Beads

In middle school, I became the expert at making beaded jewelry. My specialty was flower chains which I then adorned family and friends with, and they wore them even though they were sort of hideous. A few years ago I found out about Kalo Soma, who makes amazing Mexican-style beaded jewelry. I can make the square part (basically a brick stitch) the same as she does, but do not understand how she weaves the design into a metal chain. It's super intricate and her designs are amazing.

I have become mildly obsessed with Navajo beading in the past few years, and try to wear a little of it everyday. Today for example:

 

A lot of the Navajo designs I can make myself, which saves a lot of $$. However the Navajo barrettes and cuff bracelets, as seen below, seem to be woven into leather, and I would love a lesson on how to do that. Stay tuned, I might try to open a Navajo beading shop where I can use my talent, even though I am not technically Native American.