Red Panda Beads: 2012

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

Deb, from www.aroundthebeadingtable.com, has a new pattern - Maya Earrings and Pendant

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

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

CzechMates SuperDuo Bands

Variations of a Pattern

I've adapted Deborah Roberti's Tila SuperDuo Bands pattern to work with the new CzechMates Tile beads.

Deb's patterns are so easy to follow, with step by step instructions and illustrations. She often provides versions of the pattern, like the three shown above. This particular pattern even includes a sheet of blank grids so that beaders can create their own unique patterns in the SuperDuo beads section of the bands.

Shown in this pattern are the wider, more rounded SuperDuo beads. The examples below were done using the more tapered SuperDuo beads and with CzechMates Tile beads instead of Miyuki Tila beads.

SuperDuo beads vary by manufacturer - the beads on the left are the larger 2.5x5mm and rounder SuperDuos. The beads on the right are the tapered, smaller 2x5mm beads.

Miyuki introduced the first tile shaped beads, Tila beads. More recently, CzechMates have hit the bead scene. Shown on the left, Miyuki Tila beads are 5x5x1.9mm. They have sharp corners and two parallel holes. The CzechMates, shown on the right are slightly larger, 6x6x3 with rounded edges and corners.

For the first variation, I chose to use one of the newest SuperDuo colors, Umber. I started with matching CzechMate CZTWN06-13610 Umber tiles

Deb's pattern calls for two color of the SuperDuo beads, but I used three here to created waves of Umber colors. The first SuperDuo color is TSD-13610 Umber, the next color is TSD-AM1361 Matte Apollo Umber and the last color is TSD-T13610 - Umber Picasso. The pattern calls for three 11/0 seed beads on top of each tile bead, but since the CzechMates are larger than Miyuki Tila beads, I used an extra seed bead to connect the CzechMates together and give a continuous look to the "fringe". I used 11RR457L Miyuki M Light Bronze Rocailles. With Fall in full swing, this bracelet will go nicely with many Fall fashions.

The second version I did was another one of the newly released SuperDuo colors, TSD-16314 Coated Marea Peacock/Gold. The name says it all, these really look like Peacock beads!

I decided to play off the Gold in the beads and paired them with CZTWN06-K0172 Matte Metallic Aztec Gold CzechMates. Even though the pattern called for two colors of the SuperDuo beads, the Peacock beads have so many variations of color, I decided to use only one "color", but the effect is a multi-colored beauty. Instead of size 11/0 seed beads, I substituted size 10/0 Triangle beads 10TR1126 ICL* Amber/Amber. The triangle beads are the perfect size to work with CzechMate Tiles in this pattern.

My next version moved to the purple side. I chose the CZTWN06-P15695 Luster Opaque Gold/Smoky Topaz -that have a slight tinge of lavender.

I paired the matching TSD-P15695 SuperDuo beads and TSD-TSD-P65401 Opaque Luster Picasso. I like the Triangle bead combo so much I went with 10TR1839 ICL Gold/Amethyst to highlight the purple in the gold/smoky topaz color.

Lastly I chose another one of the newly released SuperDuo colors, TSD-3009 Cobalt.

I used CZTWN06-21435 Iris Blue CzechMates and paired them with TSD-P65431 Opaque Luster Green - the name is Green but the color is more grey. And I finished this piece off with 10TR1101 TSL Silver triangle beads. I like to use the TSL Silver color - the beads keep their nice shine and there are no worries of tarnish.

The same pattern and four very different versions - if you haven't yet added this pattern to your bead stash, I highly recommend adding it.

Happy Beading!

Betsy

Friday, October 19, 2012

Athena Earrings

Variations of a Pattern

Athena Earrings by Deborah Roberti at aroundthebeadingtable.com

Deb's design includes:

11/0 Seed Beads

SuperDuo or Twin Beads

4mm fire-polished beads

I could not help but wonder what substituting other beads for the 4mm fire-polished beads would look like. So I began experimenting.

Miyuki just released new colors of the Long Magatama beads this Fall - there are 49 new colors available on the Red Panda Beads website.

There are several precious metal plated beads included in the release - I fell in love with the LMA-191F-TB color and wondered what Long Magatama beads would do to Deb's design. I haven't tried them yet in the bracelet, but I rather like the effect on the earrings. This design could compliment a bracelet made with the Long Magatamas if you don't already have a pattern for matching earrings, just use the same color(s) of the Long Magatama beads and complimenting SuperDuos.

I used the taptered SuperDuo TSD-21135 Matte Iris Blue beads and matched the 11RR191 bright gold plated Rocaille seed beads to the bright matte gold of the Long Magatamas to brighten the dark iris colors of the SuperDuo beads.

When I first saw the pattern, I immediately thought to replace the fire-polished rounds with pearls. I chose cream pearls...

and a light colored tapered SuperDuo bead, TSD-P65401 Opaque Luster Picasso.

