A LOST ART

When I think about beads, I think bracelets, necklaces, earrings.  This woman thinks purses.   I met Nancy at a bead show, and when she told me what she does, I said, "oh, okay, that is nice".  Well, little did I know or understand what she really did.  We have since become friends (we are both from Michigan), and she let me take some photos of her work.  I just HAD to share a few of them.

These are all handmade using thousands of beads.  Each purse has a beautiful lining and many of them have vintage frames.  The photos do not do justice as these are exquisite in person.  Many of them are for sale and she can be contacted at nancydew@comcast.net

There are so many lost arts that require so much time and talent to produce, that we just seem to let them go.  When was the last time you received a letter (yes, in the mail) written on beautiful stationary?  Remember going through your grandmother's button jar and finding all kinds of treasures that are no longer produced?  What about those intricate napkins, hankies or doilies?  Modern/new things are wonderful, and I have seen jewelry that is stunning beyond words, but it is refreshing to see someone keeping some of the older crafts still alive.  Great job, Nancy!

Be Thankful

I have been thinking about what to write...what clever information I may have for you all and I wasn't coming up with any great ideas until I spoke to a friend of mine.

We bead together and I was telling her that I stopped into a local bead store to purchase some beads that I needed for an upcoming class. She asked me if I saw all the beautiful pieces they had made up on display? I said I couldn't look at too much of that as I started to question my own ability, gifts and reasons for beading...she offered me words of wisdom that caused me to reflect on the following:

God has given each and everyone of us gifts and talents. Sometimes we forget what they are or wish they were something else.  I know as beaders we so often look at other artist's work and think, "oh, they are so much better than me", or they just are so creative.  That may be the case, but what are YOUR gifts and talents?  Most of us are never going to publish a beading book, or any book for that matter, but think back in your memory bank, and I am positive you will find a time that you have used beads/beading to bring joy to someone.  Have you taught an elderly person to bead?  Have you spent time with a cancer friend or patient beading and talking?  Have you donated your time to teach children or the disabled to bead?  How many smiles have you and your beads caused?

Let's give thanks!  Give thanks for the opportunities you have had, for the ability you have, for the friends and family you have.  I am so very thankful for the  talent God has given me  and thankful I have so many to share it with.  Find that silver lining this Thanksgiving and give thanks. Spend a few extra moments while beading over this holiday to reflect on all your blessings, gifts and talents.  Remember that smile you created and share it with us.  Have a rich and blessed Thanksgiving !

TWO CLASSES NEXT WEEK

WEDNESDAY, November 14 @ 6:30 PM

Russian Leaves....this is for the leaves ONLY
in the photograph.  Not the toggle or the
rope the leaves are attached to.  Russian
Leaves are so awesome and you can do some of the neatest things with them.

Knowledge and comfort with peyote is required.

Class space is very limited on this, so contact me early.  Fee for the class is $25 and respond by post or email kimleahy@estherbeadwork.com

It will be well worth your time.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 @ 11:00  AM

Elongated Beaded Bead.  This bead rocks.  It is a great way to use up odds and ends in the bead world.  As you can see from the photo, the two pieces do not match, but go together.  You can make earrings, necklaces, dangles, key charms...etc.  These were made into earrings.

You will need to know Right Angle Weave to take this class.

Fee is $25 also and the contact information is above.  I do have a bit more space available in this class, but book early.

WHO are you going to VOTE for...

...Myuki or Toho?   Do you really think I would discuss politics? I am having a great day! When I do bead shows or sell my jewelry, I get asked so often what I prefer, Myuki or Toho.  Let me just say right off the bat they both are Japanese seed beads and they both are  wonderful products.

If you are new to the beading world, the bead language may seem strange to you.  We have so much beautiful product to choose from that it does get confusing sometimes.  For the purpose of this paragraph, let's talk size 11/0 seed beads.  The difference between Myuki and Toho  is Toho's have a larger hole.  If you do a lot of bead weaving where the thread passes through a bead more than 2 times, you will certainly enjoy this feature in the bead.  Also, by having this larger hole, the bead weighs less and you get more for the weight.

