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.