The house always gets to feeling smaller toward the end of winter. Partly because we're stuck in it so much of the time. Partly because we keep bringing things in without taking it back out again -- to the garage or greenhouse, or even the garbage.
So I get these urges to clean and clear. It never gets very far but I keep trying.
That includes the beads too, of course. I want to have only the best, but it's so hard to give any of this stuff up. Even the strand from Austin Hamilton.
Actually, that's where I started. Green hearts with a flower and leaf squiggles. I don't really regret buying them, because I did it knowingly, and I learned some things. But that's where I started with my use it or loose it effort.
I did some fun experimenting, variations on the theme of zipper pulls. With all the jackets and parkas I have, I'd never made a zipper pull. I got out a pile of things to match those cute but not well made beads. It was a great way to experiment. I had plenty of brass wire and a few brass findings(ring and loops, and head pins). I dangled (more) hearts for Valentine's Day, and flowers. Leaves and crystals, for St Patrick's Day. And some have a string of seed beads on 49 strand coated wire (which I also dislike using), to be used as purse ornaments, belt loop dangles or cell phone "charms".
Then I got out my red beads and hearts. Just hauled them all out, and started to work. I paid attention especially to things I "never do".
I never do pendants, so I used a heart for that. It sits between two (too) big tear drop shaped cherry quartz beads that I'd never use (because aside from the size, they are fake quartz). I put them together with 12 mm (too big) overly sweet pale pink druks. Between them are bright silver Bali daisy I got from Nicole. I never use the bright silver but it was too good a deal to pass up. Same for the deal I got on the 4mm Swarovski clear (never) bicones. Yup. It's gorgeous.
I pulled out the orangy reds that are just too bright, and the dull reds that look too much the color of fresh liver. Opaque reds that just are "heavy" on my eye. After 6 more red necklaces ranging from OK through elegant and really cool, I took a break from red.
I got out pastels, which I also "never" use. Started with three necklaces featuring clear beads and especially the clear (15 mm?) lentils I knew I wanted but never used. And then PC beads, which were perfect with some turquoise chips that survives my house fire 12 years ago.
I'm not sure which I'm happier about, all the new necklaces, the clean up of my supplies, or the many new directions this has been leading me in.
Tina