WIP- Belle Bracelet

Here is a current work-in-progress. This is my first ever bead weaving project... and let me tell you, I'm loving it. Its hard and makes me curse and squint my eyes, but I absolutely adore it right now. I know, I'm tooting my own horn, but its just so much fun!

The project is taken from the Dec 09/Jan 10 issue of Beadwork Magazine. I thought that the bracelet called "Arabella Bracelet" by Regina Atkins would be perfect for these charms my brother's girlfriend sent me one day. I'm planning on using the blue cameo charm.

Now, this being my first bead weaving project, it's not perfect. The peyote stitch isn't as tight as I would like. I used white thread that is easy to see, but I didn't have anything else when I decided I just had to start making that bracelet right that second. And you can see the knots (if you look hard enough, which I do...). BUT, I still love it. Because it's my first. And the idea of it just tickles me.

My brother's girlfriend sent me thEse charms because they reminded her of these sketches I did when I was thinking of writing and illustrating a version of "Beauty and the Beast" (my favorite fairy tale). My brother's girlfriend, Jie, is so sweet and thoughtful for sending me these charms. Now I just need to finish the bracelet and think of what else I can do with the rest of the charms.

Here are the sketches I did last year. I was heavily influenced by Alphonse Mucha.