Here is a picture of my latest attempt to make my "Nemesis" bracelet. I'm not kidding. It is a story I really shouldn't reveal. It started about a year ago with a nice focal bead that I found at my local bead store. It happened to match some tear drop seed beads that I had. I was still fairly new at making Kumihimo but it seemed to be a good match. It really is a good match.
The problem was with "tear drop" seed beads and being new to Kumihimo. Stringing the tear drop beads was different and a little harder than regular seed beads but not really a problem. Unfortunately, I didn't have a lot of these beads so I had to count them out to make sure I had enough. I did.
When I started the braiding, I noticed it was harder to keep the beads under the previous cord. They wanted to pop up. The results was not so good. I noticed that there were holes in the finished braid. So, I started over again... and again. Unfortunately, I didn't see one of the holes until I was finished. That makes starting over really starting over not just undoing. Well, I did that twice and then decided I'd better put it aside for awhile.
After starting to reorganize after I got my new workspace/table the project resurfaced. Do I just ignore it or should I try again? I guess you know the answer to that question. So, I laid out my project
I made the first half with no problem and I was very proud of myself. What is it "Pride goes before a fall"? After adding the focal bead, the second half was like the first attempts. Beads dropped (thanks to my eagle eyed grandchildren I found them) Then I started noticing holes again - gheez, I'm loosing it. The third time I was determined to watch each bead added to make sure it was secure. That worked well until I got too comfortable again and decided to braid in my comfy chair instead of my workspace. Oops, one string let go and went all over the chair. The next day I turned the chair upside down and found all of the beads! Plus some other goodies that hide in chairs. (No money though)
So, after loading the found beads on the cord again and sitting back at my workspace/table, I was again back in business and finished with out any more mishaps.
You may notice that I still need to add a clasp. Easy peasy - I hope.
Lessons learned
Don't use tear drop seed beads with out being aware of the possible pit falls.
Practice first
Sit in a good spot where you can catch errant beads and
Pay attention to what you are doing!
B
www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com
