Maggie's free Celtic beadwork pattern

By Maggie Roschyk

January 1^st may be the official start of the new year, but my new year starts when the majority of the snow melts off the deck in my backyard.  The lawn becomes visible and I can see green shoots bravely poking through the soil.  So, in honor of these green shoots and St. Patrick's Day,  I'm giving away this free Celtic beadwork pattern ... to you, yes YOU! (Click on the text link, and then click on the image you see next to enlarge the pattern).

The pattern is the result of a new obsession.  I have been playing around with beading software and, let me warn you, it’s addictive.  I can scan in royalty-free clip art onto a loom, peyote, or RAW chart.  After that, the fun begins by manipulating the chart, changing bead colors, and rotating the picture.  After saving the pattern, I can print the chart, post the pattern to a blog, or e-mail it to friends.  Fun!  I am using BeadTool 4 for the Apple computer. There are other beading software packages available.

Back to the warning:  BeadTool 4 is more captivating than playing computer games.  I can’t stop!  Everywhere I go, I see things that could be beadwork patterns.

Now, the embarrassing thing is that I resisted buying beading software until a few months ago.  Sure, I’d read articles about how easy it is to use these new-fangled computer software set-ups.  I wasn’t going to listen to that siren’s call.  Nope, it was good ol’ graph paper and colored pencils for me — old school all the way.  And then I tried a free trial download ... and liked it.  Now, on to other obsessions.

Since I’m feeling this new surge of Spring, of course, the creativity muse comes calling full force.  Let’s think about other sources for ideas that can be used in beadwork.  New York’s Fashion Week Frenzy is over and after looking at several Web sites and blogs that cover all things stylish, I was amazed at how strong the handicraft movement is.  So many accessory designers are still giving a nod to fine handicraft and organic/unique styles.

With that in mind, I want to the explore the possibilities of using several handicraft styles from around the world.  Here we go, just keep in  mind that you cannot copy any design you see and sell it or teach it in any way.  Look for work that is in the public domain and thus available to use for commercial purposes.

African mud cloth textile designs — Besides looking on BeadAndButton.com, Google “African mudcloth” or look for books in libraries and you will find lots of examples.  The designs could be charted for loom/square  or peyote stitch.  The colors used in traditional African mudcloth are very inspirational.  Don’t forget about bead embroidery!  Diane Fitzgerald, beading superstar, found lots of good ideas in African handicrafts.

European cross-stitch designs —  We’ve all seen examples of Ukrainian cross–stitch adorning handmade clothing.  I need to do more research on this subject and I’m sure there’s plenty of information on the Internet.  Some of the examples of European cross-stitch are intricately embroidered bodices on women’s dresses.  The colors used are often primary; the designs are simple and have a charming look.  This style could be easily used in looming or peyote.  Bead crochet, by the way, has its origins in European handicraft and uses patterns from way back when.

Graphics by Inuit and Alaskan Native Americans — Okay, so, I’ve been obsessive lately about using my bead pattern charting software but can't forget my love affair with bead embroidery.  My beading muse has been leading me down the path of looking at Inuit art.  You can search online for work created by Inuit and Alaskan Native Americans.  The colors used by these artists are strong and graphic.  The designs depicting whales, ravens, bears, and salmon are bold and beautiful in their simplicity.  There are several royalty-free clip art books with Inuit graphics available.  I can see designing neck pieces using a combination of bead embroidery and looming layered over leather. 

Oh, my!  I need to get out my Big Idea sketchbook.  Looks like I’m going to be very busy ... beading!

Comments

2baweaver wrote re: Maggie's free Celtic beadwork pattern on Fri, Mar 19 2010 1:47 PM Ah you are now caught by the addiction of the bead software.  I have Bead Tool also. I sat down one time to just try it and ended up on the computer until 1:00am playing with the program.  It's another bead addition.

sparkles87 wrote re: Maggie's free Celtic beadwork pattern on Sat, Jun 5 2010 8:46 AM I'm fairly new to beading and I love this celtic pattern.  My daughter went to Ireland over Spring break and loved it so much she proceeded to get a celtic clover tatooed on her foot.  I'm confused though as to how someone would use a pattern like this.  What would you make with it?

BeadRat wrote re: Maggie's free Celtic beadwork pattern on Fri, Jan 7 2011 10:10 PM Thank you for the Celtic pattern, and the In Flight bracelet pattern. I haven't been around lately.....computer problems...nice to "catch-up". BeadRat