Bored with your beadwork?

Do you feel like you are making the same pieces over and over? Getting bored? Beading is too much fun to allow yourself to get bored. Here are some simple tips to spice up your projects.

1. Change up your colors

Be bold. Try some colors you wouldn't have considered for a piece. I recently worked up a Celtic plait necklace in some funky colors: orange rainbow, silver-lined silver, and blue seed beads. I didn't personally love it, honestly, but it gave the necklace a whole new feel. And somebody will love it. So I'm glad I ventured away from the classic colors.

The same project can have totally different results when beaded in other colors. In the photo accompanying this article, I've worked up Heather Collin's "Vintage Crosses" pattern in both light amethyst/ceylon lavender with light blue and light brown AB crystals and in peacock green/root beer with amber glass rounds. They are drastically different pieces. The lavender definitely has a more romantic appeal, whereas the brown and green looks more bold and classic.

2. Change up your materials

Try beading a pattern in smaller or larger beads than the pattern calls for. Use 15/0 seed beads instead of 11/0 seed beads. Experiment. Replace 4mm bicone crystals with 4mm glass pearls and see what happens. The worst case scenario is that you have a hideous result! But... you can take a hideous piece apart and reuse those beads, too. You might want to take a photo first, because some of those horrible pieces are what keep up on our toes as artists.

3. Try a new pattern

When all else fails, look for a new pattern to make. There are lots and lots of free patterns available, as well as many for purchase. Or even just try a new stitch. If you usually work right angle weave, try herringbone or peyote stitch. The point is to keep beading and experimenting. And share those results with everybody -- that's what art is all about!