Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Robin Atkins Beadlust

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Beadlust – Follow this beaded pathway as it meanders through the process of creating beadwork, books, paintings and who knows what else. Bead artist, Robin Atkins, invites you to join in her journey.

 Even though I don’t do beadwork or beadembroidery anymore, I still love to see what others are doing with it. Robin’s blog is not only visual eye candy but its inspirational as well. Her beaded journals are just amazing-such as the one pictured which you can view here! ……She has a website where she sells beads, supplies, art and her books.

Comments

  1. You don’t do beadwork anymore? Is such a thing even possible? If a day ever went by that I didn’t pickup a bead or two I would cease to exist.

  2. Hit send to soon. I should mention that I can’t keep up with my own blog since I’m too busy beading. So on that note I guess I’m glad that you were able to give up beading because we get to read your blog more often that way.

  4. Thanks Anne! My passion has turned from beadwork to making found object jewelry. I love the challenges that presents.
    But I still have about 40lbs of seedbeads LOL, I’m sure I’ll pick up a needle and start beading again one day!

  5. SUPRISE ROBIN!!! hee hee.
    Your work is gorgeous, so I had to share! Thanks for letting me know and I fixed the link so now they can read that post. Keep up the gorgeous work and inspiration!!!

  6. I’m so glad to hear that I am not the only one who loves to bead!!! I am the only one in my area that uses seed beads to embroider gorgeous evening bags that were used for local proms last year!!! That has evolved to making totes and even sports team totes and purses!!!! The younger set is where I found my sales last year, but everyone who sees them oohs and awes, but I can,t seem to enjoy any success with the over 17 to 40 crowd!!! I love hearing about everyones projects and what their passions for their craft are11 thanks for an inspirational site!!!!!!!

Have you read?

Book Review Wednesday: 3D Beaded Animal Crafts for Kids

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is 3D Beaded Animal Crafts for Kids, and I’ll admit this one is another of those books that makes me pause for a moment and ask, “Does this belong in Jewelry Making, Kids Crafts, or somewhere in between?”

Technically, it is not jewelry in the traditional necklace-and-earrings sense, but it is very much a beading book, and beading skills are such a useful doorway into jewelry making. For kids especially, learning how to thread beads, follow patterns, work with wire, and build little 3D shapes is a brilliant way to develop patience, fine motor skills, and confidence with craft materials.

The cover promises 3D beaded animal crafts for kids, with a focus on cute seed bead animals made with wire. The little fox on the cover is exactly the sort of project that catches attention — bright, cheerful, and very giftable. I can see this being a fun book for crafty kids, tweens, grandparents crafting with children, or even adults who secretly enjoy tiny beaded animals but pretend they are “helping the kids.”

What I like about this type of project is that it gives children a finished piece they can actually be proud of. These are not throwaway crafts. A beaded animal can become a bag charm, keychain, desk buddy, zipper pull, ornament, or little handmade gift. And if you have a child who loves collecting small things, well, prepare yourself — you may soon have an entire zoo made from seed beads.

There is also a nice connection here for beginner jewelry makers. Working with beads and wire in a simple 3D form helps build the same kind of careful hand skills used in beaded jewelry, wire wrapping, charms, and small accessories. So while I would be tempted to cross-post this over on our Kids Crafts section, I still think it earns its place here for anyone wanting beginner-friendly beading projects.

This book would suit kids who already enjoy detailed crafts, families looking for screen-free creative projects, or makers who want small bead projects that are playful rather than overly serious. I would suggest adult help for younger children, especially because seed beads and wire can be fiddly, and nobody needs a craft session ending with beads in the carpet forever. Although, let’s be honest, that may happen anyway.

My Shellie-style take? 3D Beaded Animal Crafts for Kids looks like a fun, colourful and practical beading book for young makers who like cute projects with a real finished result. It is crafty, giftable, a little bit nostalgic, and a lovely stepping stone into more detailed beadwork and jewelry making later on.

You can find the book here: 3D Beaded Animal Crafts for Kids.