Soutache Ribbon Stitching...Allow Your Imagination to Run Wild!!

Soutache is the latest rage to hit
Artful Beads! What is "soutache"?
Soutache (pronounced soo-tash)
is a narrow braid woven into a
herringbone pattern around two s
trands of piping inside the braid. 
It is sometimes referred to as
"Russian Braid". Soutache ribbon
is currently made out of polyester
and rayon, and it is available in
many colors, including metallic.

Soutache has been used since the

17th century as a trim for uniforms,

curtains and clothing.

There are two types of soutache braid: domestic and imported. Domestic (made in the USA) is narrower and has a tighter weave. Imported soutache is a bit wider and tends to fray when cut. It helps to use fray check or clear nail polish on the cut ends.

The art of soutache embroidery is a very free-form experience of constructing waves
of braid around beads and/or cabachons. The beads are actually sewn directly between layers of braid. The final piece can be left to show light through and be airy in appearance. Alternatively, stitching a backing in place, such as ultrasuede, helps to conceal any ends in the back, and give the piece a more finished look.

Some artists tend to work a
symmetrical design, while others
prefer an asymmetrical look. If
preferred, you can sketch the
design on paper first, and follow
by stitching the design with your
braid and beads. I prefer to work
“by the seat of my pants”, as they
say, and let the design take shape
as I stitch and fold and incorporate
beads. It’s exciting to watch something evolve into an elaborate design!

I hope you enjoy exploring this new avenue in the world of beading as much as I do!

~Barbara

The Beauty of Czech Glass Beads

When I first started beading, way back when, it was a very different world than it is today. There was no internet or bead shows to easily track down unique beads, and the selection of Czech glass beads – at least from what I was finding - was limited to 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm round fire polished in the most basic of basic colors: ruby, emerald, amber, sapphire, and crystal.

While those beads where pretty in
their own way, they don’t hold a
candle to the stunning beauties
that are coming out of the Czech
Republic today! The finishes,
shapes, and colors are amazing,
and just when I think these beads
can’t get any more gorgeous, they
do! Not only have the fire polished
round and rondelle beads become
incredibly sophisticated, but there
are now many beads that are being
made using vintage molds.

 

I admit it: I am totally addicted to these vintage mold beads…I can’t have enough of them, and my stash is steadily growing out of control (is that really a BAD thing? I don’t think so!). The colors, the finishes, the textures…we are very lucky that someone decided to dust off these antique molds, and artists in the Czech Republic are designing these amazing new beads with an old-time feel.

It is definitely a very good time to be a beader!

~Amy

What makes a piece of jewelry a Statement Piece?

Check out the latest creation to emerge out of Artful Beads Studio...a pair of Wire Wrapped Gemstone Earrings.  The color palette is of Indian inspiration with the delicate gold wire and garnet gemstones accents.  A hint of green comes from a few tourmaline briolettes dangling softly from the wire.  I would absolutely throw these earrings on with a t-shirt and jeans for an afternoon out at a craft show or out to dinner.  I love a little sparkle as my accessory with jeans or a skirt.  The trend now is to wear Statement earrings with a bracelet and skip the necklace altogether.  It doesn't mean that the earrings have to be humongous gold hoops!  The bright color could be the statement that draws the eye and makes it stand out as an accessory.  The unusual design and shape of the earring can make it intriguing .  They don't have to be huge...they just have to be spectacular!  This style is trending from couture evening wear to career wear and everything in between.   Pair these earrings with a black dress for a cocktail party or a wedding and you won't need any other accessories!!  

Enjoy!!

~Laina

"This and That"...the Fall 2010 Stringing Blog Carnival

I admit it, I've never written a blog before. And I admit it, I don't even know where to begin, so I'm just going to start typing and see what happens.

I've been pondering this for a few weeks now...how do I write about a piece I've created? What do I talk about? Well, I suppose I can start with the basics...I love green. I love brown. I love mixing metals. I love asymmetry, contrasting textures, and bringing a diverse selection of components and segments together into one, unified piece. I love long necklaces that I can layer up with shorter necklaces. I think all of that comes through emphatically with "This and That."

I can also talk about my inspiration for this piece. This is where things get a little funny for me. The thing is, when I design a piece like "This and That," it just "happens". I don't plan, I don't sketch. I just sit down with the ideal artist's palette...a pile of beads, some bits and pieces of chain and cording, maybe some wire, and tools. Then I just go. I find that if I spend too much time actually thinking through a project, it stymies my creative process. So, as a rule, I prefer to "do," not "think." And that's exactly what I did with "This and That."

My hope for this project is that it will inspire others to let themselves go, to NOT think through a piece, and just move forward with it as the piece dictates.

And, interestingly enough, that's what just happened with this blog.

~Amy