Friday, November 23, 2012

Colorful Friday


Traditionally the Friday after Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday".  However, to me and Red Panda Beads, the term "Black" is too limiting - beads come in a huge array of colors.  So today is Colorful Friday!

In the spirit of color, I've done four versions of Deb Roberti's  SuperDuo Tila Band.  I've substituted CzechMate Tile beads for the Tilas and used the tapered SuperDuo beads in each version.  I used the same exact pattern for the bead placements, but altered the colors.



For the first version I wanted to use one of the newest tapered SuperDuo beads, TSD-L9008 Luster Ruby.  Staying with the red theme, I added TSD-T9320 Opaque Red Picasso SuperDuos and Opaque Oxblood Tile beads, CZTWN06-91260.  Since this pattern calls for Miyuki Tila beads, and I've substituted CzechMates, which are slightly larger, I also had to adapt the seed beads.  The pattern calls for 11/0 seed beads, but the larger Tile beads work better with Miyuki's 10/0 Triangle beads.  To finish this version off, I used 10TR1809 Transparent Silver Lined Dark Red triangles. 




The second version is also based on a new tapered SuperDuo color, TSD-B15726 Metallic Amethyst.  I added TSD-15726 Luster - Transparent Amethyst and CZTWN06-P15726 Luster Opaque Amethyst complete the Amethyst color scheme.  Miyuki's 10TR1839 ICL Gold/Amethyst triangle beads finish off the design nicely.  


The third version is based on one of the newest Tile bead colors, CZTWN06-MD6515 Persian Turquoise - Moon Dust.  In my prior bead-free life blue was my favorite color, and while I have a new found love of all bead colors, I still have a special place in my heart for blue and I love the blue shades in this version. I paired TSD-PT6313 Pink/Topaz Luster - Turquoise and TSD-ST6303 Star Dust Opaque Baby Blue to compliment the shades in the Tile beads.  I've finished this design off with one of my favorite 10/0 Miyuki triangle beads, 10TR1825 ICL* Blue Bronze.

The last design uses a new CzechMate color, CZTWN06-270 24kt Gold Plated and a new tapered SuperDuo TSD-21455 Iris - Green.  The Iris Green color varies so much with each bead, that I used only the one color SuperDuo in this style.  In keeping with the green theme, I used Miyuki's 10TR1802 TSL Kelly Green triangle beads.



While White is the absence of all color and Black is all colors combined, the spirit of "Black" Friday is summed up in "Colorful Friday".  And for this weekend, ending Monday the 26th of November, 2012, the entire Red Panda Beads website is discounted by 20%

Apply Coupon Code:

Color2012

in your cart to receive the discount before checking out.

Discount applies to all items, even black beads!



Happy Beading!

Betsy

Friday, November 16, 2012

Maya Earrings





This pattern uses tapered SuperDuo beads and 11/0 seed beads to make these beautiful earrings and pendant.

I've done the earrings up in four versions.




The first one uses one of the newest colors available in the Czech SuperDuos, TSD-T0300 Opaque White Picasso.


The Picasso finish on the white beads really adds interest and texture to the design.  I chose TSD-90215 bronze SuperDuo beads to contrast the Picasso white beads and 11RR4202 Duracoat Gold Miyuki 11/0 Rocailles to complete this version.  In all four of my versions I used 'French' Wire instead of jump rings to attach the ear wires.  



In my 2nd version, I used another of one of the newest Czech SuperDuo colors, TSD-16314 coated Marea Peacock/Gold - I just love this color - and Peacock is the perfect name! I used the 24kt gold plated SuperDuos,
TSD-270 to match the 11RR191 24kt Gold Plated Miyuki 11/0 Rocailles (note, I sell the precious metal Rocailles in 1 gram increments - to make this pendant and earrings, you will need 2 grams) and really make this version sparkle!


In my 3rd version, I went with another new Czech SuperDuo color, TSD-21495 Iris - Purple.  There are wonderful shades of green, blue and violet in these beads.  I chose the TSD-27000 silver SuperDuo beads and matched the 11RR961 bright Silver Plated Miyuki 11/0 Rocailles(note, I sell the precious metal Rocailles in 1 gram increments - to make this pendant and earrings, you will need 2 grams) I also added the DP28-961 bright silver plated drops at each of the corners, replacing the 3rd seed bead.  I really like the effect and the colors in this version are so cool, reminds me of a Christmas ornament.  Since the silver plated beads and 'French' Wire are real silver, they will tarnish over time.  To protect the shine as long as possible, store any silver plated pieces in a plastic baggie along with an anti-tarnish tab or strip when not in use.




My final version is my take on tri-color.  I used another of Miyuki's Duracoat Rocailles, 11RR4212 Dark Berry for the rose gold and matched the silver TSD-27000 and the 24kt Gold Plated TSD-270 to bring the trio of colors together.

This pattern, just like all of Deb's patterns is so versatile - just changing the colors of the beads really creates a new look to the pattern.  With over 50 colors available in the tapered SuperDuo beads, the options are virtually limitless! 


Happy Beading!

Betsy