Kumihimo and Beadwork

I decided to play with something for the Operation Tackle That Bead Stash challenge.  Each month they post a color combo and the challenge is to use beads from your stash to make something and post a picture.  They also have a facebook page with lots and lots of eye candy.  The color combo for this month is blue and copper.  I did not have a lot of copper beads to play with and I have been wanting to try Kumihimo, so I decided to play with a paper plate and these 8 strand Kumihimo instructions.

My Kumihimo threads

 I started with one crochet cotton and Omega nylon from stash.  Lesson 1 - do not try to mix two different threads if you have no clue what you are doing.  The nylon wanted to slip and the cotton wanted to grip.  But I persevered.  Because I am stubborn like that.

Kumihimo braid

Wow I put a lot of links in that explanation.  And I am not done yet.  Another thing I wanted to play with is from a new beading book by Kate McKinnon and Jean Power.  The book is not out yet, but if you preorder the book, you can access some of the projects ahead of time.

The power puff ring as a clasp in progress

 I followed the power puff ring instructions but added the magnetic clasp at a corner. 

Finished necklace

My kids say I made myself a bow tie.

TAST update

 I have not done much on my Gingerbread house since I have been working on Elizabeth.  I have however made the base tree for that end of the house.  It is done in 1/4 Algerian eyelet stitches.

Tree super close up to show the eyelets

My husband says it looks like an arrowhead.  Maybe he won't be so critical when it is actually decorated.  And to be fair, I did ask his opinion. 

Tree or arrowhead?

WIP Wednesday

I am working on mostly on Elizabeth.  Not really much to report this week, but I will show you a picture of continuing on the bodice. 

Gay Ann currently has pictures on her home page of two smaller pieces that will be released as companions to Elizabeth:  Bess of Hardwick and Mary, Queen of Scots.  OK, now I will have to save up my pennies.  and $.

Elizabeth

Work in Progress Wednesday

Sharon on Pintangle is hosting WIP Wednesday.  The goal is for all of us to update our blogs and show what we have been doing on a large project as we work on it. 

My big project is Elizabeth from Gay Ann Rogers. To see other finished Elizabeths, click here.  I have been working on Elizabeth's bodice this week.  I have done the left side, and am ready to start the right.  A lot of the bodice will be covered with beads.

Elizabeth in progress

Still here and working on Elizabeth

No, I really did not drop off the planet.  However, all my teen boys were home for the summer.  So while I did get some stitching time in, I did not get much computer time in.  The hair is done in French knots with tails to cover the ground.  I think my French knots are closer together than the original by Gay Ann Rogers.

Elizabeth with hair and cap late July 2012

The next thing to be added to Elizabeth were her cuffs.

Cuffs closeup

 The last picture is the overview of Elizabeth as she is now.  The top corner shows the background basketweave.  Gay Ann Rogers recommends working it a little at a time as we work on the rest of the piece.  So far I am really enjoying this project.

And an overview of Elizabeth