Both companies carry a permanent bead finish.  Toho's is called permanent finish and if this is the bead you are looking for, it will have a PF in the number.  Myuki calls theirs Duracoat.  This applies to galvanized and gilt lined beads.  They tend to be a bit more pricey, but if you have ever spent hours upon hours making a piece only to have the color rub off, you will gladly pay the difference.  Many of the other beads do not require a permanent finish as it is in the bead itself and not a coating.  So don't feel that every bead you purchase needs to be a permanent finish.

If you buy beads from Esther Beadwork, you will find most of my beads are Toho.  I was introduced to Toho beads about 7 years ago, and since I do a lot of bead weaving, I love the larger hole.  It is also easier for me to order one type of bead as I get to know the colors and the numbers.

A few other differences to aid your understanding.  Tila, Delica and Berry Beads are Myuki.
Treasures are Toho (their version of Delica).  This list is simplified and obviously both companies make much more to satiate your appetite.

So, who do you vote for?  Me, I am glad I can pick both!!!

Stitch Stump

What do YOU do when you are completely stumped by a stitch or pattern?  I think we all do things we would rather not tell anyone about, but what avenues do you use when you just can't get it?  I know for myself many times I just put it away and in a few days, week, month, sometimes even a year later, I get back to it hoping I have either learned more and can figure it out, or see it from a different perspective.

I just figured out a beaded piece that I have been stewing over since this summer.  It's basic peyote, but the shape and the edging made encasing it in peyote difficult.  I must have tried it 15 times using different beads, different stitches and different attitudes!  Persistence paid off.

A customer of mine emailed me a pattern a few days ago asking me to figure it out and then teach it to her and she was stumped...so, asking someone to help you is a great avenue.  Also, getting together with other beaders and having them explain it to you in different language or sometimes just talking about something you figure it out.

The best advice I can give is to NOT give up.  Use the knowledge of friends, instructors, bead store owners, tutorials and books.  You will be so proud when you do get it and the finished product will mean much more to you.  So...what do you do?  Please post your response and help all of us get un-stumped!

Esther Beadwork in a Trunk Show

Esther Beadwork will be participating in a trunk show at Art Sea Living Studio in Boynton Beach, FL.  Located in the Winn Dixie plaza on the corner of Federal Highway and Woolbright (next to JoAnn Fabrics).  The exhibit dates are Friday, November 2 from 5-9 for meet the artist and wine and cheese and Saturday, November 3 from 10-6.  Many other exhibitors will be there also to display art and product.  Make an effort to attend this event.  It really is a nice venue...and you can get your nails done next door!

Crystal and Pearl Bracelet Class

This simple and beautiful bracelet will be offered as a class on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 at 7:00 pm.   Contact me via email for further information regarding this class or post on this site.  kimleahy@estherbeadwork.com

Kumihimo and Russian Leaves Lariat

Classes begin for the instruction of this piece on Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00 pm.  Cost of the class is $90 and it runs for 4 weeks.  Each week a new technique will be taught culminating with putting all the components together for a finished product.

Please contact me via this blog or email me at kimleahy@estherbeadwork to sign up, ask questions, etc.

This is one of the most fun classes that I have given.  Not only will you enjoy learning several new techniques, but you will get to really know some neat ladies as you bead together for a month.  A fifth week to learn the flowers is optional and will be offered for an additional $20 after the 4 weeks.

This photo is the same technique you will be learning, just different components are used.  You can see how different one will look from the other with just a difference in a few components.

PRODUCTS...the good, the bad and the ugly...

The market for beading products is almost as overwhelming as the beads themselves.  There are hundreds of containers to organize your product, threads, glues, mats, scoops, cutters, needles, etc.  I think I could write something about each product and blog for about a month.

I will give you my opinion, and hopefully many of you will write back with your likes and dislikes of certain products.  This helps beaders buy, so let your voice be heard.

