"Inspirations" Beaded Amulet Purse
Please click on the thumbnail to see a much better picture of the finished purse. The "Inspirations" purse is named in honor of all the Web bead artists who share their talents and techniques with the rest of us. You'll have the opportunity to visit five separate Websites to learn the techniques used in this purse.
Description of the purse
The amulet purse is worked in 2-drop peyote (twill) stitch with an odd number of bead groups. It includes an 18x25 mm oval onyx cabochon, a rich twisted fringe, and a spiral rope neckstrap that echoes the twists of the fringe. I used 11/0 seed beads in three dark colors--matte black, smoke grey crystal, and "hematite." The purse also has an optional lid that slides down over the neckstrap.
Do Some Homework!
You can visit the following Websites to have a great time and to learn every technique I used in the purse:
- Beadnik's Home Page: For the beaded cab, visit Beadnik's home page. Select "Tutorial" and read through her clear instructions for creating a beaded cabochon. These instructions really work! They create a wonderful lace effect and can be used to hold a cabochon to a beaded piece.
- Aunt Molly's Bead Street: Once there, go to "Patterns," and look for "Peyote Stitch Backgrounds." Aunt Molly's ideas on using two or three values of the same color to weave subtle backgrounds are truly "inspirational." You can select one of her patterns for the purse body, if you prefer.
- Suzanne Cooper's Jumpstart Classroom: Visit Suzanne for inspiring instructions on how to do the rich, twisted fringe. Don't forget to award yourself a diploma! You'll be inspired to try some of her other tutorials.
- Hillsinger's Fine Beadwork: Visit the "Classroom" to get all the details on how to construct a spiral rope chain. The clear photographs will have you spiraling in no time. You may even be inspired to try some of the variations.
- The Mining Company: I consider this a master site. Look for "Features" go to "1997" and read over Emily's clear and wonderfully illustrated instructions for working peyote stitch with an odd number of beads.
Home On to the Pattern
