AnotherCountry BeadWorks

A Box Filled With Sunsets & Light

2012-01-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon my box of beads arrived from my Bead Soup Blog Party partner , Cece Cormier - to say I'm over the moon about what I received would be an enormous understatement.

I had some fun this morning photographing everything with the aid of my charming models.

So, to sum up - this is what I received - this magical pool of glass and light and fibers - and now the real fun begins - to create something worthy of the materials.

So many, many thanks, Cece - for all of this - but most especially for gifting me with a guardian angel:

Cheers!

Swappin' Soup and Stitchin' Stuff

2012-01-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Blog Party Link

I got picked for the party!! Thanks, Carol Dean Sharp, for pointing me at this event - I'm really looking forward to this - this is the first time I've publicly swapped soup with another beader.

Hee hee.

Still digging out boxes of beads to rifle through - my bead stash occupies several rooms around here - but I'm having fun putting this together. I know the clasp I want to add, I just can't remember where I stashed it . . . and as I'm sorting through trays and buckets and jars of glass and gemstone and bone and metal I'm finding it hard to keep from putting new projects together for myself.

Nearly done with the principle embroidery for my "Wall of Turquoise" cuff - this is one of those projects from my to-do bucket that I started last summer. Suddenly, out of nowhere, it demanded my attention. Here's the progress on it so far:

The clasp I have for this is gorgeous - but I'll save the picture of it until next time.

The Golden Austin Ratio

2012-01-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Austin Scarlett had the winning design for the second challenge on Lifetme's "Project Runway All Stars" and it served as inspiration for the Embellish The Runway group over at Flickr. The piece I put together for this challenge is my first endless strand:

Still working on the dragon, but I have some other beadwork I want to finish - more later, as per usual.

Machinarium MegaCuff

2012-01-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Reworked some bits and pieces into another cuff bracelet. Can't decide about listing it on Etsy. Might need to keep it.

Now for the next All Stars challenge.

Embellish the Runway, All Star Edition

2012-01-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

The Runway's back and the inspiration is flowing - the winner of the premier episode was Rami Kashou with this look:

So I came up with this:

This is a beaded bead necklace strung on multiple leather straps, with silver finish findings, accented with a spiky little heart.

Anyone can play! Check out the Flickr group, Embellishing the Runway, see what others were inspired to make and share your own ideas!

More later, as usual.

Dragon Update #1

2011-12-20T08:39:00.003-07:00

Forearms complete. Now to do the upper arms, hammy legs, batwing ears, spine, body, head, face and tail.

The Dragon. This Time For Sure?

2011-12-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

From my blog post back in May of 2007:

"I should take a moment to explain about the dragon. I made a doll I named Valeria Gloria, and she is a dragon rider.

She needed a dragon to ride, though. I found Melinda's Dragon. I made a few modifications to the pattern and built the form in muslin. I've been staring at this pale cream shape now for a year and a half, waiting for it to tell me what to do."

So I started. Time and again. Drawing patterns on the form, starting to bead only to stop and rip out all the work I'd done. Now it's really shouting to be finished - no matter how much I tear up my fingertips. I gotta find my leather thimble. The path to completion is, well, painful.

Here's the dragon in the raw.

The front legs aren't attached - I'm beading them right now.

I need to find that thimble . . .

Embellish The Runway, Project Accessory edition

2011-11-14T09:50:00.001-07:00

I'm trying hard to keep up with the Embellish the Runway, Accessory edition (Flickr group)but they just ran the third episode and I've only now finished my stuff for the first challenge. The challenge itself was to root through a storage locker and find enough material to make a necklace, a belt, and an object of the maker's choice to jazz up a white tee and a pair of jeans. Adapting the challenge, I spent a few minutes in a local thrift store and came up with this stuff:

Then I made this stuff with it:

Time's disappearing faster than usual, and I'm moving at the speed of evolution here, but I really want to keep with it.

Embellish the Runway is an open group on Flickr and anyone can join - c'mon! It's fun! Even if it does take me forever to get these challenges done, I'm in there sluggin'.

Maybe more later.

Bookman's Holiday

2011-11-04T09:49:00.002-06:00

For our annual fall vacation, we chose to stick around and get some things taken care of around the book store. Major shelving, cleaning, some plumbing work, getting the heat turned on, that sort of thing. More importantly, we decided to go on a Santa Fe Thrift Store buying spree to replenish the stock. We rented a mid-sized SUV for comfort, and were instantly confounded by the technology. Understand, the youngest vehicle we've ever driven is our little '85 Toyota Tercel hatchback. We couldn't get the freaky "keyless locks" to work for a start. And it kinda went downhill from there. The drive was super comfy, though, and we went there and back again safely, quickly and successfully - we visited 6 charity shops, bought almost 300 books and had a late lunch at the Santa Fe Outlet Mall - there's a delicious little French-themed place there called Cafe Vingt Cinq - the special of the day was a wonderful chicken fillet sammich with avocado, pesto, and fresh greens on a freshly baked chunk of bread with a side of jacket fries. Soooooo tasty. But I digress. The vehicle. It was as big as a damned cabin cruiser. We had some white-knuckling in every parking lot. AND two days' rental - with a gas fill-up and their insurance - was almost $200. An interesting and educational experience.

I have now had my current cold for just over two weeks. I'm becoming quite attached to it. In the bad way.

About the Embellish the Runway Flickr challenge - you can see what we did here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/etr/ - I fell way behind, but at last I'm finished. Here's some pics of what I've made since the last posting:

This necklace was loosely inspired by the winning look for Episode 7:

This was inspired by Viktor's win from Episode 8:

This was inspired by Viktor's winning look from Episode 9:

This piece was inspired by Bert's win from Episode 10:

For Episode 11, we decided to choose our own inspirational bird. I went with the raven:

You can see the inspiration picture above for the mini-collection win from Episode 12.

This was my offering for the finale (Episodes 13/14).

Glad that's over.

Now we're busy with Project Accessory. I just managed to watch the first two episodes all the way through, but I had a general idea of what was up for the first challenge. And no, I haven't pulled it together yet. Shouldn't take long - maybe that's why I'm dragging on it.