I like things simple.  If you have ever been to my house, I have 2 appliances on my kitchen counter.  A coffee maker and a toaster oven.  I don't particularly care for gimmicky products, so many times unless another beader says you "must" have this, I usually shy away from many products.

My favorites (and this is just my opinion...so please share yours) are:

#1, the metal triangle bead scoop.  One of my students bought one for everyone in class one day, and I absolutely cannot live without it.  I have to say, my bin of beads that I refused to separate after a project and just dumped them all together has not gotten any larger since receiving this awesome gift.  It makes separating and putting away everything you dumped out so easy!

#2, the foam bead mat.  This inexpensive product rocks!  I resisted this for some strange reason but once I used it, like the triangle sorter, I was hooked.  Round out the edges on the square ones to avoid your thread catching on the mat and dumping your product all over.  You can cut these to fit your storage and take along boxes.  A great, great product.

#3, the thread zapper.  Ok, I will admit I truly thought this was so gimmicky.  I poo-pooed it and being stubborn, continued to ruin 10 more pairs of scissors and  a few cutters.  Then when every student in my class one day showed up with them, I decided to give it a try.  Well, needless to say, this is a great product.  No more whiskers in my work!  That alone is worth a fortune!  And batteries are much cheaper than scissors.

#4, E6000 in the small tubes.  This glue is wonderful, but the large tubes have a tendency to glob up after a while and I find I waste a lot.  The small 0.18 oz. tubes are perfect as you actually use all the glue before it gobs up.

Many of you have shared your favorites with me personally, please post them and tell everyone!

Oh, ugly products?  Right now, cannot think of any...You?

Blues Show Piece

My first piece for the "Blues" show at the Columbia Arts Gallery.  It's funny, I have the book Beaded Opulence by Marcia DeCoster, and she has a beautiful piece like this.  I had not set out to copy her, and I didn't even look at the book; however, it did seem to take on a life of it's own and ended up looking very similar to her design.

The rope is bead crochet and the embellishments are right angle weave added to the rope.  I am entering it in the Blues show because I remember winters in Michigan where the sky is almost a dirty brown color and then some random bit of blue would show through just to tease you into thinking nice weather was coming.

Crochet ropes can be tedious; however, they are a great
"take along" project.  You don't have to worry about beads getting dumped all over when traveling.  I worked on much of this sitting in waiting rooms with my kids at doctor and orthodontist appointments...every minute is bead time, right?!

Beaders Block

We have ALL had it...well I assume so anyway.  We all hope it doesn't happen too often as it ruins our art fun!  What can you do?  I am not an expert, but I have a few things that work for me and a few points that other beaders have shared with me.

Myself and a few beady friends...we play with our beads.  We organize them, put them in new containers, tiddy up our work area, clean out bead bins and before you know it you "found" a great bead, a lost focal that gives you new inspiration, a pretty seed bead you purchased and never used....it's endless.

Other ideas I have heard are going to art shows, museums, etc. to be around art and find inspiration.  Spending time in a fabric, craft, yarn or paint store to observe colors.  Walking on the beach, in nature to enjoy the colors we are given.

I remember one time digging through a bin of sale beads (there is inspiration right there), and some of the bags were broken and many beads lay on the bottom of the bin...the color combination was awesome!  I ran home and made a bracelet just on the color alone.

What gets your juices flowing?  What breaks that block?  It may even be walking away for a few days...(oh the horrors of that thought).  Share your ideas with us by commenting below.

I am working on a lariate with blues in it...for an art show themed "Winter Blues"...and I must be inspired because I cannot see the top of my work area!!!

Obsidian Obscession

Yesterday I sent out an email to my bead show contacts stating I was going to use Facebook more to reach customers and to please "like me"...(you know, high school re-lived via the internet) and one very insightful lady asked why I didn't write on my blog more.  Well, outside of being lazy (okay beading instead of writing), I hadn't done or experienced anything note worthy in my opinion...she disagreed, so I am going to write more.  