This color combo would make very nice wedding jewelry. I used the 11RR193 light gold Miyuki Rocailles to compliment the warm feel of this piece.

This pattern can be used for either the Twin beads, the tapered SuperDuo beads or the larger 2.5x5mm SuperDuo beads. So I decided to see how the larger SuperDuo beads would work.

I used the VSD-24K-100 24KT Gold Plated SuperDuo beads and paired them with another of the newly released Long Magatama colors, LMA-257-TB TR Dark Topaz. I used 11RR401F Matte Black Miyuki Rocailles to allow the other beads to really stand out.

The last version uses the tapered SuperDuo TSD-MD6313 Moon Dust Turquoise beads. I paired 5/0 E Miyuki Seed beads 5E3282 ICL Rococo Aqua Light Bronze...

...and I finished this version off with the Duracoat 11RR4217 Rocaille Sea Foam Seed beads.

Deb's patterns are so versatile, by changing a bead type and/or color and the same design has four completely different looks.

Happy Beading!

Betsy

Friday, October 5, 2012

New Czech Tile Beads

17 New colors of Czech Tile Beads and 6 new colors of the tapered SuperDuo beads have been added to the Red Panda Beads website

The Czech Tile beads work well with the Czech SuperDuo beads. There are two versions of Czech SuperDuo beads available on the Red Panda Beads website. Both versions are pressed glass beads, making them more uniform in size and shape. The larger beads measure 2.5x5mm and the smaller version measures 2x5mm. The smaller beads are more tapered and are similar to Czech Twin beads. Below are several color combos of the Tile beads paired with the smaller, tapered SuperDuo beads.

This pattern is Deborah Roberti's Tila SuperDuo Band. Since I've substituted Czech Tile beads for the Miyuki Tila beads in this design, I had to modify the design a little. Miyuki Tila beads measure 5mm and the Tile beads are slightly larger, measuring 6mm. The Tile beads are also more rounded on the corners and edges. The pattern calls for 3 seed beads on top of each Tila bead, but when using Tile beads, 4 seed beads are needed. The Tile beads used in this sample are CZTWN06-37193 Silk Blue/Taupe. I matched the new TSD-P65401 Opaque Luster Picasso and TSD-P65431 Opaque Luster Green Picasso SuperDuo beads. The seed beads are Miyuki's 11RR593 - Ceylon Light Caramel 11/0 Rocailles.

I used Deb's design again for this design, but I modified it even further, using Miyuki 10/0 Triangle beads for the seed beads. The Tile beads are CZTWN06-T93110 - Opaque Yellow Picasso. The SuperDuo beads are TSD-ST6303 Star Dust Opaque Baby Blue and TSD-MD6313 Moon Dust Turquoise. The Triangle beads are Miyuki 10TR1825 Inside Color Lined with sparkle Blue/Bronze. You only need three Triangle beads to sit on top of each Tile bead and they add a really nice sparkle to the piece. Miyuki Triangle beads are not at all sharp like triangles, but their edges are rounded and the structure of the beads allows more light to be captured and make the Triangle beads some of the prettiest Miyuki beads. They come in 3 sizes, size 10/0 is the smallest.

I used Deborah Roberti's Tila Twin Wiggle pattern for this bracelet. Coincidentally, you can get this pattern for free with any twin bead purchase on the Red Panda Beads website. The pattern adapts well for the Twin-like tapered SuperDuo beads and the Czech Tile beads. I chose the CZTWN06-TB9320 Opaque Red Picasso Tile beads and matched them with TSD-14400 Hematite and TSD-M14400 Matte Hematite SuperDuo beads. I used Miyuki's 11RR961 Bright Silver Plated 11/0 Rocaille beads. (note: since they are silver plated, they will tarnish over time. These precious metal beads are sold in 1 gram increments) I added a little spice with the matching Miyuki DP28-961 Bright Silver Plated Drop Beads.

Taking advantage of the extra space between the SuperDuo beads in the edges of the fan shape, I added the drop beads to give a nice touch to this dramatic bracelet.

Lastly I used Deb's Tila Flower Band Preview to create this Pale Turquoise bracelet. The Czech Tile beads are CZTWN06-T63100 Opaque Pale Turquoise. I matched two bronze SuperDuos, the TSD-BT8312 Opaque Yellow Bronze Picasso and the TSD-90215 Bronze beads. I added inside color lined Olive 11RR229 Miyuki seed beads.

You can see by the four samples above that the new Czech beads are versatile and can add a new look to many designs.

Happy Beading!

Betsy

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Beading on a Loom

Unique One of Kind Gifts

My father is an avid fisherman and he often fishes for large mouth bass. A couple of years ago, for his birthday, I decided to do a picture for him out of beads.

I took a clip art image, and converted it into a beading pattern.

