Moment of Zen

Who would have thought curtains gently billowing in the wind could provide a moment of zen. 

Yesterday morning, I was sitting on my computer table typing away, my apartment was filled with the glow of the morning sun. I had opened the balcony sliding door to let the fresh morning breeze in. A family of larks has taken residence in a nest right above my balcony and they were chirping away. We've been experiencing strong gusty winds these past two days but this morning things have calmed down and only a gentle breeze was playing with the curtains which I had just installed last Friday.

I stopped typing, sat back and watched the breeze play with the curtains, took in the sunshine, listened to the birds chirp away. It was a good Saturday morning.

This mosaic is my project for the month of January 2021. Also inspired by a moment of zen. I feel peaceful when I look at it.

Beadweaving Calistenics

While I'm mostly a peyote stitch gal, it's nice to get into gear with other bead stitches. There's a whole encyclopedia of bead stitches, techniques, what have you, that one could spend a lifetime just exploring and learning them. Project #5 for my 2013 beading journey is this black herringbone necklace with onyx stones woven in at regular intervals.

The other stitch I exercised with is right angle weave (RAW). It's been years since I've done anything in RAW.  So I turned to RAW guru Shelley Pleines who does gorgeous pieces using metal beads. Her Baby, You're So Square bracelet pattern gave me the inspiration to create this cuff last December, as a gift for a friend of mine who celebrated her son's Barmitzvah. I had given her the bracelet but had forgotten to take some photos and she loaned me the bracelet so I could take this shot.

Hope you bead lovers out there are beading to your heart's content!

Beads and the Ladies of Downton Abbey

I've gotten into the habit of beading while I watch Instant Video on my iPad. You'll find an eclectic mix of movies and TV shows in my Amazon Watchlist. Among them is Downton Abbey.  Yes, I've caught the bug and have watched the Crawley family and their household staff going through the trials and tribulations of their very prim and not so proper English lives.

My 4th project of the year was done while re-visiting some of the past episodes in preparation for the start of the new season. It reminds me of the long thin necklaces that the Crawley sisters would wear to dinner - a beaded version, of course, but same long and thin design silhouette. I thought I might call it Lady Sybil since it's red and could represent her "radical" views. She's the youngest so I can clearly identify with that, being the youngest of 4 siblings myself.

So here's Project #4 for my 2013 projects journal. Hope you like it!

Busy Beading!!!

I'm glad to report that I continue with my projects for the year. Here's Project #2 and #3, titled "Pillars" and "Diagonals Stacks" respectively.  I've been playing with simple repetitive designs, re-familiarizing myself again with the rhythm of beading and finding satisfaction in completing projects.

I'm glad to be spending more time at my bead table, getting more and more into the habit of creating. My mind's been hopping from one design concept to the next! Just have to make a record of everything that goes through my head!

At any rate, I've started another project and this is a WIP photo. I'm going with the flow on this one, too. Not entirely sure where this one will take me. Exciting!

1 Down, 51 More Projects To Go!

I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions but this year I'm making a commitment - I'm committing to create 52 projects this 2013. It doesn't sound like much but considering I've not created more than a handful of beaded jewelry these past few years, 52 projects is quite a big step up for me.

I'm not like most beaders who are able to devote their 9-5 day to their craft (lucky buggers!). I've got a day job that, fortunately, I love but it does leave me mentally exhausted at the end of the day. My evenings are left to gym time, dinner and family time which I'm also committed to keep. But I'm thinking if I can plan to squeeze in some beading time at night, even if it's half an hour sitting at my beading table, working on something new, my 52 projects should be doable. What do you think? Have you done your own 2013 resolution? I invite you all to enter your comments down below so you can share. Sometimes, shouting it out loud helps to keep you on course.