Well, more later - probably much later - as always.

A Quick Word

2011-09-11T21:16:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd bop in to give a short recap on what's up in Another Country. I've mentioned in the past that my husband and I own a used bookstore. I've also mentioned that he has a chronic, debilitating and degenerative condition. This is a situation for which we've been planning, and things have advanced to the point that I now work by myself, full time, 6 days a week and he is on full, permanent disability. My beading time is very precious and limited.

That being said, here are pictures of the stuff I've made since last I posted here:

(actually, I made half a dozen of these)

I've been participating in the "Embellishing the Runway" weekly challenges over at Flickr - and having a lot of fun with it, too. I haven't the time or energy for much else - I've dropped the Beaded Journal Project and only manage the odd commission now and again.

It's been much easier for me to use Facebook these days - I can keep up with my friends and family, run my bookstore's updates there and post updates for AnotherCountry BeadWorks as well.

Guess that's it from here and for now, but there's bound to be more later, as always.

Time Out

2011-06-15T16:44:00.000-06:00

This break in the blogging brought to you by Them Low Down Dirty Blues.

March '11 BJP.

2011-06-08T09:47:00.000-06:00

Way behind, but whattya gonna do.

Not only is it finished, it's up for sale on Etsy: Linkage

Machinarium Fall

2011-05-31T09:36:00.000-06:00

Etsy Link

Machinarium Spring

2011-05-20T09:03:00.000-06:00

My son gave me this wonderful little game for Mother's Day, called Machinarium.

I love everything about it, from the music to the animations, puzzles to story line - it is just delightful. I was strongly influenced by its atmosphere when I came up with my current bunch of beaded bead pendants.

Here's the most recent:

More info at Etsy here -> LINK

The Machinarium - a Free-Form Beaded Bead Pendant

2011-05-11T09:32:00.001-06:00

Even a chipped tile can be beautiful.

First stages.

In process.

Back view.

Full view.

Close up.

Big Spike wears it well.

More info here: Etsy Shop

One Day You Will - a Free-form Beaded Bead Pendant

2011-05-06T09:35:00.000-06:00

More here at The Etsy Shop

Run Over By Life

2011-03-24T07:54:00.000-06:00

Happens to us all at some point. Back soon.

Do You Love a Challenge?

2011-03-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Check this out:
The Jade Dog's Bead Challenge!

Check the link for the 411 - this is just too cool - I'm going to do it, but I'm not eligible for the prize (being related to the judge and all), but I love a good bead challenge!

Here are the two groups of beads to choose from:

And here's a hint at the prizes!!

GO! BUY! CREATE!! WOOHOO!!!!

February Finished

2011-03-05T21:24:00.002-07:00

My journal piece for February is finished (and has been for a few days):

Healing Hearts/in the pink

Summing it up, here's the collage:

The components starting from the top left and going clockwise are: a carved and painted wooden heart, rhodonite hearts, rhodonite round cabochon, dyed freshwater pearls, Wild Horse magnesite rondelles and a pink quartz triangle, all nested in various background filling stitches of Japanese and Czech seed beads. I mounted the badge on a zippered Ralph Lauren pink faux leather case - I think it was from a fragrance gift set - and removed the lining, replacing it with black suede, and now it's a jewelry box!

That was fun. Now what? I haven't got a clue what to do this month. All I know is that it's going to be a serious crunch for time. I'm getting ready for my first craft market/fair/show in something like 7 years. I found my old show-prep checklist so I'm not totally lost - but I do need to make a bit of fill-in stock (some keychains, a few pendants, that kinda thing) and practice my set up routine.

I came up with some earring designs just for this show:

Carved bone skulls, pewter spacers, and KLEW leaves (polymer clay from Karen Lewis) - sort of a springtime take on the Day of the Dead - perfect for a spring themed indie craft market, I'd say.

And since I was noodling around with the skull beads, I made a treat for myself - a 56" endless strand:

Lo There Do I See

I was inspired by the Norse battle prayer quoted in the movie, "The 13th Warrior":

Lo there do I see my father. Lo there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers. Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call to me, they bid me take my place among them, in the Halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live...forever.

Cheers!

Progress on the February Journal Page/Chunky Beaded Bead Bracelets

2011-02-22T08:39:00.001-07:00

I've been working on my February page, but I've also been making a lot of bracelets lately.

Canton Treasure (I'm keeping this one):

Peking Treasure:

Ming Treasure:

Between a Rock and a Soft Place:

I was lucky enough to be The Jade Dog's "plus-one" on a buying trip to the motherlode of all bead shows in Tucson. In two days' time, we managed to hit 4 or 5 of the nearly 40 bead shows that were happening AND attend a class - Painting with Fire, in which we learned torch-fired enameling from Barbara Lewis. The class was Big Fun and the shopping was Extreme. I was so knocked out by the whole experience I didn't remember to take pictures when we were there, and forgot to chronicle all the cool stuff I collected up for myself. I saw some of the most stunning art jewelry imaginable. It was heaven. It was inspiring. If you have never gone to this event, you would be right to envy me.

After we returned from Tucson and the Overwhelming Beady Extravaganza, I finished my latest spiral bead crochet bracelet for my Myst-inspired series.

Haunted Tetsonot:

Sluggo's working out very well. I think he looks like Olivia Newton John in that last photo.

To business; here's my progress to date on the February page -

I think I'm on-target to finish the page by the end of the month.
More later!

Just Beneath the Surface

2011-01-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

In the end, as you can see, I chose to put this page/badge on this leather camera case.

When I did my journal pages back in '07-'08, I spent a lot of time explaining all the elements, symbolism, and imagery I wanted to convey. This time around, I'm going to keep all that to myself and let the piece speak for itself.

EDIT: I made a collage to illustrate this piece from inception to finale, so here's that recap:

More Progress on the January Piece

2011-01-21T17:20:00.001-07:00

I should be finished with January's page by tomorrow afternoon. I was thinking I wanted to put this on my sketchbook cover, but now I'm waffling. It may go on a leather camera case.

Making Earrings

2011-01-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to expand my Etsy shop inventory, and it was pointed out to me that I have a dearth of earrings. So after a trip to Mama's Minerals, where I found some gorgous little jasper tile beads, I've set to with a will.

Work continues on the January badge, and I'm still working my way through the reworks stash. Now that all the financial stuff for the bookstore is with the accountants, I feel like I can breathe, dream, make stuff more freely again.

Goddesses

2011-01-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Goddess Study No. 2

Goddess Study No. 3

I'm pawing through my long-neglected bag of unfinished projects, and since I'm back into bead embroidery mode, I got these two finished up and listed on Etsy.

January BJP Progress & "Process"

2011-01-14T19:04:00.003-07:00

This is where things are at the moment:

Since I took this picture, I realized the placement of the leaves made the figure resemble a turtle, and while that's really cute it wasn't exactly what I was going for. I've since repositioned them.

Robin Atkins asked a question in her comment on my last post. "Will you "talk" a little about your process, the materials and steps you go through to begin one of the badges? " This stopped me dead in my tracks. So much of what I do in this arena is instinctual and while part of my process is most definitely mindful, it's a whole 'nother animal to try and communicate how you do what you do.

So I'll bore everyone for a while with what I understand of the five stages of work. I read "A Way of Working" a long time ago and can't give proper credit to the specific author that spoke to this, but as I recall, it breaks down like this:

The Dreaming

......This is Getting the Big Idea; whether the concept springs from a need, a dream, or sifting through a box of rocks. It comes fully formed or teases the imagination with faint glimmerings. This is the stage where you recognize the spark of creation.

The Gathering

.....This refers to collecting up the tools and materials needed to manifest the dream - and this can include not just the tangibles like cloth, beads, needles and thread but also skills and techniques.

The Reforming

.....Every act of creation is at first an act of destruction. You're taking the materials and changing their form from bits and disparate pieces (destroying their individuality) and making them into something new - with any luck something cohesive, creating one object out of the many. This is the actual Doing, the Making.

The Refining

.....The finishing stages - the time to stand back and get a sense of what you've made and how you feel about it. Last bit of spit and polish, 11th hour adjustments, final tweeks - and I have to confess, sometimes this is where you yell, "What was I thinking?", tear it all apart and start all over again.

The Realization

.....The Big Wah-Lah. For some folks, this is the very hardest part. This is when you let it go. There it is - on display. Your little brainchild, out there for all the world to see. For some of us, this is when we hang a price tag on it and put it up for sale. For some, this is when we wrap it carefully and hide it in the back of the closet. The thing is, you HAVE to let it go. And start all over again.

Every month I'll go through each of these stages for the BJP, and at the end of the year I'll have one big socko Realization.

You know, you do this stuff without even thinking about it all through your day. When you make a meal, or clean a shed, run errands or write a report, you're making something and the process is exactly the same. And if you're aware of it, and honor that process by filling it with intention and all your very unique talents, you end up with an incredibly rich life.

Next time I'll be more specific about this particular piece since it's nearly done.

The Bead Journal Project 2011

2011-01-09T12:43:00.002-07:00

In 2007 I participated in the first Bead Journal Project. My motive for doing so was pretty straightforward. I wanted to challenge myself; to make a commitment to myself and honor it by meeting the monthly deadlines, and in the process perfect my skills as a designer, artist and craftsperson. When we came to the end I had my sense of completion and accomplishment. I heard no inner to call to make that journey again.

Now, 3 1/2 years later, I find myself on the shore of that sea of possibilities and once more I am hearing that call. I can't really describe it any better than that.

And so we go again.

The main focal is a small agate slice of unknown origin. I love its layers of color and differing textures.

The second element is a jasper oval - I chose it for its dreamlike colors.

I want to keep the color palette very simple for this piece - brass, black, white, and garnet.

I thought about what I wanted to express and sketched out some preliminary ideas. Once I start the embroidery, it remains to be seen how close or far I am from this beginning.

My idea for this year is to make "badges," 3.5 inch square bead embroidered pieces which I can use in several different ways. The January piece, "Just Below the Surface," will decorate a leather sketchbook cover.

Moving to a Brighter Day

2011-01-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've done any bead embroidery and I'm happy to see I can still accomplish something I set out to do. Available on Etsy HERE

T'was Beauty Killed Poor Spike

2011-01-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Esty listing HERE

Getting things squared away in preparation for the 2011 Bead Journal Project - I've been thinking about what my main goal will be. More later on that.

Death By Turquoise

2011-01-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

I'm having way too much fun with the photography. Matter of fact, I should have some new models to work with by next week. Squee!

The Painted Sunrise

2011-01-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Etsy listing HERE. I wanted to showcase the lampwork bead I acquired from Jones Art Glass a few years ago - I tried different things, but finally landed on this - a bead crochet rope lariat in gradient sunny shades with a beaded bead pendant as counterweight. I have to say these are the BEST beaded beads I've ever done.

Sangre de Cristo Cuff

2010-12-31T07:48:00.001-07:00

Etsy listing HERE

Spring Dawn Softly Refracted Through the Lens of Eternal Hope Over the Sandia Mountains or Ten Thousand Easter Eggs -- You Decide

2010-12-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

I went a little nuts this morning and rechristened this piece with a ludicrously long name for the purpose of posting it to Etsy. Heh.

More info at the Etsy listing HERE

Galaxies

2010-12-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

I've been working on increasing my inventory at Etsy. Recently I found a box of finished pieces I had taken out of inventory in prep for a craft show (which I never ended up doing). I'm putting them back online for sale, starting with this one:

More info at the Etsy listing HERE.

Joy to the World

2010-12-25T17:52:00.001-07:00

Minkata By Day

2010-12-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

All I want for myself for Christmas is the time to bead all the projects I have in my sketchbook. In other words, all I want is all the time in the world.

Happy Holidays!

The Third Sphere of Ahnonay

2010-12-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Been down with a bad cold for almost a week; besides wrecking my jewelry production schedule, it's put a serious kink in my holiday baking schedule.

Gira Falls at Twilight

2010-12-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Etsy Listing HERE.

The Gardens of Eder Kemo

2010-12-13T14:57:00.001-07:00

Etsy Listing HERE.

The Cliffs of Teledahn

2010-12-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Etsy Listing HERE.

The Ruins at Ae'gura Ferry

2010-12-11T18:58:00.002-07:00

All the bracelets in this series start pretty much in the same way.

After I settle on the beads to use, I string them on heavy duty top-stitching thread.

A few hours of bead crochet later, I add the findings and Spike goes into action.

The Fountain Courtyard of Bevin

2010-12-10T09:10:00.001-07:00

Spike looks good in everything.

Etsy Listing HERE

The Journey Gate of Gahreesen

2010-12-09T09:29:00.001-07:00

Etsy Listing.

The Pillars of Kadish Tolesa

2010-12-08T09:31:00.003-07:00

Japanese glass seed beads in spiral crochet, wrapped with pewter stars and clasped with a pewter toggle.

Etsy Listing.

Spike's a perfect model, don't you think?

Overly Charming 3.0

2010-11-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

You can read more about this piece in my Etsy listing HERE.

Pretty sure I know what I want to do for my Bead Journal Project beginning in January. Still thinkin'.

Overly Charming 2.0

2010-11-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

This went a bit quicker than the prototye.

I love the look of pink and copper.

Overly Charming 1.0

2010-11-15T18:03:00.001-07:00

I spent two days working out how I wanted this to be constructed and another two days bringing it into being. I haven't done much wire wrapping in a long, long time. Even something as simple as a wrapped loop. Doing so much and all at once, I had forgotten how easy it is to stick, clip, pinch and generally torment one's fingers.

Just listed on Etsy HERE.

Last Beautiful Days of Autumn, Part Deux

2010-11-11T08:23:00.002-07:00

Double strand bead crochet bracelet with hand-forged PMC toggle from Darcy Horn at www.thejadedog.com/store.asp?cat=13&sub=35
"Fancy glass" seed beads from China with stabilized finishes.
7".

Also: just listed on Etsy -

The Autumn Butterfly Necklace

OH! And before I forget - voting on the Etsy/NASA Space Craft contest has begun - and I didn't make the cut. There's some serious and seriously funny stuff over there. I voted - you should too!

Shameless Self Promotion

2010-11-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Just listed on Etsy:

Autumn 2010

And also listed on my website:

For less!

Last Beautiful Days of Autumn (in progress)

2010-11-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

Work in progress; beads were identified as "fancy glass" from China (purchased at Wal-Mart) and no size given - sizes appear to include 11°, 10° and 8°, with many irregular shapes. The finishes have been stabilized with fixative. I can't decide if this is going to be a neckpiece or a multistrand bracelet. I have enough beads strung to make both. I love the crazy texture.

Intermission: The Etsy/NASA Space Craft Contest

2010-10-29T12:42:00.001-06:00

I entered this piece in the contest:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59887482/phasing-a-bead-embroidered-cuff

I have no idea how or when the judging/voting takes place. I just want this to go up in the Space Shuttle. That would be amazing.

Embellish the Runway - Week 12 Challenge

2010-10-20T10:08:00.001-06:00

Inspired by Michael C's "best" look from the "New York State of Mind" challenge:

I hope you all get the joke here:

(minimal sewing, all draping, plenty of flash and I really don't know where the materials came from)

Intermission: Autumn 2010

2010-10-18T09:07:00.000-06:00

Work-in-progress photos:

Finished work:

Embellish the Runway - Week 11 Challenge

2010-10-14T09:55:00.000-06:00

Andy South was the winner this week:

So I figured I'd make three items (all variants on a single theme):

Intermission: Lace & Thorn

2010-10-13T22:38:00.001-06:00

I felt like noodling with some of the gorgeous tile beads I picked up last May. The tiles are "Wild Horse Canyon Jasper" and the hearts, Crazy Lace Agate:

Oh! And I slapped together my own Treasury over at Etsy HERE. Go! Click! Comment! Heat this up! Woohoo!

Embellish the Runway - Week 10 Challenge

2010-10-09T08:24:00.000-06:00

Mondo knocks it out for the third week in a row!

Embellish the Runway - Week 9 Challenge

2010-10-07T10:03:00.000-06:00

And it's Mondo for the win once more:

Square stitched 1.5mm glass cubes with repro vintage button closure:

Square stitch is incredibly sturdy, but unbelievably labor intensive. Lesson learned.

Embellish the Runway - Week 8 Challenge

2010-09-20T19:31:00.003-06:00

And it's Mondo FTW!

Please note:

Embellish the Runway - Week 7 Challenge

2010-09-15T11:44:00.000-06:00

I thought maybe a ring this time.

2nd Intermission - An Antique Sky

2010-09-10T19:27:00.000-06:00

Info at my Etsy site HERE.

Intermission: Casanova's Army Redux

2010-09-08T20:04:00.001-06:00

Casanova's Army Insignia

I wanted to stay with the design I came up with a few weeks ago, explore it further.

Embellish the Runway - Week 6 Challenge

2010-09-04T19:10:00.005-06:00

Inspired by my favorite of the top three looks from the challenge, the one created by Mondo Guerra:

Soft pink and matte black:

I had to add a pink filter to the photos to get a better representation of the pink lampwork.

Embellish the Runway - Week 5 Challenge

2010-08-29T19:14:00.001-06:00

Inspired by the winning design by Casanova:

Production:

Finished:

Embellishing the Runway - Week 4 Challenge

2010-08-27T08:23:00.003-06:00

This was the Project Runway winner last week, from which we had to extrapolate inspiration for the "Embellish the Runway" Flickr group:

Disclaimer: In solidarity with Michael C, the winner of this challenge, I started this bracelet several times, having trouble getting my sketch and interior vision to manifest; finding my way only to run out of beads in the eleventh hour, skittering across the finish line but loving what I ended up with. Except for the closure. Gotta rework the closure.

Embellishing the Runway - Week 3 Challenge

2010-08-13T21:59:00.003-06:00

Project Runway (Season 8) winner for Week 3:

Andy Rocks the Ribbon

Embellishing the Runway - Week 2 Challenge

2010-08-12T17:57:00.001-06:00

Embellishing the Runway

Project Runway Winner for Week 2:

Week 2 Production Photo Log:

Embellish the Runway - Week 1 Challenge

2010-08-04T10:19:00.003-06:00

Inspired by the winner of the Project Runway Season 8 Episode 1 Challenge, "And Sew It Begins."

A reworked bracelet, incorporating several old bracelets into one:

Challenge Met.

What? I Left a Note . . .

2010-07-14T16:49:00.002-06:00

Rarely do I post about my personal life - only as is appropriate in relation to my creative endeavors. This is one of those times. Since the first of April, I've taken over most of the work of running our bookstore as my partner has been experiencing a health crisis.

About three weeks ago he got a pacemaker and is bouncing back nicely, but his other (non-heart related) health conditions are an ongoing concern. We project I'll be spending progressively more time at the bookstore and the Day Job. Art and The Creative Life will take on more of a therapeutic role for me.

What I need to do right now is sell as much as I can, and quickly, from my Etsy shop and get all this destash stuff up and listed, too. You can follow whatever news I have on the Facebook page. Time being of the essence here, I'll sign off for now, wishing you all the best.

Cheers!
M

New Titles Listed

2010-07-08T17:13:00.001-06:00

I've been neglecting my website lately - but at last I have some new craft books listed:

I'm working on another bead embroidery piece right now - I'm not sure where it's leading me, but I'm most definitely enjoying the scenery along the way.

More later, just because.

Last of the Wristras

2010-07-02T10:14:00.000-06:00

For now, anyway.

I'm thinking of way too many things at once again. What I should be doing is thinking of ways to create more time to do them.

More Than a Memory

2010-06-23T10:31:00.000-06:00

All my friends had Barbie dolls. I wanted one. My family was dirt poor. I got a 50c a week allowance. My mom knew how much I wanted a Barbie. She meant well. She saved syrup labels and sent away for this:

Not quite the same thing. At 15" tall, she towered over all the other dolls (much as I towered over all my friends) and I was heartbroken.Like I said, I knew Mom meant well, but this just would not do. For many reasons.

When I was 12 years old I was in the hardware store in my home town - which sold housewares and toys along with lawnmowers and hammers - when I saw her, the doll of my dreams, with her Stella Stevens platinum blonde hair and her sidelong glance and I just had to have her. I saved my allowance for months, but to make sure she would be there when I had the money, (to my shame now) I hid her in the store, behind some jigsaw puzzles. When I had saved up the $3.50, I claimed my prize.

She wasn't part of a fancy gift set then - she was in a red bathing suit with black high heels and little pearl earrings. I would never be able to afford the beautiful store-bought clothes I drooled over, but she had to have a wardrobe. So my father taught me basic sewing stitches, and my next door neighbor taught me to crochet, but I taught myself to knit, using twine and pencils, and in very short order she had her own closet (made from a shoebox) filled with original designs. I dreamed many dreams through her, gained many skills and a measure of self sufficiency too.

I kept her for many years - eventually surrendering her to more "grown-up" interests - but I never forgot her. Because of her, I was inspired to create. She was my launching pad, if you will. Now, almost 50 years later, I found her again:

A few months ago I found this reproduction of my doll and have been waiting and watching various sites for a price I could (sort of) justify. Last week, Barbie Collector put her on sale and now she's mine again.

As early birthday presents go, this one's a doozy. I'm ridiculously happy.

Holy Cats - I Really Dropped the Ball

2010-06-17T20:21:00.000-06:00

Back in August of last year I started work on a bracelet box for myself. I did several production shots and blogged a bit on it, but it's come to my attention I never posted the finished work.

So here it is:

I wanted it to look like a bunch of bracelets, piled and woven together on the top. I really like how it came out. I'm glad I finally remembered to take pictures of it.

More later - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Principles of Good Jewelry Design ( a link to Land of Odds)

2010-06-16T08:32:00.001-06:00

Principles of Good Jewelry Design

I received the Land of Odds newsletter today and followed an electronic trail of breadcrumbs to the link above. I also saw that it had a "share" feature. I've never done one of those to Blogger before and wondered how it works. And now I know. Enjoy!

While I want to finish this Fat & Thin piece,

I'm going to be busy setting up a new project list/schedule - there goes the afternoon.

More later, as always.

Fat and Thin Peyote

2010-06-10T09:26:00.001-06:00

I forgot to post a photo of what I've managed to work up so far from Darcy's excellent instructions:

I picked out the colors a few days ago, working on it in fits and starts. I wondered a bit after the fact if I had any beads to pair with it. I looked at others' work with this same stitch and knew I had to find some chunky big beads to slap on each end - I found exactly what I needed in the bag of jewelry I inherited from my mother-in-law last year. I love when things come together, seemingly out of the blue . . .

(bits of jade, jasper and hematite)

I won't be using all of the pieces, but with the judicious addition of some lampwork spacers from ScottyBeads, I think it may end up a very interesting, and chunky, bracelet.

More later, as always!

Corazon de las Flores

2010-06-08T19:51:00.000-06:00

One more - maybe with a bit of green this time.

I'm learning a new stitch! Fat and Thin Tubular Peyote! Thanks, Darcy! I'm taking one of her classes by email, I guess you could say. Now to fool around with ways to finish the ends . . . hmmmmmmm.

More later - can't be helped.

Mariposa de la Luz

2010-06-05T17:19:00.000-06:00

I'm finding the simplicity of this technique to be very relaxing. Two more and I'll get back to bead embroidery - I have at least four more treasure boxes, then three more handbags. With a thing or two in between.

Now, here's my excuse for not finishing up the Multiplicity tutorial: About three weeks ago I smashed my right index finger in a door, seriously discoloring the nail. This made close-up how-to photos a little problematic. I'm nearly healed so it won't be too much longer now.

More later, as always.

Corazon de la Luz

2010-06-02T10:10:00.000-06:00

Many many years ago I took a road trip with my daughter and daughter-in-law to Lincoln, NE - to an amazing import shop where I found these giant carved wood hearts and butterflies. I had no idea what I wanted to do with them, just that I needed them. Now, after all this time I worked out what to do. Now, of course, I wish I'd gotten more.

4 mm jasper rounds, copper Swarovski glass pearls, Japanese glass seed beads, and a copper toggle clasp set off the carved heart very nicely.

The beaded fringe technique is my "wristra" variation on the Jade Dog's instructions, available here: www.etsy.com/listing/46171351/

Before I work up my next container series, I want to play some more with these chunky charms.

More later, it's what I do.

HeartWindSinging Finished

2010-05-30T19:14:00.000-06:00

I ended up stitching the ornament in place without the use of glue.

What a surprise, and a laugh, I got when I checked the Etsy Treasury Hunt this morning. Many thanks to Wiggle (whose logo I love) for adding Vinnie to this quietly beautiful treasury:

And thereby hangs a tale, eh?

HeartWindSinging

2010-05-28T20:45:00.001-06:00

I finished the ornament and now I'm nerving myself to attach it to the little 'suede cloth' purse for which it is intended. Glue or stitch or both? I'm uncharacteristically hesitant at this point. Perhaps I need to mull it over for a bit.

I took new photos of my beaded bead pendants and got them all posted for sale, both on Etsy and for LESS in the online shop.

There's Working, Then There's Working

2010-05-26T22:23:00.001-06:00

LittlestoneDesign was kind enough to include one of my ponies in her treasury, "NOT the Usual Beadweaving."

I never seem to hit the Treasury clock just right - it's been a long, long time since I was able to show off my favorites in a treasury.

Now, here's what I've been up to today:

I've been dealing with a kind of beader's block recently - it felt like everything I tried to pull together was a struggle - the inner vision wasn't being realized, or at least not without a fight. I must have made and remade the same three pieces a dozen times this past month. Happily, that's over for the time being. This most recent piece is just falling into place. What a relief.

Maybe the energy drains are done with me for a while. I want to believe.

More later - it's what I do.

Earth Angel No. 3

2010-05-23T18:52:00.000-06:00

This is the lightest of the three angels in color and tone. I love the citrine chip wings. I used a Wild Horse magnasite disk bead, a jasper rectangle, a mother-of-pearl heart, and dyed freshwater pearls along with Japanese glass seed beads. It has such a nice, fresh feel.

I just started work on the purse ornament. I've been fixated on this portrait of Georgia O'Keeffe;

and I'm not exactly clear on how but I want to pull that strength of image into this particular bead embroidery. I used the tools over at Colourlovers and came up with this (simplified) palette:

I'm still listing craft books on my website, but I finished posting all the papercraft books on hand. Like this one:

(There are so many great ideas in here - I adapted a lot of the techniques into some handbound books a few years ago - I wonder where I put my notes?)
And this one:

(This whole 'encyclopedia' series is excellent - comprehensive with clear instructions and great photos)
And this one,

to mention just a few. Pop on over and check out all the papercraft titles!

There are still a lot of books I need to scan and list, but I'm taking a day off. I managed to trip and fall out in our garage yesterday, and I am stiff and sore all over today. I really should get back to work on the Multiplicity bracelet tutorial, but honestly. All I wanna do right now is bead.

Well, more later. Can't be helped.

Thrift Store Finds and a Great Read

2010-05-18T20:35:00.004-06:00

WEB SHOP UPDATE: NOW OPEN WITH SECURE SHOPPING!!

My partner has been asked to officiate at a wedding next month, and our wardrobes are a little sparse in the dress-up department - we're pretty much jeans 'n tees people. This is going to be summery casual affair, so we made a trip to the local Junior League thrift store where I found a pair of dressy casual Evan Picone slacks in a sort of honey bronze color, as well as a cream colored silk blouse. Asa found a summer weight sport coat that, to our mutual delight, actually fit him (he's 6'8"). Accessorizing should be a simple matter. I've been planning on embellishing a few purses for sale and have been collecting up suitable bags for a while - in my stash (from this same thrift store) I remembered this neat little camel-colored suede bag. I thought I should be able to snazz it up in time to carry to the wedding. I did a closer inspection and discovered its actually a Michael Kors! And I got it for $4!! I couldn't be more pleased.

And here's the beginning of the ornament:

Here's something else I found on our latest excursion; four Ultrasuede sashes, each one over six feet long - the center section is about 4 inches wide and two feet long, the ends tapering out to about 1.5 inches wide. Perfect for lining bead embroidered pins, pendants and bracelets! Picked them up for a buck apiece! Woop Woop!!

Now for the good read. Absolutely the most important perk to being a book dealer is getting first pick of the titles that come in to our shop. This came in a few days ago and Saturday afternoon I opened it up.

There is a poem on the acknowledgements page and when I read it, I knew I'd have to spend at least a part of my summer with Julia Cameron:

WHY WE WRITE

There are many things which resist naming,
And that is why we write.
We write because language is slippery,
And the truth is.
We write because
The light we have to see by
Is always shifting
Never forget that writers are prophets.
We speak in tongues.
We testify.
We are for each other a believing mirror.
Our words make us visible.
Our listening makes us heard.

Never forget that writers are soldiers.
Our writing is the long march,
The walk into time.
Each word is a drum.
We sound it across great distances,
Reaching one another and ourselves.
Every poem is a day's march.
A celebration more necessary than water or wine.
Every poem is a drink of blood.

Never forget that writing is an act of courage --
Not on the days when it is simple and we discount it.
Not on the days when it is hard and we write like sand.
Our words are torches.
We pass them hand to hand
And mouth to mouth
Like a burning kiss.

Never forget to say thank you.
Every syllable is a grace.

J. C.

The book is "Floor Sample; a creative memoir." I'm looking forward to the rare, spare, stolen moments ahead.

More later, as always.

The Problem With Being Work Obsessed:

2010-05-17T21:41:00.003-06:00

You find yourself scattering your energy, but at the same time your field of vision narrows. You get so detail-oriented, you become myopic and self-involved. Worst of all, you just lose sight of all the wonderful people around you that have taken their very precious time to read your silly stuff, and more than that - have commented on that silly stuff.

Today I picked up the most recent copy of Artful Blogging -

and it wasn't so much any one thing I read there, as it was the sheer weight of talent encountered. I was inspired; I went to my dashboard here on Blogger to have a look at the creative pages of my readers and was stunned to see I have over 100 of you here! I spent the afternoon being blown away by each and every page, and became a follower of all your blogs.

You're all inspiring and delightful each in your own unique way, and I can see I'll have to get up just a little earlier and have a second cup of coffee every morning until I get caught up.

And thank you all for sharing. It really does mean the world. Well, my world anyway.

More later, as always -

The Web Shop Has Stuff In It!!!

2010-05-12T18:37:00.003-06:00

BIG UPDATE: The shopping cart on the website only likes PayPal!! I'm working on it!!

That's right, and it's not just for my finished pieces any more. Gently used craft books are beginning to find their way online, starting with beadwork

and basketry.

I finished scanning the very eclectic "Miscellaneous" category this morning,

as well as bookmaking

and clay titles

and should have them up by the end of the day tomorrow.

Coming book attractions include needlework, textile arts, doll & bear making, sewing, quilting, papercrafts, knitting & crochet to mention but a few.

Once that's done, the fun REALLY starts. I get to organize, photograph and list all the destash beads. Yoinks!!

More later, cuz I just can't help myself.

Back From Vacation with Treasure

2010-05-06T09:49:00.002-06:00

Went rock shopping around town during our time off - Southwestern Minerals on Central near Louisiana had some great cabochons - clockwise from top left; Fancy Indian jasper, Piute, fancy picture jasper, snowflake obsidian, and epidote.

New Mexico Bead & Fetish did not disappoint - I found a few treats - top to bottom; lemon chrysoprase, pink jasper, fossilized coral and Imperial jasper.

At Sun Country Gems I picked up these great picture jasper beads (they're the size of a silver dollar);

Elinor Oldham (next to the Cost Plus on Menaul) had some great fossilized stone rounded rectangles (photo's a bit fuzzy) along with a strand of jade and serpentine;

Mama's Minerals had some amazing stuff on the sale racks - I grabbed a few strands of Wild Horse Canyon picture jasper:

No trip to Old Town is complete without a stop at The Old Town Cat House, where I picked up a new mug:

Got this book ^ at Bookworks, on one of our last stops.

All these treasures to play with, when clearly what I need is a time machine.

I finished loading all of the Etsy merchandise onto my website, AnotherCountry BeadWorks, and I'll be spending tomorrow scanning in and listing craft books. Once those are in it'll be time to bag, tag and list the unbelievable amount of destash supplies.

And away we go. More later, as always -

Earth Angel No. 2

2010-05-03T07:57:00.001-06:00

Setting up the new website is more labor intensive than I projected - our mini-vacation time is being eaten up with getting all the shelves filled. You can see the work in progress - I've got a few things up - but not nearly enough yet.

AnotherCountry BeadWorks

Still working on the Multiplicity bracelet tutorial, too. Getting some great photos for illustration - love the new camera! Still exploring all its capabilities.

More later, as always -

Looking Forward to Time Off

2010-04-23T20:19:00.000-06:00

Santa Fe Skies Remix - Steel Edition

I'm currently working on two more angel boxes. I need the coming days off to do some critical thinking and work on art projects that have been waiting for me for several years - artist trading cards, Japanese bound books, fiber beads. I was storing our winter clothes a few weeks ago and found three huge boxes full of old fiber arts projects and my hoard of paper ephemera. I'd like to spend some time thumbing through it all, remembering what I wanted to do with those mad little bits, and remembering who I was when I had those ideas.

Oh, and get back to writing that tutorial for the Multiplicity bracelet.

Cheers, and more later - as always.

Need Me Some Bead Money

2010-04-18T09:44:00.001-06:00

I've take $100 off the price of each of my bead embroidered cuffs - I gotta be outta my mind.

UPDATE: Along a Path of Wine Dark Tears has been sold!!

The sale page is here: Spring Sale

And many thanks to Beth Stein Design who featured one of my Multiplicity bracelets in a treasury on Etsy - I have a heck of a time doing screen captures on treasuries - I guess my screen just isn't big enough to get the whole thing - but I'll give it a shot here.

Hey! That's not bad!!

More later, as always!

I'd Love To Chat, But . . .

2010-04-11T18:13:00.000-06:00

Santa Fe Skies Remixed, Ivory and Matte Black editions. I've only got a few hours left to work today, so I need to get back to it.

More later, as always!

First of Three Earth Angels

2010-04-05T17:46:00.000-06:00

I've been a little jammed up for time lately - the day job has developed an intensity of late. I found myself working on several Multiplicity bracelets at the same time, incorporating these lampwork lentils I picked up from West of the Moon Art Glass, back when they had a presence on Etsy. I miss them.

More later, as always.

Softly Softly

2010-03-16T15:24:00.002-06:00

I have one more Multiplicity on the drawing board. I've started another series of bead-embroidered treasure boxes and some interesting beaded beads for a neck piece - not to mention the pin/pendants for which I've got sketches and bits assembled.

Oh, and I've outlined the tutorial for Multiplicities.

AND I just got my package from The Jade Dog (similar to the one I've linked to) - three incredible, unique toggle clasps made by Darcy. I need to study them a while before I settle on what to make with them. Dreaming ensues.

More later, as always.

California Sorbet - a Multiplicity Bracelet

2010-03-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

I can feel myself approaching completion with this design now.

Which is a very good thing, as I keep stuffing sketches into the notebook, making myself crazy with wanting to realize some of these designs. Yoiks and away!

More later, as always.

Pierrot

2010-03-07T10:36:00.003-07:00

I have three more Multiplicity bracelets planned, but I'm taking a little side trip today -

I picked up the latest issue of "Ornament" magazine yesterday.

There was a small photo of some necklaces by Ronna Sarvas Weltman - and I started thinking "what if . . . ", so now I'm compelled to follow that train of thought to see where it might lead.

More later, as always.

Pink Champagne

2010-03-03T19:17:00.002-07:00

Before I share my latest variation on the Multiplicity theme, I have to get something off my chest. Be advised: this post contains adult language.

There is a spiritual dimension to craft that we rarely discuss. Offering for sale the work of our hands and hearts, our inner vision made manifest and physical, does not diminish that spirituality nor its soul-weight. The time and talent and intensity that comprises each act of creation is of our being, containing our essence. It doesn't matter if the piece was the work of a year or but a moment - still it holds some piece of the artist's soul. And when some lowlife scumbag knuckledragging mouthbreather of a cowardly dipshit steals your art, you take it pretty f**king hard.

Have you ever been so angry you ended up with a headache?

This morning I'd planned on giving the gift cabinet a serious cleaning and double checking the inventory. I was thunderstruck to find two items had been "donated to a person or persons unknown against my will."

I can't recreate these. I found the alabaster 'donut' stones when I first began beading and have never found any others like them since. And the person who made the lampwork beads (about two years ago) has discontinued their glassworking. The rings weren't very expensive, but is that really what's at issue? I mean, we've had books shoplifted before, but never my beadwork - not in the 15 plus years I've been selling it - in the bookstore, on consignment or at craft shows.

I took everything out of the cabinet, finished the inventory and cleaned the shelves from top to bottom - all the while thinking and feeling a whirlwind - People suck. I'm taking everything off display and putting it under lock and key. I'm never making anything for sale again. I want to kill someone. People REALLY suck. Am I over-reacting? I should quit selling my stuff in the store, do online sales only. I don't want to do craft shows again. What's the point of creating anything if it's just going to get stolen? What arrogant, thoughtless, selfish, ass-hat, douche-bag, piece of shit passing for human slimed its way in here without my noticing? I think I know the bitch pig from hell who did it - but I can't be 100% sure. I don't get it!! Why?? What would I have done if something really valuable had been taken? Should I count myself lucky that it wasn't one of the dolls or ponies or wearable art pieces?

And I resent feeling all the things I'm feeling - rage, impotence, hate, frustration, distrust . . .

I 've removed all the upper end items out of the display case - it's now stocked with all my clearance and lower-end merchandise and earrings. I found a tiny door alarm and installed it in the cabinet. I absolutely HATE that such a thing is now necessary. I'll eventually display a few of my more interesting pieces once we install a lock on the cabinet (the idea of which makes me curl up inside and die a little) and I get a little more emotional distance from this.

Deep breath.

When I finished this one, Asa said it reminded him of Pink Champagne, and so it is named.

Now it is time for something to drink. Something alcoholic, preferably 80 proof.

Moss Creek - a Multiplicity bracelet

2010-02-28T09:50:00.003-07:00

I think after about a dozen more of these, I will have worked this design out of my system. Can you tell my camera batteries started to fail as I got to the last picture?

I went through my past work portfolio and realized this is a trend with me - falling in love with a design and making it over and over, each time with subtle variations - exploring every facet of that design until I feel my sense of completion. Then I feel released, then I'm able to move on.

This is my eighth Multiplicity bracelet. They've all used matte metallic beads as the starting point. I think it's time to explore something with a bit more sparkle.

And A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who voted in my little exploratory poll. Decisions have been made thanks to you, and yes - I am working on a downloadable pattern. I do have a day job as well as jewelry to produce, so it may take a while, but it will get done. (Thanks, Bead Nerd, for the advice - you didn't know it, but you wrote this post directly to me).

More later, as I can't seem to stop myself.

Saturated Berries

2010-02-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I was done with this design, but apparently it's not done with me. And there's yet another in the traveling bead box slowly taking shape.

I thought I was going to do some freeform bracelets. There I go, thinking again.

More later, as always.

One For Me

2010-02-23T13:39:00.002-07:00

I love these colors and finishes. Once I had it assembled, I realized no one could possibly appreciate it as much as I and there was a space just the right size in the bracelet box so - who am I to fight Fate?

I placed an order last week with Charlene's Beads - I wanted to fulfill part of a dream of mine and yet stay in my budget - I ordered one of every color of opaque seeds in size 11.

To stay in budget, I only got the 5 gram tubes, but when I'm designing a piece, I'll have the color right there where I can eyeball it. One day I shall have a workable sample of each and every color and finish and size and shape the Japanese have to offer. Looking at my stash, you'd wonder that this is not yet the case.

Receipt of that little bundle made me realize it's been over three months since I'd gone through all of it, sorting and straightening, and so my one day off was devoted to maintenance rather than creating. Naturally, the danger there is that as I was setting the beads to rights, I'd have to stop far too often to sketch out all the ideas the colors and finishes and shapes would provoke. I ran out of time and have been piecemealing the rest of the job in the odd spare moment. Just about done now.

And Oh Boy. The mail just came in and with it a book:

And wow - it is probably the most visually arresting book on beadwork I've seen in a very long time. Such a treat. If you have a sec you should check out Ms. Gilbert's website HERE.

More later, as always.

La Mer

2010-02-17T08:34:00.001-07:00

Added more spacers on this one and shortened the fingerling (bead crochet element) on this one. I had some problems during the assembly - at first I used a silver colored wire but it looked AWFUL. I replaced it with a soft brass instead. Once i had it assembled, I realized it was much too large so I chose to shorten the fingerling. What I really like about this design, aside from the chance to color play and muck about with multiple techniques, is that it is so adaptable.

I need to find a brighter silver wire, though. Maybe Color Craft or Artistic Wire has a nice, bright silver in the gauges I like.

More later, as always!

Cactus Garden

2010-02-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

Refining the process, experimenting with beaded bead variations, creating copper wire "bird nest" spacers - each one of these teaches me something new.

More later, as always.

The Garden of Dawn

2010-02-09T08:13:00.001-07:00

I'm working on perfecting the design - making some changes to the beaded beads, having way too much fun rooting around the stash and creating color combinations, working with multiple techniques - More later, as always.

Subtle Sweetheart

2010-02-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

The beads are speaking to me again.

More later, as always.