I started out stringing my loom with Nymo.

I begin each piece of loom beadwork with a ribbon of woven Nymo to secure the beadwork. On the woven ribbon, I also use several rows of plain colored beads to establish the beadwork - that way I can expose more of the actual picture in the frame.

After I get about 5 rows completed, the tension is set for the piece and I'll seal the Nymo ribbon with G-S Hypo Cement. This creates a very nice finished edge on both the top and the bottom, doing away with the need to manage all those warp lines.

Now that the bottom is secure, I can go to town beading....

and beading......

and beading....

Then when the pattern is done, I add the plain rows of beads on top and do another Nymo ribbon and seal it just as I did the bottom.

Once the glue is set, I can remove the piece from the loom and trim the excess warp lines. I always choose a backing to compliment my pieces. There were a lot of transparent and clear beads in this piece to represent water, so I chose a nice blue scrap book stock to go behind the bead work.

I chose a rich green to make the matting to compliment the greens in the fish and the lure in it's mouth.

I secured the beadwork to the back ground, matted and framed it.

And my one of a kind gift was ready for my father.

Happy Beading!

Betsy

Friday, September 21, 2012

New Tapered SuperDuo Beads

SuperDuo beads are Czech made, pressed glass, two hole beads. Their size and shape can vary by manufacturer. These beads are 2x5mm and have tapered ends, more closely resembling Twin Beads. They should not be confused with Twin beads, however. The pressed glass manufacturing process ensures more uniform and consistent sizes and shapes, unlike the Twin beads that can vary in size and/or shape slightly.

These tapered beads come in various colors and finishes, and even have 24 Karat Gold Plated beads.

I could not resist matching up some of the new Czech Tile beads with these new tapered SuperDuo beads.

I used Deborah Roberti's Tila SuperDuo Bands pattern - modifying it slightly for the Tile Beads. Since the Czech Tile beads have rounded corners, there is a slight gap between the beads, so I added a seed bead between the tile beads to bridge the gap. The end result is a nice row of seed beads on top and the bottom of the bracelet. I used CZTWN06-T13610 - Picasso Umber - the turquoise color in the umber is perfect to match the TSD-MD6313 - SuperDuo Moon Dust Turquoise. The TSD-B9320 - SuperDuo Bronze Luster Opaque Red nicely compliment the Umber color in the Tiles. I added the 11RR4217 - Miyuki Duracoat Seafoam Rocailles to finish the piece.

I also tried a pure turquoise version. For this one I started with CZTWN06-6315 - Opaque Persian Turquoise. I added TSD-6313 - SuperDuo Turquoise and TSD-W6002 - SuperDuo Twilight Aquamarine and finished the bracelet with 11RR412 Opaque Turquoise Miyuki Rocailles.

Since these SuperDuo beads are tapered and more closely resemble the Twin Beads, I decided to experiment with the Tila Twin Wiggle, also done by Deborah Roberti, from aroundthebeadingtable.com.

I also had to modify this pattern slightly, by adding an extra seed bead on the outer edge, but otherwise, the beads worked well in this pattern. I stared with CZTWN06-TM2398 Matte Jet Picasso Czech Tile beads. I added TSD-P6531 - SuperDuo Luster Opaque Green and TSD-21115 SuperDuo Matte Iris Brown beads. I finished the piece off with 11RR4210 Hot Pink Miyuki Duracoat Rocailles - they nicely compliment the luster finish in the SuperDuo beads.

Lastly, I did another Wiggle starting with CZTWN06-P65491 - Luster Opaque Rose/Gold Topaz Czech Tile beads. These are one of the new colors I'm adding to the Red Panda Beads website. The rose/gold color matches nicely with the Apollo Gold SuperDuo beads. I used both the matte and regular versions and paired them with 11RR4209 Dark Coral Duracoat Miyuki Rocailles.

Now with two versions of the Czech SuperDuo beads, and two versions of Tile beads (Miyuki, Tilas and Czech Tile beads) the design options are even greater. I can't wait to try some of the newly release Tila colos with these new SuperDuo beads. :)

Happy Beading!

Betsy

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Red Panda Beads September Sweepstake

September Sweepstakes

Red Panda Beads provided the

"Sweet Potato Pie Challenge Stash Kit"

for the BeadWork October/November 2012 Challenge

The prize for the September Sweepstakes is a

"Sweet Potato Pie Challenge Stash Kit"

Kit Retail Value $124.33

The kit has 22 items, starting with the Monday's Mix,

Sweet Potato Pie

Each Monday's Mix is an exclusive mix of 11/0 Miyuki Delica seed beads.

The Monday's Mix is the basis for Red Panda Beads Stash Kits, and other beads and components are chosen to compliment the Monday's Mix. This mix features "a succulent mix of orange-hued beads, cord and findings" as described in the BeadWork Oct/Nov 2012 issue. Items included are: