You might think that publishing a new holiday project in January is poor timing on my part.
For the last few years I have been beading ornaments for my son. This year, I created something I thought might be tutorial and kit worthy. And I have learned that I rarely return to an idea with as much gusto and joy as I have when it is fresh. SO I have seized the idea, and written, and kitted, and here is Holly Bauble. You might choose to think of it as an early start on next year's decorating and gift making.
Because as usual, there are many beads in the project, I have created a set of kits for three different colorways. Each has a white background that helps the bauble stay visible against the green holiday tree and in low light, although each white is different. The bauble is an upside-down pyramid shape, with a double layer fringe tassel. If you are not a fringe fan, there are some tips in the tutorial that make working with the long strands a bit easier.
The original tradition Christmas red and green version, I am naming for my own location in Minnesota. It features a vibrant Christmas red Swarovski round bead (Light Siam) for its berries and two of the greens actually have forest in their name. The white is a clean snow with a lovely luster.
The second colorway features Indian Pink Swarovski berries, and it feels tropical to me. The pink calls to mind both coral and flamingos, hence its name. I like the pastel softness, and all the beads in this version have a rainbow finish. It has a lovely shimmer, almost like a heat wave.
The final colorway available is done with matte white beads to make the luminous, silver-lined holly graphics pop off the surface. It has a very contemporary vibe, and seems dramatic to me, so hails from Hollywood. The Swarovski Fuchsia berries and cool emerald greens lift it out of the ordinary.
The tutorial is 11 pages, includes the usual row-by-row, step-by-step illustrations, with photo support and text that moves bead by bead, and also offers layout charts. The weaving is Peyote, with Herringbone corners and an intermediate level project. If you have made triangles before, the start is a little different, but not terribly challenging.
I have made several kits in each colorway, and will launch these kits on Saturday the 12th of January, 10am, CST, along with the tutorial. I'll add a link when they go live.
I plan to re-visit this design and try some different graphics, hopefully a poinsettia version and maybe a snowflake too. But I won't do that until late fall.
Please do not worry, I am still working on the pearl icicle necklace, but sourcing has slowed me down a bit. It is coming. I promise. I personally want one, while winter is still in full swing!
Hoping your holidays were happy, and that the new year brings you all peace, joy, and plentiful opportunities to bead.
