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by: Dwyn Tomlinson

I hardly know what to call this technique - I don't think it has a name, but if it did - I'm sure the word "Random" would be in there somewhere.

I read a book once on quilting that told you to toss out everything you knew about patterns and design, and to just start in the middle and pick fabric you love, and work your way out from the centre. That's sort of what this bracelet is about. And with beads this pretty - really - how could I go wrong?

And note - some of them are seedbeads. Size 6/0s, but seedbeads nevertheless - so if you have seedbead-aphobia - this is a good way to conquer it!

I started with something very like a peyote stitch - but as I kept having to put the project down and pick it back up - I soon lost any semblance of pattern, and just gave up and added beads at random from a bead soup I made. Bead Soup - that's a blend of somewhat coordinated beads - or not - that you can use as a base for inspiration and design.

I started by stringing seedbeads, in no particular order, in a straight line - the entire length of the bracelet. This is different from most bead weaving projects that have you start at one end and work your way across the piece and back, making it longer as you go. I started with the length, and built up the width. Was I wrong to do it this way? Well - if the bead police come after me, you'll be the first to hear.

I then worked my way back, adding a bead between each bead - a la peyote stitch. (see virtually every book and magazine on beading ever published).

But, as I said, after a row or two of this, I lost my place, got bored, wanted to add beads faster. Soon, I was just making it up - adding 3 or 4 beads at a time, threading them into where ever they seemed to fit. I think the end result is rather pretty and lacey and a lovely splash of colour, don't you? I particularly like the way it started to twist and form a spiral.

And very stress free - no way to mess this up!

Add a soldered closed jumpring at each end - so the thread won't pull out, and attach a clasp of your choice. And there you have it! Random Order!

Oh - and by the way - I did about 5 or 6 passes back and forth from end to end, but no reason to stop there. I have more beads. I may go back and add more!

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Components Clicking on components links will open a new window so that you don't lose this page.
		65440016 Czech Seed Beads - 6/0 - Light Gold Metallic [Solgel] (20g)	Price: $ 3.29 per	In Stock
		65401042 Czech Seed Beads - 6/0 - Shiny Turquoise (20g)	Price: $ 2.25 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		65401684 Czech Seed Beads - 6/0 - Silver Lined Aqua (20g)	Price: $ 2.89 per	In Stock
		65401681 Czech Seed Beads - 6/0 - Silver Lined Royal Blue (20g)	Price: $ 2.89 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		helfl08cr50 Fireline Beading Thread - 8lb / .007in - Crystal (50yd) (an extremely strong but thin stringing material is essential for this.)	Price: $ 14.95 per	In Stock
		u21106-b Handmade Boro Lampwork - 8x11mm Teardrop Swoops - Dreamy Blue (strand 25)	Price: $ 12.93 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
	Qty: 2	22801203 Jump Rings Closed / Soldered - 4.5mm - Nickel (100) (soldered closed are essential to stop the thread from pulling through the gap)	Price: $ 18.49 per	In Stock
		sb4-1051 Miyuki Cube - 4mm - Metallic Silver	Price: $ 3.37 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		h-st1016 Needle - FlexWire Needle - (Pack) (The beads in this have big holes - and these are easier to thread.)	Price: $ 2.95 per	In Stock
		s24916 Sterling - Toggle Clasp w Stone - Simple Faceted Heart - Blue Topaz (pick a clasp that coordinates. I think I would have used this one if I'd had one handy.)	Price: $ 19.95 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		96002412 Sterling Beads - 3mm Seamless Round - Bright Sterling (100) (actually - I think there is a variety of sizes - right up to 6 mm.)	Price: $ 31.95 per	In Stock
		27753016mmaur2 Swarovski Bead - 6mm Faceted Bicone (5301/5328) - Aurum 2x	Price: $ 1.10 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		27753016mmcobalt Swarovski Bead - 6mm Faceted Bicone (5301/5328) - Cobalt	Price: $ 0.42 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		27753012017288 Swarovski Bead - 6mm Faceted Bicone (5301/5328) - Dark Indigo (I used the cobalt - but it's been discontinued by Swarovski. Why? I can't answer that - but these would be nice too.)	Price: $ 0.32 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		27753012181280 Swarovski Bead - 6mm Faceted Bicone (5301/5328) - Jet AB2	Price: $ 0.60 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.