New pattern uploaded: Tila Twin Bands

I just uploaded a new pattern to my Web site: the Tila Twin Bands, $6.00, also available at Bead-patterns.com:

A trio of bands made from seed beads, Miyuki Tila beads and Preciosa Twin beads. Wear just one or all at the same time:

New pattern uploaded: Tila Cuff

I just uploaded a new pattern to my Web site: the Tila Cuff, $4.00, also available at Bead-patterns.com:

It's a wide Tila bracelet using right-angle weave:

New pattern: Tila Squared Bracelet and Earrings

I just uploaded a new pattern to my Web site: the Tila Squared Bracelet and Earrings, $5.00, also available at Bead-patterns.com:

New pattern uploaded: the Steppin' Out Earrings

I just uploaded a new pattern to my Web site: the Steppin' Out Earrings, $4.00, also available at Bead-patterns.com:

 

Once you create the bezel using the peyote stitch to hold the rivoli, the rest is a breeze. 

 

Seriously :)

New pattern uploaded: Garden Cuff

I just uploaded a new pattern to my Web site: the Garden Cuff, $4.50, also available at Bead-patterns.com:

If you are ready for Spring, then this pattern is for you. It is a slightly wider and a bit more complex version of my Garden Bracelet, fully illustrated with detailed step-by-step instructions.

A few more lovely patterns

Fiesta Twin and Crystal Earrings from Chris Franchetti Michaels at Beadwork.About.com:

You can find more Twin bead patterns on the Preciosa Ornela website but it can be a bit tricky to find the download links. You have to click your way to the "Projects" section, and then on the right, click on "Simple Bracelets". The link to a PDF with these pretty bracelets is under the heading "Files & Links":

Tubular Herringbone Stitch Bracelet at Beadmavens.blogspot.com:

How to Cover a Bracelet Blank by Jodie Marshall at http://www.marshalljodie.blogspot.com.es:

... and the Stick Earring Tutorial by Jodie Marshall at http://www.marshalljodie.blogspot.com.es:

How I create my patterns

Beaders often email and ask what "beading software" I use to create my patterns.

I don't use any "beading software" because what is out there is really for peyote, loom or brick stitch patterns (graphs), which I don't really do.

I'm a freelance desktop publisher/graphic designer by day so I use the same software that I use for book and magazine work to create my patterns:  

• Adobe InDesign for layout of text and illustrations
• Adobe Illustrator for creating the individual step by step illustrations
• Adobe Photoshop for cleaning up photos I take of finished pieces with my digital camera
• Adobe Acrobat Professional to make the PDF 

These apps are expensive and not all that easy to learn but I use them all the time for work and have already made the investment in time and money so I stick with them, but moreso, I just don't know of any other apps that do the job as well. If you find any, please let me know because my method is very time-consuming. Each drawing is hand-drawn in Illustrator.

Having fun with Pinterest

Those of you who follow my blog know that I love to find free beading tutorials and Pinterest has quite the bounty. If you are on Pinterest, you can find more free pattern links on my Pinterest Beading Tutorials board, and if not, here are a few beauties:

Amberle by BeeJang at Bead-tutorial.livejournal.com:

Greta by Krisztina Csapó at krisztigyongy.blogspot.fr:

White Pearl Rope – Tubular Herringbone Bead Weaving by MyAmari at My-amari.com:

...and Double Flat Spiral Stitch Tutorial by MyAmari at My-amari.com:

Tila Temptation Bracelet from Favecraftsblog.com:

Color Blocks Cuff Bracelet by Marilyn Gardiner at Beadingtimes.com:

... and Marilyn Gardiner's Marching Cubes Bracelet at Beadingtimes.com:

...and Marilyn Gardiner's Diamonds Bracelet at Beadingtimes.com:

Tesserae Earrings by Marcia DeCoster at Jewelryartistmagazine.com:

Pendant Tutorial at Beadiferous.com:

Vintage Pendant Tutorial at Snivli.blogspot.com:

Renaissance Diamond Chain Collar at BeadingDaily.com:

Beaded Spider Tutorial by Kathy L. Shaw at Shawkl.com:

Trihex by Alexis at alexis.al.ohost.de: