Etsy Picks with the ABS Team

If all goes to plan, you'll be seeing a few changes and new developments on the blog in the coming months. There has been lots of talk behind the scenes: new features, schemes and plans.  The team are keen to get more involved with the monthly challenges. To this end, we'll be including an Etsy Picks which focuses on beads made by the team (so it will also stray off Etsy to include those team members who sell on independent websites). Hopefully, in time, we bead makers will do more to work with the challenge images in our own work. Until then, here's a selection that picks a little something from each of the team member's shops, all suited to use for this month's challenge.

Let's start with this fabulous clasp from Mary. I'm seriously coveting these clasp, and this one has that all important zigzag.

Okay - I couldn't decide between the clasp and this pendant - just the right colours and also more zigzags in those petals!

Mary Harding Jewellery

This focal from Michelle's shop shares similar qualities.

Firefly Design Studio

I think this triangular button from Tari's shop is perfectly suited. It would be a great clasp!

Tari Sasser

Looking for beads that match the palette of the challenge image?

Humblebeads

Tesori Trovati (That's Erin!)

And don't forget those neutrals!

Rebecca Anderson

And if you don't have zigzags on any of your art beads, you could always reach for some spikes.

Something to do Beads

Finally, not only does this focal from Heather M. come close to the palette of the challenge, there's something in its sentiment - at a bit of a push! - that meets the aesthetics behind it!

Swoondimples

Bye for now, Claire

Amuse the Muse - Rose Quartz and Serenity ABS Team Edition - with Rebecca of Songbead

Hello all! It's Monday, it's time for Amuse the Muse and the BeadBlogger Links - let's get this week started! This post is going to be all about what beads and/or jewellery you can get in this theme from the Art Bead Scene Team. We have a whole lot of art bead loveliness to share with you today!

Claire has a collage of beautiful pieces featuring Rose Quartz paired with some gorgeous neutrals and vintage components. I would happily pop any of these in my ears today; how about you?

Erin has '...a small selection of limited edition pendants with hand carved forget-me-nots on them that would be perfect for this month's inspiration. I am only offering the few I have and ALL $ will go to the Alzheimer's organization for the sale of them."

Michelle has these super-fun jellyfish. Don't you just love them?!

How absolutely adorable are Heather's gorgeous wee owls? Each one is an individual wee personality - I love them!

Mary has several listings which fit Pantone's new colours, including this gorgeous bracelet bar. 

Julie's been working on some of her infamous Weenies, and seriously - how perfect are these? She's hoping to get them listed in her shop soon - for updates, check out her Facebook page.

Tari shared these fab drawer pulls, which are made from one of her original buttons - how cute are they?! 

Heather has these beautiful Dogwood pendants in the perfect colours.

And last, but hopefully not least, some handwoven beads from me. I've made some 'double dip' beads with both colours, and some pairs in both Serenity and Rose Quartz for if you want to work with these colours individually.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this little tour of what the ABS team have to offer in Pantone's Colours of the Year 2016 - why not dip a toe and try these colours, and see how you can incorporate them into your own work? And then don't forget to send us your pictures - we'd love to see!

And now for the BeadBlogger Links. Have a great week everyone!

Loosey Goosey

Connie's added a new free pattern inspired by the Flying Geese quilt block. It offers ample practice for quarter stitches and of course, she's got just the tutorial and tips you need!

How to Tie a Knot for Hand Sewing
Starting your hand sewing project with the right knot is important for success. Here Sarah shows you her favorite simple knot that's strong and won't easily pull through fabric.

Knitting Needle Set Review
In this video, the Crafty Princess looks at various wooden knitting needle sets from Knit Picks.

Yummy Breakfast Oatmeal Recipe
Here is one of Terry's first videos she put together about a year ago. Terry shows how to make a delicious oatmeal dish that would be great for those cold mornings.

Art Bead Scene
Winter Bird Studio + Round Rabbit + Mia Only Beads are the perfect combination for Erin's Perfect Pairings selection! 

Beading Arts
Cyndi played around with a new form (to her, anyway!) of landscape quilting and is happy to share her process.

Silhouette Pop-Up Drawer Card Box: 
Tips for assembling Silhouette pop-up drawer box cards. Lori Whitlock designed a series of these cute pop-ups. Here's how to make them nice and sturdy.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Like peyote bead stitch? Jean revisits a wonderful beadweaving book by Melinda Barta with a review you can't miss!

Keepsake Shell Necklace
This free necklace tutorial shows how to turn shell beads picked up during a cruise into a necklace.

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer; currently living in the capital city of Edinburgh. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.