What do do when you're stuck in bed sick?
This bracelet is from a Crazy Peyote class I took from the Bead Goddess herself Nancy Jones of Tiny Dog Seed Beads. Nancy is one of the most talented bead designers and teachers I know - why she isn't nationally known is beyond me. If she can teach me some of the tougher beadweaving techniques, then she can teach anyone. So, if you live in the Houston area and want to learn a particular technique, don't walk, run to the phone and give her a call. Her fees are extremely reasonable too. Can you tell I'm a Nancy Jones groupie? The Crazy Peyote Bracelet is a perfect project for those of us who don't really like to follow directions or a pattern. You use the peyote stitch and beads to weave a bracelet or necklace, but instead of sticking to a pattern or the same size beads for the entire project, you meander along changing bead sizes, colors and types. The most difficult part is knowing when to stop!

These other two are brick stitch bangles (aka as Bead Be Bangled Bracelets). I know I've said I don't like to follow directions or patterns, but sometimes I'll take it on, just to prove to myself that I can do it - even if it usually involves a lot of cussing. If you subscribe to Beadwork magazine then you'll recognize them as Nancy's bracelets and instructions were featured in the October/November 2002 issue. It was an easy, cool way to learn brick stitch and create an awesome bangle at the same time. I made one using size 6 beads and the other using size 8s. I like the 6s a lot better. Nancy claims they are addicting to make - and they are my friends, they are! I have 2 more started waiting to be finished and I've fished out several more tubes of beads ready to be made into bracelets.

This week I'm trying a Spiral Peyote Bracelet. I'll post a photo of it as soon as I finish.

In the meantime, I have bangles waiting to be finished...