Brick Stitch Bumble Bee!!

SO I got a request on one of my videos a while ago, asking for a tutorial for a brick stitch bumble bee! I just knew that I could refuse because as horrible and as scary as wasps are, bumble bees are adorable! They're so fluffy and cute, and they don't want to hurt you at all.

With that being said, I knew that I had to make these bees to be small. Honestly, they're probably smaller than an actual bumble bee, because they are surprisingly large!!

Image source

After a bit of trial and error, I worked out how to make these little guys, with two options of adding a jump ring. The first method just uses an extra bead at the top of the wing, whereas the second option creates a little loop out of beads. I think I prefer the loop, especially now I have found my clear seed beads! (Better late than never, I guess?)

Option 1

Option 2

Which method to you prefer? Let me know!

Brick Stitch Dolphin Pattern

I was asked way back in January to make a dolphin charm using brick stitch bead weaving techniques. I  made the charm way back then and even posted a photo in Instagram, promising to make a tutorial "soon". Clearly to me, "soon", means 10 months later (or 44 weeks, according to Instagram.)

I know, I know... I'm clearly the worst kind of person. It's not my fault. I receive quite a few video requests, and I like to keep everyone happy. Also I don't want to just be a bead weaving channel, so I try to mix it up where I can. That is just an excuse... I just forgot to make the tutorial :D But hey, I'm only human

Enough waffling around... Here is the pattern:

As always, I used size 11 delica beads by the Japanese brand Miyuki. I also used beading thread by the company Nymo and a size 10 beading needle.

All items were purchased from http;//mailorder-beads.co.uk who were generous enough to give me a 10% discount code on full-items on orders over £5! It's valid until 31st Dec 2015 and the company do ship internationally! Just type TCOC10 in the promo code box at the checkout :D