it ever since! I'd say it takes me around 2.5 hours to complete one (from designing, stringing, crocheting, to finishing)now. But my first one? It took me a few days as well, LoL!
Can't say which piece of your designs in my collection is my favourite. I love them all and couldn't pick just one fav.
However, the latest set is especially lovely, different and unique. It will definitely get a lot of wear. THANKS!
Yeah, that last set really does look good on you.
I'm nuts about the deep ambers and purples especially.
Always fabulous!
Actually, I've been working on a few things. Let's just say I'm feeling inspired, LoL!