She asked if I was going to polish the Obsidian I brought home and that reminded me that I have a beautiful cabochon of Obsidian I have yet to use, which reminded me of a class I want to teach, which reminded me of a book!  As beaders we all share patterns, ideas, projects and maybe even sometimes when we probably shouldn't--we are just so excited about a cool pattern we want EVERYONE to experience it.  So, in my way I try to help artists by talking about them and recommending their sites, books, patterns, etc.  With that in mind, I have another book I want to plug.  "Dimensional Bead Embroidery" by Jamie Cloud Eakin.  If you are looking to "UP" your embroidery skills and ideas, this is the book.  She has some amazing techniques, things that make you go "oh, duh".  Or "Oh, Wow"; and that is a book worth having.  

Back To Work

It's been a great summer...For those of you awaiting the beading class schedule, it is coming.  As you can see, I haven't focused on beading this summer.  I am back to work and will be getting schedules out soon.  I will also be teaching at Gemstone and Bead Imports beginning in September.  Check their Facebook page for schedules.  Hope to see you soon.  

Obsidian in it's Natural State

Ok all you beaders...it's been a really long time since I posted.  I have to admit I have been in the Pacific NW having an awesome time enjoying nature.  I have to post this...the photos are not great, but ladies....this is Obsidian....pure obsidian. It is shiny, black and so beautiful you will want to bead it.  The rocks I am sitting in are so black and shiny they take your breath away.  We collected a few pieces but they are so rough.  If anyone gets an opportunity to work with Obsidian, go for it.   There is an amazing history behind this lava flow.  It is the youngest flow and it is one of the few Obsidian flows.  Located south of Bend Oregon, in the Newberry Crater area, this flow is 1 mile long.  There are no words....

Esther went Etsy

I have always been uninterested in Etsy and only for the reason that there are over a million jewelry listings.  I never thought I would even be noticed.  Well, I usually try to listen to advice from friends, so I opened an Etsy store.  Please take a moment to visit and even like.  I only have a few things listed so far, but will be adding more as I get more time to take photos.  The store name is:   Esther714.

FAB Book

I am pretty sure this woman doesn't need more promoting, but I heard about her from Gemstone and Bead Imports.  Her work is Amazing!  She just came out with a book and it rocks.  I have already made 2 things in the book.  Easy to follow directions and exquisite jewelry.  Sabine Lippert's BEADED FANTASIES.  You can find it at your local bead store or Amazon.  Worth every penny.  
I would be very interested to hear comments.  Share your photos of the jewelry you made from this book.

We won 2nd Place in the jewelry category at the Delray Affair.  Esther Beadwork and NE Designs teamed up for this big event and won a ribbon!!!!  We are thrilled.  Our long hours and hard work paid off.  

Esther Beadwork at Delray Affair

Esther Beadwork and NE Designs have teamed up to be in the Delray Affair.  Come and check us out.  We are in Old School Square Park, spot OSP7.  


We have worked super hard, so come and show your support!

Commissioned Work

My friend, Pam was commissioned to do a bead embroidery pendant using this piece of art painted by the artist herself.  If any of you have ever done commissioned work, you may or may not have had a difficult time.  It is not easy.  If you do not know the person who will be receiving the piece, it is even more of a challenge.  Kudos to Pam for creating a beautiful work of art with a difficult focal.  There was a lot of activity going on in the piece itself, and I think she did a super job tying it all together.  She said it was her favorite thing to do and her least favorite thing to do all at the same time.  Now, can anyone even relate to that?  :)

Delray Affair

YIPPEEE....Nancy (an amazing beader) and I will be in the Delray Affair.  Tell EVERYONE you know to come and see us.  More to come later.

Trash to Treasure Photos

Geez, one would think it was Christmas or something and I haven't done a thing for a month.  I was working on my trash to treasure gallery pieces.   This was fun, and I want to create a "contest" for my beader friends.  Don't get too excited, I cannot give away an ipad or anything, but maybe a class or something.  It's fun to create within perimeters (sometimes) and more fun to see what others come up with...so stay tuned and lets see what I dream up.