So my first completed project for the year is Strada Del Merlot - a free form beadwoven bracelet which I finished today, this first day of the new year. This piece will be on sale soon on my etsy store after I clean up the photos and work on the description for the listing.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

50 Shades of Merlot

Last Wednesday, I laid out these beads on my beadmat to start another beaded project. This time shades of merlot with touches of purple, green and amber gold.  All I can say at this point is it's going to be another bracelet - at least that's my intention but there have been times I'd do a complete 180 on myself, un-assemble a project in the middle of it and start all over again on something new. One thing I've learned about the creative process, it can take unexpected turns. You're never sure what you end up with! Happy Beading!

Getting it Together, Bit by Bit

Two years. Two years since my last confession, I mean blog post! Where was I two years ago and where have I been since then? Let's see, two years ago I just started a new job in Bethesda after working with a company in Washington, DC for 13 year. There's about XX lbs difference between then and now mostly due to ups and downs in the pendulum swing of weight and slowing metabolism. Two trips to the ER, 4 more hospital stays, white belt to black belt, new pair of glasses, new car, driving lessons, stress of college admissions process which I chose in the end to ignore and "go with the flow," stress of continually solving problems at work and keeping a high bar in standards mainly due to my own performance. Long hair to short hair. Reluctant wardrobe upgrade. Getting used to high heels again. Not reluctant about that.

And finally, working to get out of the sabbatical mode as far as creating beaded jewelry is concerned. My "coming out" has been a long drawn out process, longer than I cared for it to take. I would like to think I'm getting better in terms of productivity. I've managed to find the time to create more pieces this past year so that should be a good sign!

Case in point, a friend of mine celebrated her son's barmitzvah this month. A couple of months ago, she asked me to custom make her jewelry to go with the dress she would wear for the special event. I ended up creating 3 different bracelets for her so she could choose which one she liked the most. Her dress was silver and bronze so the bracelets I made for her reflected the colors of her dress with some accents to it. Here's a shot of the 2 bracelets.

I didn't get a chance to shoot a picture of the bracelet my friend chose to wear for her son's barmitzvah, but she promised to lend it to me so I can take a photo for my library. Here's a work in progress photo I shot and shared on FB, in case you're interested.

BAO Item of the Week May 21 - 27

My cuff links are my featured Bead Art Originals (BAO) Item of the Week for May 21-27. Nine other BAO artists are participating this week with their own special items and offers. Click on the image below or go to BeadArtOriginals.Blogspot.com for details on each of these items and the specials available on them below.

3 Stones in a Frame Pendant

To celebrate a friend's milestone birthday (Happy 5oth!), I thought I'd make her a pendant. I know I wanted to use purple swarovski crystals. I was sure I wanted to create a piece using silver and 24K gold delicas, so I started working on the stones while I tossed around ideas on how I wanted to complete the piece.

As most of my bead projects progress, I start bit by bit and then proceed with components piece by piece till it feels "right." The stones stayed on my work table for some time before I finally decided to frame 3 stones in a rectangular piece. I managed to shoot the work in progress as I made the "frame" but completely missed out on shooting the completed piece! I was just too excited to wrap the piece in a box to give to my friend. Here are shots as I made the piece.

I started with the desired number of beads in a circle then delineated the corners for the rectangle with herringbone corners.I worked around the rectangle for as many rows as shown. I didn't want to frame to be thicker than needed as I wanted a rigid structure for the pendant.I found it easier to work the piece into 3D by working on one side rather than working in the round. So once I hit the halfway mark on one side, I started with the gold beads for the design and continued on till I had completed one side.
I zipped the straight sides closed and kept the slanted ends open to be connected later as I completed each side. Now work on another side and zipper it shut.After the longer side has been zipped, your can weave the corners together.Complete all sides of the pendant. Finally mount the stones and weave the bail. I just did a simple bail, 4 beads wide, about 16 beads long. For chain, I used a gold filled snake chain with a lobster clasp to complete the necklace.

