Netting

My latest obsession is nettting. I've always loved the way beaded netting flows: loose, open and silky smooth. But it doesn't come naturally to me.

I'm one of those visual people. Peyote stitch, tubular herringbone, even cubic right-angle-weave all make sense to me; I can see how they're constructed. But netting? It's baffled me for years. Until now.

The book BEADED ALLURE by Kelly Wiese finally presented netting in a way I can follow. (Unlike a few other books I've picked up over the years). The cover promises romantic beadweaving projects - not my usual style - but inside? It's packed with step-by-step instructions to create beautiful netted designs.

My first project:

This is the basis for one of Kelly's more elaborate designs, but I like it as is. As a matter of fact, I'm already trying to visualize an adaptation to showcase some of my lampwork glass beads. I love feeling inspired!

Kelly's book can be found on her website: www.beadparlor.com

Happy beading!