Using Fabric Buttons as Cabochons in Bead Embroidery

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Eva Barkman Designs

Using Odd and Ends for the Cabochon in Bead Embroidery

Sometimes you want to do bead embroidery, but you don’t have a gemstone cabochon…or maybe, supplies didn’t come up in the financial lottery this month, LOL. With a little imagination, you can find things to use. Buttons of many types can be used…like a regular button, vintage button, fabric button and Czech glass buttons. I’ve been keeping in the back of my mind that stash of polymer clay that I have put up for a rainy day. You can make your own cabochons out of polymer clay. I’m sure that you can find other things to use.

Using Odd and Ends for the Cabochon in Bead Embroidery

I made this embroidered pendant (fabric button) and right angle weave necklace. I have a few really nice fabric buttons and this one got picked first. I decided to use shades of purple (my favorite color) and I had a few ideas to embellish it. I was able to get the needle through the material at the dome of the button to add pretty little #15’s (tiny gold seed beads). They add a little sparkle to the pendant. Then I used different shades of purple to embroider around the button. I also used pretty navy colored seed beads.

You can see more photos in my Amazon Handmade shop. http://www.amazon.com/Beadwork-Embroidery-Bohemian-Necklace-Pendant/dp/B016FHNXAA?ref=hnd_adp_ap_10

New Amazon Handmade Shop

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Eva Barkman Designs

I am pleased to announce that I now have a new Amazon Handmade shop at E. Barkman Designs. I have completed numerous projects and I am loading them to my shop daily. These are more intricate designs than the jewelry that I have in my Etsy shop. There is more bead embroidery and more detailed beadwork.

The new jewelry in E. Barkman Designs on Amazon still has a bohemian flair to it like my other jewelry. My creativity has a natural swing towards the bohemian style.

I also have several pieces of jewelry that I have from a previous consignment. I will be loading these up to one of my sites, possibly my website www.evabarkmandesigns.com, or to my Etsy or my Amazon.

Please stop by my shops and have a look. I am planning on listing some sales starting in November through New Years. As always, I take special orders. If you have a question about anything, please feel free to contact me at evabarkmandesigns@gmail.com

Bead Embroidery…a love of mine

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Eva Barkman Designs

Did you know that beading can become addictive? Most beaders have first hand knowledge of this.

Besides the beadwork and beadweaving that I have loved doing for some time now, I have fallen in love with bead embroidery. There’s something about finding the perfect cabochon…the perfect backing material…adding any combination of different colors, finishes, sizes of seed beads and cylinder beads (Delica) to embellish the cabochon…to tell a story with your beading or to create a gorgeous design.

There are many ways to bead embroider…bead artists have their own style, their own use of materials, their use of certain stitches. I have read several books on this and the different authors have their own particular style, but this is part of the fun…to try out these different instructions…experiment with all…develop your own style.

In my next few posts, I will provide you with some ideas and some instruction (book reviews) and tutorials. If you’re a beginner of beading, don’t feel overwhelmed…just take it step by step. Before you know it, you’ll be beading like crazy 🙂

In closing, I have posted a photo of my purple onyx agate cabochon and amethyst necklace listed in my Etsy shop, BohemianIce Artisan Jewelry. You can see the specifics of this necklace in the listing.

See ya’ soon 🙂

Summer Sunrise & Clear Waters Beadwork Rings

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Eva Barkman Designs

I recently started making beadwork rings and I’m finding that they are like eating potato chips…the more I make, the more I want to make. They are a nice project to do in a reasonably short time. I enjoy making these while we are watching tv, especially if I don’t like the show. 😀

I made these two using peyote stitch with #11 cylinder seed beads (Delica) and some #15’s for the trims. The blue and green ring (Clear Waters) has a simple trim just using a clear #15 seed bead in the last rows. The tropical colored ring (Summer Sunrise) has a more detailed trim…I used pink #15’s to make a picot with a spiral look.

To see the listing for each, just click on the photo and it will direct you to my Etsy listing.

I will take orders for different sizes and colors…smaller sizes make cute knuckle rings…just email me at bohemianice@gmail.com or convo me at my Etsy shop BohemianIce

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Beadwork Necklace – “Geneva Grapes”

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Eva Barkman Designs

“Geneva Grapes”

I made this beadwork necklace specifically for the art exhibit at the Geneva Ohio Grape Jamboree. I’ve been entering various pieces of my art, like my watercolors, mixed media, and photographs, in this exhibit for years. This year I decided to enter my beadwork. I was blessed with an honorable mention in the 3-D category. I had hoped to do a bit better…I’m just saying. I’m counting my blessings.

I was also blessed in another way…I sold it! That made it all worthwhile.

