A lot of updates :)

V Scallop

Lisa Kan created this design, called V Scallop. I emailed her a couple of times via Facebook regarding the supplies, as I didn't have all of the items the design called for. Lisa was really sweet and offered suggestions. I love how it came out! This is the heaviest piece that I've made and I thought it would be uncomfortable to wear. I was wrong - it feels so good!

Crochet Craze

I’ve been on a crochet kick lately. It’s very addicting. Crochet beading is tricky to learn, but once you get it.. you won’t forget it.


For a touch of spring, I made this bracelet:




Then I decided I wanted to try something a little more difficult. Size 11 beads are small. I figured this would be a good test to see if I really knew what I was doing with crochet beading. I love how the bracelet came out. It’s definitely more difficult using small beads, especially when you start the project, because you don’t have much to hold on to.







After the size 11 bracelet, I went back to size 8s and used variegated thread – what fun! The beads are all clear and frosted. It’s the thread that changes, which does a little trick with your mind as your crocheting.





Here’s a side by side comparison of the size 11 versus size 8 seed beads.




The last piece I did was fun because it uses different sized beads – 11, 8 and 6. The various sizes creates a spiral while crocheting. It’s ummm, difficult to be sure. I felt accomplished once it was completed.

Rose Ring

Rings don't take a long time, but sometimes they have a more difficult design. I liked this one because it is layered.

Latest Crochet Piece

Whew... I honestly have to say I was worried that I wouldn't remember how to do crochet beading. When I first learned, I did three bracelets. Then Thanksgiving, Christmas and a vacation happened with no beading.

Happy to say it all came back to me :)

St Patricks Day Ring and Pendant

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, I created a 4 leaf clover ring and 4 leaf clover pendant, using tube beads, crystals and seed beads. Both are much prettier than what reflects in the pictures.

RAW

First post for my new blog! Woot!

I hope you take a moment to browse through the Gallery section and enjoy the variety of jewelry pieces I’ve crafted.

The jewelry piece I'm working on right now is a tubular right angle weave necklace. I loved right angel weave (RAW) the first time I tried it. (Some folks really don't like the technique and it has a bad reputation for being difficult.) I find RAW flows like a circle; it's lacy yet geometric. I thought the tubular design would be easy, but after the first couple of stitches, I was ready to pitch the beads and let the cat toss them around.

The hardest part is starting, which seems to always be the case. Once I decided on layering the colors, I knew where to start the next layer and away I went...

The necklace will take some time, maybe I should have picked larger seed beads. This is the beginning stage....

About

Bio - Aleta O'Brien





When I was a Y-Indian Princess, the daughters and fathers had to bead a necklace and give the Indian name to the girl. I remember stringing the colors and Dad burning the name into the leather. I still have the necklace.






It wasn’t until 2000 that I started taking lessons on how to do simple string beading. After learning how to bead knot, the Internet search for anything related to beading went into full swing. It was self-education and a labor of love.

A few weeks after Greg and I dated, he introduced me to some of his friends and one happened to be a very talented beader, Sally. She told me about the New Orleans Beading Society and my jewelry making took on new skills along with new friends. What a blessing!

Everything on this site was crafted by me. At this time, nothing is for sale. It’s a “gallery” blog only. Greg (now husband) told me, “Why don’t you have all the pictures of your jewelry on one site." Thank you for inspiring "Aleta's Accessories" Sweetheart. XOXO








(For my personal blog, click here)

Rings

Gallery

Earrings