Saturday, July 3, 2010

Snakeskin Peyote Stitch Seed Bead Bracelets



I was looking through my jewelry box the other day and found some projects I hadn't shared. I made these bracelets back in 1998, I think. I use to sit on my lunch breaks while I was temping and didn't know anyone I worked with. I had a lot of curious folk asking me what I was doing. I really like the feel of these tiny seed beads against the skin. It is very similar to actual snake skin in some ways being cold and smooth.



This black, gray and white pattern was inspired by a diamondback rattlesnake pattern. I found as I was working that the cheaper black beads were larger than the others causing a slight warping in the weave.



This brown, black and off white one was inspired by the pattern found on Burmese pythons.

Beadwork was a good project to travel with. All my supplies fit in a tiny box about 6"Lx4"Wx3"H.



The bottom section of the box has narrow bottles that hold the more expensive rarer beads, while the top section holds some wider bottles of cheaper beads, my needles, bead string, clasps/findings and a gum eraser that I like to fashion into a bowl or "finger" to hold or pick up beads with. Most of the time I just stick the needle into the bottle to string the beads. I received the nice tiny screw top sample bottles from a project manager that I helped write VBscripts for some of her Excel files when I temped at a water testing facility.

I'm using what is called a "Peyote Stitch" to make these bracelets. It's very easy, but time consuming to do.



I start with a strand of beads. Then, add a new bead through every other bead across to create a new row. Then, you just keep repeating this until it is the length you desire. I found a basic Peyote Stitch Video Tutorial or a Text Version for those who want a better explanation of how to make your own. Enjoy!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi do you have a pattern to make these to lovely bracelets up please,than you!

mieljolie said...

Sorry, Anon. I don't have a pattern made up for these bracelets. Back when I made them, I did draw them out on a template that I created. I will try to dig it up from wherever I put it.

Mieljolie

D.Mc-NY said...

Hi, found this thru a picture from "50firstcrafts" blog. I love animal print beading patterns & wanted to know if you have an etsy site selling this particular one (the brown). It's beautiful. (maybe u could do a tutorial/or give the first 3 rows to start the peyote stitch)

mieljolie said...

Hello, D.Mc-NY! Thanks for visiting. I'll see what I can do to about setting up the layout for the narrow brown one.

Mieljolie

D.Mc-NY said...

Thanks so much if you can. I'm already envisioning it in bright colors as well as "natural" shades. I tried enlarging the screen shot but could not get enuf definition on the beads. Your sewing projects look great too btw.

mieljolie said...

Hello again, D.Mc-NY. I managed to find the original pattern. yay! I've set it up with a few others in a PDF file. I'll try to make them available with some brief instructions on Etsy as soon as I can find some time. Hopefully within the next week.

Mieljolie

mieljolie said...

UPDATE: Sorry I really dropped the ball on making the pattern for this available as I promised. I'd completely forgotten how I went about it and had to rework the thing to get the tutorial right. This obstacle turned out okay though, in the end. I think I've simplified it a bit in the process.

For those who are curious. The small brown bracelet was done in what I've discovered as "odd count peyote". I've found the easiest way to accomplish it is with two strands running in opposite directions. Which I explain in the tute. However, there are many ways to accomplish the same effect.

I've been working up a detailed illustrated tutorial that will include a collection of snake patterned samples that can be tried using the tutorial. it's really close to completed and should be available on Etsy.com VERY soon. I'll post on this blog when it's ready.

Mieljolie

D. Mc.-NY said...

Hi, again. Hope ur having a good summer. Can't wait 4 ur tute on etsy 4 the snakeskin pattern. I know odd count flat peyote & will enjoy making this one when you post it.

mieljolie said...

Hello, D. Mc.-NY! Thank you SO much for the reminder. Since, this month started I haven't been so distracted. I'll get back to crackin' away on the tute. I've got no excuse for not having it up already, except that I'm still fussing with little things and needed to step away from it for a bit to focus. If it's not up by the end of this month, someone shoot me, or just light a fire under my bum. :)

Mieljolie

D.Mc-NY said...

Hi...hope u don't think I'm stalking u for the snakeskin pattern, just checking again. It seems fall & halloween r gonna be busy for you so I'll just get on etsy every now & then & hope. (am I the only 1 who wanted it?). Thanks D.Mc-NY

mieljolie said...

I'm so sorry, D.Mc-NY. I will have it finished sometime in this lifetime. I promise. But, meanwhile, please email me (in my profile) or PM me on Etsy or FB, if you would. I have something for you.

Mieljolie