A little bit about the jamboree…our area of northeastern Ohio is known for grapes and wine. Each year Geneva, Ohio has a celebration called the Geneva Grape Jamboree. There are vendors, food, entertainment, and the art exhibit.

Here’s how I constructed the necklace…I began by peyote bezeling my purple magnesite cabochon and adding a peyote bail, which I used two different size beads, 11’s and 8’s, to add a little whimsy. Next, I peyote bezeled several different purple beads with 11’s and 8’s to represent grapes. I even covered a couple of beads totally with size 11’s. I used antiqued brass chain and filigree. I gave the filigree a touch of patina colored paste to add a little color. The rest was all strung on 2 lengths of jewelry wire on both sides: Swarovski AB (aurora borealis) crystal 2 hole connectors, alternated Swarovski AB crystal bicones 6mm and purple crystal rondelles, another Swarovski 2 hole connectors and finally I separated the 2 jewelry wires to add the “grapes” on the two separate wires. I made my different “grape” beads all symmetric. I then pulled the 2 wires together again to add a few more Swarovski crystals and finally attach to the filigrees using crimps. Now, all that’s left is to attach the beaded strand to the chains.

Bezeled Cabochon

“Grape” Beads

additional “Grape” Beads

Tanni’s Jewelry Supply Shop on Etsy

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Eva Barkman Designs

Lovely Toho seed beads…a mainstay for the serious beadweaver.

Check out Tanni’s Jewelry Supply on Etsy for great prices and quality supplies. I am a jewelry designer and do beadwork, so I know my products. The seed beads that I offer are quality Toho and Miyuki brands for all of you beadweavers and bead embroidery artisans. I plan to be adding more items to Tanni’s as time goes on. Presently, I offer the brand name seed beads, Swarovski Crystal, sterling silver charms, other charms and lots of fun beads, some vintage.

Beadwork is a Wonderful Art

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Eva Barkman Designs

As you know, I’m a jewelry designer (among several other arts) and this past year I’ve been learning beadworking. It is amazing how relaxing it can be. I love doing all of the stitches and watching how each piece turns out. It is time consuming, but worth all that you put into it.

For those who want to start beadworking, I suggest getting a subscription to the magazines “Beadwork” and “Bead and Button.” These publications are a font of beadworking knowledge. You can learn the stitches and create the projects.

The bracelet shown is my bracelet that I made for the Lake Shore Artists group annual May Exhibit. It won second place to my surprise.

Since I’m learning beadworking, I will add it to my list of creative things to do. I will post my projects as I go along.

Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Red Crystal Earrings….loving these fire polished beads….

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Eva Barkman Designs

These are my newest creation, listed on etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/89765821/earrings-red-creamy-faceted-ab-fire .

They are made on a sterling silver headpin and are wire wrapped on handmade sterling silver spiraled earwires. I especially liked the new fire-polished crystal beads that I ordered and used. I’ve never tried them before and I have to say that they are lovely colored and faceted nicely….sparkling lovely colors when you hold them to any light. For an added finish, I added sterling silver bali-style daisy spacers and a couple of tiny seed beads.

To see these and other artisan crafted jewelry, visit my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BohemianIce

Want to know more about God and how He can work in your life? http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com and

http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

On Fire for Handmade

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Eva Barkman Designs

I belong to this great team of artisans. “On Fire for Handmade” is the name of our team and we are artisans of all different kinds of media. Our mission is to love, promote, cross-promote, share, and care for handmade and the talented people who create handmade items. We are all artisans who sell our handmade items on Etsy and Artfire.

Anne Hopfer, our fearless leader and curator is a great part of the heart and soul behind this group. Check out her Made for Me by Oaklie Etsy & Made for Me by Oaklie Artfire for great crocheted items. I love her handbags and scarves.

Anne recently put together a place where “On Fire for Handmade” members have their treasuries featured. One of my treasuries “Shades of Sunny” is featured along with many other great treasuries of members. You just got to see the beautiful handmade items for sale featured in these treasuries. Take a look at “On Fire for Handmade Treasuries.” There is also other fellow teams featured with great handmade items for sale.

Check out our great group/team on facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114453101935100

New Line of Hammered Metal Earrings and Pendants

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Eva Barkman Designs

I recently listed these new copper earrings on my BohemianIce etsy. I am starting a new line of hammered metal earrings and pendants in copper, sterling silver and brass. I really enjoy working with metal…the bending, twisting, hammering, wrapping….to me, it’s all fun. This pair is made in a zigzag shape….these and most of my earwires are handmade (I have a few manufactured ones left, but I like making my own). I wire wrapped Swarovski Crystal Rivoli’s on this pair and hammered the copper for texture and sparkle.