Interpretations

I started a new project the other weekend, playing around with chinese crystal beads. I posted my first attempts on this the last time (click here to read that.). It's interesting to work on the same materials but to come up with as many combinations on technique and color.

My work has ranged from the stringent peyote bezeling technique which requires a prescribed bead count, size and shape to be successful in mounting a crystal on a beaded bezel. Then there's a brick stitch technique, pretty casual but rythmic in its execution. Then there's the devil-may-care freeform peyote technique which pretty much you can do with your eyes closed when picking up a bead and weaving them all together - well, I really didn't close my eyes otherwise I'd risk stabbing my fingers with my needles (I totally hate when that happens!).

Here's some eye candy!

Blue Skies Shining on Me....

Things are finally back to normal. Skies and clear and blue and the snow, albeit huge piles of it, are starting to melt. The weatherman predicts snow tomorrow, I think, but let's not worry about that.

I started a new project which is a good sign for me. Just playing around with chinese crystals and itty bitty beads. I just realized the blue and smoky crystals reflect the past winterstorms and today's blue skies. How rich is that?!

BeadJewelryShopgirl SALE

This is the first time I'm holding a sale since I first opened shop. I've been uploading pieces since yesterday into my etsy shop so please have a peek. A lot of these pieces have never been posted online. I've sold mainly through live craft shows as they've sold more quickly that way. BUT as my life and work schedule and pressure has intensified, I have not scheduled any shows but would still like to get my inventory moving. No sense in hoarding them, right? I need to share the love! So I hope you take advantage of my sale especially with the coming holidays. There's bound to be something special for someone special! Cheers!

Go to my etsy store (or click on the image above) to view items for sale under the category SALE SALE SALE. Have fun!

Bead Art Originals - Item of the Week

I'm so proud to belong to a talented group of artists. I'm referring to my peeps from Bead Art Originals, a prolific group of beadweavers and bead artists who week after week create a vast array of art. Every week we feature special items with special offers. Don't miss out on this week's smorgasbord of delightful treasures! Click on the image above and it will take you to the BAO blog and view each special offer. Remember these are specials ever week so visit the blog for the latest surprises.

Locked Into Pattern Mode

My style has always been freeform. I was always the type who never stuck to patterns, who never followed instructions to the letter, always improvising to my own specifications. When I started beading, I worked on designs from my head, never drawing designs like other artists, just picked up my tools and worked away and improvised my work as I progressed. I guess it was basically because I was too impatient. I just wanted a finished piece in my hand! Here's a sample of what a freeform bracelet would look like.Well, it seems I've developed some patience. And stepped outside of my comfort zone. Now I'm working on patterns and even worst (?) I lay out my designs first! I would either drawn or design first on a beading software program before I'd pick up bead, needle and thread. It began with the triangle patterns I developed into pendants and blogged about a few months ago. Now I'm finally executing the different patterns I designed for bracelets. Here I gotta say my inspirations came from my beadweaving peeps SandFibers and Time2Cre8, two gracious and highly talented designers.

The black and white bracelet in the photo below is a zebra inspired pattern. I rarely do anything that is animal print inspired - but like I said, I've stepped outside of my comfort zone. The bracelet next to it is a set of swirls. Yes, just swirls. Something that's a bit mezmerizing to look at don't you think? And finally, the bracelet of vibrant blues, purples and greens reminds me of waves or chevrons but in an irregular pattern (hint of freeform there, don't you think?).

My Babies Have Found New Homes!

I spent yesterday with my DC Craft Mafia peeps, Erica Burns (Erica Burns Designs) and Mary Kearns (Herban LifeStyle) at the Handmade Mart in Downtown Silver Spring. The day started out with rain but the sun didn't let us down and it shone the rest of the day (I have the sun burn to prove it!). Everyone was out and about and buying tons of stuff! There was live music and lots of things to eat and a whole street of handmade goodies. The whole event was a success in my opinion. Silver Spring is such a diverse and lively community.
My collegemate, Clarisse, who I haven't seen in ages, even dropped by! Thanks, Cla, for your support! A couple of her officemates are planning to launch their own jewelry business specializing in pearls and I was glad to give them some advise.

