This has been on my bucket list for a long time! I had ChatGPT put together a portrait of my 2 dogs. Then I ran it through Planbead. The next step was to review the beads it put in the pattern. This is where MatchBead was very handy because it brings up pictures of the beads so I could change the transparent and metallic ones. In the past, I would have to go to another web site to see pics of the beads. I chose to have 30 colors in the pattern so that I could get good definition in the dogs, but the grass is not so important so I merged a couple of those colors together. Next, I went to my bead inventory to see what I already have or could substitute. No sense in buying beads I don't need, especially since I only need a few grams of each color. My picture is 8 x 10 inches. I already have enough green colors that I will just use what I have. This is where I am now, trying to sort what colors I can use and what I need to buy. I want it to turn out well, but I don't want to spend $300 on beads. For those of you who have beaded "photograph" patterns, do you avoid transparent beads and metallic beads too?

Working with another design for I watch. I just get inspiration from Pinterest and run with it.

I'm happy to announce the winner of the Summer Bead Challenge is ... @David Young !! Congratulations David! And Congratulations to all of the entrants, you all did a great job!

Maybe I just lack imagination but I liked the simplicity of the beads in the diamonds that don’t have a cabochon. I’m not crazy about the blue seed beads on the points but they matched the blue delicas perfectly. Note, the cabochons are blue but they can look purple or gold from the side.

I'm really loving making these pinwheel earrings for the 4th. They are simple, cute and would look great in all sorts of colors. I know you guys have probably already made them or similar, but about my 3rd pair today i changed it up and but and I really like these. And then the rose... it's so pretty! I can do better but I still like it a lot!!