From My Studio Today...

Hello Friends!
  Hope everyone's week is off to a good start!
Let me just start off by saying "HOW ABOUT THOSE SEAHAWKS?" Was that an awesome game or what? We are so proud to live in the Seattle area and to be a part of the "12th Man" at our house and can't wait until the celebration parade on Wednesday!
  Ok now on to other business! Several of you have asked me how I dry my paper beads once I've sealed them...Well here is how:

 

I use floral styrofoam squares that you can buy at any craft store or even the dollar store for pretty cheap! I've added new squares to my bead drying collection but have yet to actually throw one out! I reuse and reuse them as much as possible, until the holes get to loose for the toothpicks to hold up! I've just recently started to put a piece of wax paper on top of the squares before adding the toothpicks to avoid the bead semi sticking to the floral foam itself. I also reuse and reuse my toothpicks as many times as possible to get full use of those as well but when my beads are so wet and sticky with the sealant, occasionally, the paper will stick and that's when I throw them out to avoid having the next batch of beads stick to the toothpicks! I feel like I have saved a bit of money hand sealing each bead, rather than dipping them in the sealant. It may take longer but I don't mind! After all, I love what I am doing! Until next time, Happy Beading!



 

From My Studio Today...

Good Evening Everyone and Happy Sunday!
I've been a busy gal today doing many things in my craft studio! It's been awhile since I've gotten to spend an entire day back here! I wanted to show you my studio view on such a beautiful sunny day here in Washington! But now, onto one of my main projects for the day!

Have any of you ever seen or used this template? If you've used it, then you know how handy it is for a few types of specialty beads! One of my favorite beads to make from this template is the double barrel bead! I don't do to many as they are so time consuming but they are so beautiful! This template I purchased right off of Amazon.com for $6 or $7 dollars? Well worth the money spent, especially if you're just starting out paper beading! You learn easier ways as you go along!

These are the strips for the double barrel bead once you've traced it from the above template and hand cut it out! You actually get to types of beads from one trace but it's the double barrel that I am going for! I've not actually rolled these yet but here is another sample of double barrel beads so you can see what they look like when they are completed:

They really are a beautiful paper bead! Be looking for these and others on my Etsy site soon!
Have you ever made double barrel beads? What do you think of them? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Until next time, Happy Beading!

Welcome To My New Blog!

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Saturday!
I'm blogging this morning from my new computer! Just arrived yesterday and it's a lot different than what I am used to so it seems to be taking me a lot longer to navigate! Bare with me!
I've decided to start this new blog as I have come to the conclusion that my love of paper beading is far more obsessive than I ever thought! My family would agree! It is called The Paper Bead Boutique, same as my Etsy shop, where I will share new beading projects, new listings, links to cool things I find and anything else I am anxious to share with you! So please sign up, join my site! Let's have fun and share our crafty ideas! Do you have a blog you'd like to share with me? Leave me a comment and I would love to check it out! By the way, if you've not already stopped by my Etsy shop, please do! http://thepaperbeadboutique.etsy.com Thanks and we'll see you next time!
Happy Beading!