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I’ve been consumed with teaching myself Robin Atkins‘ finger-weaving technique for beaded jewelry. And I have to say – it was rocky in the beginning but getting better and better with each new project.

The first thing I did is in the photo above. It’s one of those technique samplers. Not pretty to look at but certainly a valuable teaching tool I highly recommend for your very first project.

All Summer long, I’ve been itching to make something out of these pretty yellow Black-eyed Susan Lampwork flowers made by glass artist, Karen Tracy, but could never decide what. I figured this was the perfect technique to do justice to Karen’s beads.

The photos below document the planning and progress of the piece. Pulling out all the matching beads I had on hand, a rough layout, editing the design, the bracelet as it’s being made, and finally, the finished product.

The weaving was getting better by the 2nd project, but to my dismay, much too tight as I found out when it came time to finish the piece. I couldn’t get the needle through the bundle! YIKES!

I also had to figure out a way to attach the Czech glass Maple leaves as the holes were too small to allow the cord to pass through twice. There were too many of them to have to attach later per Robin’s suggestions for small holed beads, so I had to fall back on my wire-wrapping skills.

Three days later…Ta-da! The finished project. No worry, this won’t go in my Etsy shop as it doesn’t pass the muster. I will take it apart and do it all over again – much, much better next time.

Notes to self: #1 – Eva, relax your kung-fu grip as you’re weaving. Keep it tight – but not too tight. Keep it easy and consistent. Breathe. Breathe!

Note #2 – Use sharp scissors when trimming the final knots. Ouch. And for gawd’s sake – don’t trim too close or the knots will come loose!

(After all that work – NOT a good thing. Boo. *sniff*)

Note #3 – For your first real project – try a simpler design next time! If there is a next time.

My third and most recent project went surprisingly well and was actually quite fun. It’s a sneak peek of one of my “Paws For A Good Cause” eBay auctions coming up soon. For cat lovers, inspired by glass artist, Teri Persing’s sweet lil’ cat bead with red poppies. It includes two 2-inch extenders in your choice of red or white flowers – or use them both for a total of 4-inches of extension!

Next project coming up will be another “Paws For A Good Cause” eBay offering for dog lovers, so check back for more progress photos.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Until next time – take care & stay well!