I also got to stock up on my favorite sugar scrub supplied by Herban Lifestyle. Mary worked on a new formula which I tried this morning and it's just luxurious! And the scent is so energizing - my favorite is Lemon Souffle. I highly recommend it!

Lastly, it's always greatly satisfying to see people pick up my jewelry and wear them. Below are some of the pieces that I said goodbye to yesterday. It was interesting that a lot of my blue and green pieces sold. Looks like those were the colors of the day. Also most of everyone were buying earrings. So blue, green and earrings were the favorites of the day. Enjoy them ladies!

BeadJewelryShopgirl in Handmade Mart!

This is a short post to remind everyone about my show this weekend. I will be with my DC Craft Mafia peeps in Handmade Mart this Sunday, May 31st in Downtown Silver Spring. Find us in Tent #58 (close to CakeLove's store. Yummy!)

The Handmade Mart in Downtown Silver Spring will bring together more than 50 independent artisans and crafters for a one-day show and sale of handmade goods. With hands-on workshops and demos, as well as live entertainment all day long on the music stage, the Handmade Mart promises fun for folks of all ages!

See you there!

All in a Day's Work!

I had a busy and rewarding day yesterday. I got to make 4 necklaces and 2 earrings. I had a bit of a slow start with a new design - did 3 false starts before I finally got the hang of it - then did a quick trip to the local bead store for some emergency supplies and back to beading again. This is a short post cause I need to get back to work! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Oh Happy Days!

Sun is out finally out, it's a three day weekend and I'm beading like mad again! I have a show to prepare for and trying to remember all the thousand details to get ready for one. Number one on checklist is make more jewelry! So as I prepare for the beading marathon, let me show you some lovelies that I already do have on hand.

The pendant shown on the left will definitely be hard to part with. I hope no one will want it!

We move on from the art deco look to modern and minimalist with these beaded triangle earrings on long kidney ear hooks! What fun!

Finally, I hope to run into purple-lovers who I'm hoping won't be able to resist this bracelet and earrings set!

I almost forgot! I'll be at the Handmade Mart on May 31st, Sunday in Downtown Silver Spring. See ya!

From the drawing board to reality

Beading is great therapy. It certainly helps me to de-stress from work. But life took a turn and the stress became personal as my husband was diagnosed with cancer. The energies got shifted to him and beads became trivial. But beading still helped to keep my sanity. What do you do when you don't have access to a computer, can't really bring your beading stuff with you and had hours of dead time in the hospital where you really couldn't concentrate but needed to occupy your mind? I turned to coloring triangles. Pages and pages of triangles, I had a box of my son's coloring pencils in my bag, a template of a triangle and I would ease my mind into a mindless mental state and just color those little blocks. Some people looked at me like I was crazy (I still am!). Half the time, the results would be nice, the other half just gibberish. Funny how the mind can go into hypermode and idle at the same time. Mind and No Mind, kind of a thing?Now we are in remission (yay!) and life getting back to somewhat normal - depending on your definition of normal. I took the drawings and started to render these triangle pendants. It's been satisfying to bring these colorings to life. You know what they say about finding some light in life's dark moments. I think about my state of mind then when my purpose was just to color each tiny block. And now the satisfaction I have in finally taking these drawings and creating something tangible, real. And, hopefully, give enjoyment to the person who decides they like the pendants enough to wear them.

Silver Triangle and Onyx Earrings

I tend to take the earrings I make for granted. Probably because I make earrings when I need a mental break. Well, I've done a lot of earrings in the past year (yeah! needed that many mental breaks!). They've all been in hiding in my box of earrings begging to be photoed and shown off to the world after staying in the dark for too long. So I'm going to start introducing them here and in my etsy store one by one. It's their coming out party!