>Free Beadin'

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Wow! This is my 500th post! Time certainly does fly... And, thanks to all who voted in my latest poll. I still haven't decided which vehicle I'm going to bead next. I have narrowed it down to either the Beatles' Yellow Submarine or the Boston Trolley Car. The DeLorean Time Machine is a close 3rd since that's the one that I voted for. Whichever piece I do decide to do, will require some research, and a drawing. So, I'm going to think about it a bit more before I decide... That's okay, though. I need a little free time to myself. Once in awhile, it's good to stop thinking and planning, and just let the beads happen...

I don't know if I've ever mentioned this before, but a few years years ago, I made the above beaded lanyard for my aunt as a gift. She works in a hospital and she used this lanyard everyday to wear her identification on. The lanyard was created using the freeform peyote technique, and it measured approx. 32". The blue & green colours are inspired by the beach, my aunt's favourite place. I used every different kind of seed bead I had at the time, as well as some seashells.

Now, more than 3 years later, the lanyard began to come apart in several places. I determined that it was beyond repair because the thread was shredded in at least 5 different places all around the necklace. So, being the good niece that I am, I have decided to weave her a new lanyard using most of the same beads.

First, I carefully cut apart the threads, and pulled the beads apart. I must say it pained me to do that, but when I was finished, I realized it was kinda fun! Next, I cut a very long piece of Nymo (D) thread. I coiled up about half of it, and taped it to the kitchen table. Then, I strung 34" of all different seed beads, including the seashells, and some larger new beads.

After I finished stringing the beads, I began by looping the end of the beads around the lanyard part. Then, I just started to weave the thread back into the string of beads while working in peyote stitch. When I got to the end, I unraveled the rest of the thread, and began working back through the other end in the same manner. Here's what I've completed so far:

I think you'll be surprised at the end result... :)