Small brooches

In between larger and more time consuming projects I like to bead up quick projects, it gives me the gratification of having a finished piece in a short amount of time and helps to keep me inspired for the bigger projects.

I have not yet started on my November Bead Journal Page - I promised myself I would not start it until I completed a large doll form I started working on over a year ago. I needed the quick fix of a finished project in between finishing the doll and starting November's page. So, I started on a beaded pin a couple of days ago which led to 2 others since they bead up pretty quickly.

I purchased a 'bundle' of Earthenwood ceramic beads in their Etsy shop - where they occasionally list some great specials. If you have never checked out their website - do yourself a favor now and look at their wares. Not only are there beads and charms in a wide array of colors and designs, but there are some wonderful faces too. The beads I used for these pins quite small, but the perfect size for a small pin.


The first pin is in purples & browns, I did not do the colors justice with my photography. The largest bed I used on this was a Japanese size 8/0. I added the 4mm purple swarovski bicones on the fringe with the brown glass leaves.


Next is the wine colored pin - I love these colors - I didn't know how much until I had this all put together. I think it is my favorite of the three. It is also the smallest - not quite 1 1/2 inches around. Other than Japanese and Czech seed beads, there are dyed pearls. Doesn't it make you think of Valentine's Day? (Side note to Monica - I thought of you with this one after our recent discussion on color)


Last and certainly not least is the Peace bead, again using Japanese and Czech beads. The smallest turquoise colored beads are charlottes.

All were beaded on dyed material similar to Lacy's Stiff Stuff and backed with ultrasuede. All edging stitches used here can be found in 'Beading with Cabochons' by Jame Cloud Eakin.