Recently, I finished publishing the last of my courses for 2022 in my Teachable school. While getting ready to make some Christmas gifts for family and friends, I was kind of stuck on what I wanted to make. So, my solution was to work on a project that I’ve been wanting to make for some time.

The project I selected was Akke Jonkhof’s Little Flower Origami Box. I’ve had the pattern for almost a year, but didn’t have time to make it. I knew that I wanted to change the colors in it, so I started looking at my beads for combinations that I liked. I selected my beads and began making the small triangles for the base. Once I made a few, I decided that I liked the colors, so on to the sides of the box…

As I worked, I kept thinking that the colors looked familiar… I know I have several colors that I like to use in my designs and projects. BUT, then it hit me… In 2014 (!), I made Julia Pretl’s Olive Box (with colors of my choice) and while the colors are not exactly the same, I guess I really like the chartreuse/purple combination! I’m very happy with my finished project and currently they are sitting side by side.

I’ve always loved boxes of any kind, but I really love making little beaded boxes. I don’t intend to ever make patterns or classes for them, but I have several that are my own designs, personal, one-of-a-kind boxes that I enjoy every day! Below are the “Blue Princess”, “Winding Roads”, and “We Need a Little Christmas” boxes for your viewing pleasure.

So, I guess the moral of this tale is that when it’s hard to make a decision about something NEW, look to something OLD to get you into the beading groove!