Tag: beads

Bead for Life

Holiday shopping madness is upon us, and it would seem as though everyone- Young, old, wealthy, or of humble means- Is out in force, buying up anything that could possibly be wrapped up in paper and topped off with a bow. I’m not one to advocate such excessive consumerism, but if it’s possible to make conscious purchases that aren’t simply wasted on meaningless plastic and glass, I personally would certainly be more inclined to fork of my hard-earned money. Shouldn’t a gift be something of actual value, and not just the numbers on a price tag? If no store has that “perfect gift” and you find yourself at wit’s end, looking to please the person who has everything, I have one little suggestion to throw into the ring.

One of the most thoughtful presents I received in a while was this beautiful bracelet made of paper beads, from a good friend who seems to know me better than I know myself. Thanks to Bead for Life, an organization that allows women from Uganda to sell their lovely handiwork, it’s possible to support those in need and give a lovely piece of jewelry to the loved ones in your life. It’s like donating to a charity, with benefits for all those involved!

Being a compassionate consumer means taking into account the welfare of animals, naturally, but I think that the well being of our fellow man is often swept under the rug in this equation. Think about what’s going into your store-bought gifts this year, and decide: Do you want something mass-produced that’s supporting sweatshops and suffering, or something unique, handmade, and actually bound to send money where it’s needed?

Hannah (BitterSweet)19 Comments

Ladder Bracelets

The beautiful thing about spring break, for me at least, is getting the time to work on all of those little projects that I’ve been dying to do for what seems like ages.  I’ve been accumulating so many craft magazines, books, and links, it’s practically impossible to sort through all of it!  The craziest part of the whole situation is the fact that I’m actually attempting to reorganize to fulfill my need to do some spring cleaning, so all of the crap I have lying around is driving me crazy!  The best way to take care of messy supplies:  Craft with them.

Ordinarily, I really suck at working with wire, but lately it has actually been kinda fun.  The first attempt at this sort of bracelet, though, has all sorts of issues, and I’m not so happy with it.  The inspiration came from the latest issue of Bead Style magazine, which is usually about as helpful has a computer manual written in Latin.  I’ve only received two copies because they were free, but this last one shocked me – There were actually projects I wanted to make.  Every other issue (As far as I can see) has really just been one big ad.  Even the projects are no more than lists of supplies to buy, which you’re instructed to string onto some wire, and you’re done!  I guess it’s better for inspiration… And cleaning out your bank account.  Though painfully expensive, I’ve gotta admit that the beads that they advertise are truly gorgeous.

So anyway, I tried again and came up with this.  I like it a lot more, so I’m almost okay with letting go of some of those nice glass beads.

They really do look pretty nice, probably much better in person, because as I’m now learning, jewelry is one of the hardest subjects to photograph.  In fact, I had so much trouble with backgrounds and lighting, the above picture was actually taken on the lid of my toilet!  That’s why it’s a bit reflective… but look how clear and bright it is!  (Don’t worry, it was clean.)

I tend to get better pictures outside, so the rest were taken on my patio, in case you were becoming worried. 

Hannah (BitterSweet)3 Comments

Blooming Brooch

I’m almost finished knitting a very special shawl (Which you’ll hear much more about soon….) and I realized that it would probably need a brooch to be worn.  I don’t think I’ve ever owned a brooch before this day, so I set off to work on a little beaded flower.

I hope the colors will match…! 

Hannah (BitterSweet)2 Comments

From the Bottom of My Blackened Heart

Honestly, one can only handle so much of this sappy, sugar-coated, cavity-inducing acts of love before getting a stomach ache. Admittedly, I have been much more tolerant this year, though. It’s perhaps the first time I have ever allowed that Valentine’s Day might actually be considered a real holiday [and not just a stupid date made up by the Hallmark Company, which I do still believe.] And you know what? Despite the fact that I received no valentines, didn’t have an elaborate dinner, and have no significant other to share the occasion with, maybe I still enjoyed myself, just a little bit. I was able to shower my friends with sweets, and maybe take a step out of my usual hum-bugery for public displays of affection.

That being said, here is just a small bit of my typical cynicism returning, but in the most benign manner that could be hoped. I decided to make the hearts of my beaded choker black, but even still, the alternating pinks still leave a slight touch of femininity in my opinion.

 

I know it’s a little bit late in the game now, but should you desire your own little string of beaded hearts to wear around your neck, the [very clear, easy to follow!] pattern can be found here.

Hannah (BitterSweet)3 Comments