Hexagon Bracelet and Earrings in Neon Red

So I haven't been working on much jewelry, but I wanted something to match an rather bright outfit that I was wearing last night, so I threw together this bracelet and earrings.  

Hexagon Bracelet: $75.00

I have actually seen a lot of this neon red-orange color coming out for the summer styles so I guess I was probably drawn to wearing the skirt that I have of this color.  Plus with all the snow melting it seems like spring is coming this way and I'm always up for bright colors for spring.

Hexagon Earrings $45.00

I made a similar set in blue/grey/black back in November that can be seen HERE.  On this set, I left it a little more open in some of the areas between bugle beads to give it more of an airy look.

St. Petersburg Chain Bracelet Workshop at Interlochen

I finally sent out updated St. Petersburg Chain images to Interlochen for the upcoming workshop!  I'd like to put it out there that this class is an amazing deal.  I usually charge $25 for the first hour and $10 for every hour thereafter per person.  So for a 6 hour class you'd normally pay $75.  This class at Interlochen offers breaks, but if you're like me, you might work right through them.  Which would put you at an 8 hour day with me and beads. These classes at Interlochen are 9am-5pm.

My first class is on the St. Petersburg Chain Stitch which I have not only used in my jewelry but also as edging for my wall hangings like In Progress and She Can't See the Forest Through the Trees.  It is also used in the middle panel to She Can't See the Forest Through the Trees.  So there's lots we can talk about using this stitch for!

The class is on Saturday May 31, 2014 at Interlochen Center for the Arts.

You can sign up on their website HERE.

Pattern Play Bangle 2: Gold and White

The original Pattern Play Bangle that I created has been visiting Tennessee for a sculpture exhibit that I entered it in to and I missed wearing it.  So I started in on another one while it's been gone.  I have been really struck by all the gold coming back into fashion.  I personally love wearing gold so on my last bead order I purchased the dark gold tiny seed beads that I've been using by the quarter kilo (rather than the 35 gram package) and I've been using them in everything.

This bangle is 4 beads larger around than my regular size (which the blue and green pattern play bangle is the "regular" size) because I wanted to be able to make it a bit longer.  I had to stop adding layers on to the first one because it wouldn't have fit further up my arm without having to wear it over my wrist on to my hand.

I also did not draft any of the patterns for this bangle.  The original has a few drafted patterns to make sure certain shapes would fit, and spirals are difficult to plan ahead for in general.  This second one I stuck to variations of stripes.  I was concerned a little that it may not be as interesting, however I think it turned out really well.  I'm already planning the next one in my head.

I just finally took these photos this morning and I thought I would hate the white background against the white on this piece.  I'm finding I really love the ethereal quality to the photos.  I think it still needs a black or grey background to show the detailing of the whole bangle, but why not have some fun with the images?  I think that Lynne Bruning also might be to blame, the photos she posts on her Facebook and website usually have a brilliant white background with all of her wonderful circuits an bobbins. Sometimes I can be visually brain-washed.  :)

Interlochen Beadweaving Classes Summer 2014

As I work on my many projects and proposals these next few months, I am also prepping to teach workshops.  The first offerings are at Interlochen's Adult Arts Programs.  They put up a lovely write-up about me here: http://college.interlochen.org/person/jenny-schu

The first of the classes offered is Saturday, May 31, 2014.  I'll be teaching St. Petersburg Chain stitch.  We will be making bracelets, but this is also the stitch that I use for my lariat necklaces and have started layering into some of my larger bangle bracelets for a different texture.  It's a $65.00 class, and you can register online here: http://college.interlochen.org/program/jewelry-bead-weaving-st-petersburg-stitch
(I'm still not happy with this image that I took for this class, I'll get a better one soon hopefully.)

The second class of the summer offerings is my Beginning Peyote Stitch bracelet on Monday, June 30, 2014.  This is a great way to start peyote stitching.  We work 2 beads at a time (instead of one bead at a time which is how I bead for the most part) which allows us to make a wide bangle in a shorter amount of time.  I also teach how to add a button/bead and loop closure which can be used in many jewelry making techniques.  It's a $65.00 class, and you can register online here: http://college.interlochen.org/program/jewelry-bead-weaving-beginning-peyote-stitch

It's not on Interlochen's Calender yet but we have a temporary date to teach the beaded leaf, which is up on my calender on www.jennyschu.com (which I just noticed the calender is having some issues that I'll need to fix!)  Keep checking back for more dates as they come up too.

I'm excited to be teaching a private class this week.  Beginner beaders are always fun, and I do enjoy smaller, by-the-hour classes.  We'll be doing the two drop peyote bracelets, it's perfect if you're just starting to learn to bead.