Saturday, December 20, 2008

Beaded Collage Pendant


It has been awhile, but trust that I've not been sitting
on my hands. In addition to my treasure trove of
interests, I am also a beader. Beading takes time and
patience, which I find myself short of these days.

I enjoy working with beads and just in case the thought
crossed your mind, I am by no means an expert. There
are many professional artist beaders out there.

I'm a bead dabbler.

Now for a longest time I have wanted to learn how to do a
Peyote stitch. I have tried tirelessly to teach myself
through magazines like "Bead and Button" and online
tutorials only to find my fingers tied up in knots and no
where near closer to executing this stitch. It took
some hands on training and a wonderful patient
instructor. I found Melanie teaching a class at one of
our local bead stores The Bead Gallery. Check out her
beautiful work here at "The Magpie".

This two-sided pendant is made up of (2) 1" X 3" microscope
slides, size 11 /15 japanese delica beads, collage fodder,
and LOTS of patience.

The piece is done in an Odd Count Peyote stitch. The
length of each side is beaded for a total of 4 sides, then
all pieces are stitched together around the glass.
The bail was added once the entire glass pendant was
framed.

I must admit there were moments that I thought
ingesting Peyote would be easier than stitching Peyote
but I managed to keep my resolve through the bitter
learning curve.

I'd still like to add few baubles to the bottom of the piece
otherwise I am very happy with the results.

Once I learned the stitch I decided to try a pattern I had
seen in Feb. '07 Bead and Button. It is a pattern of
the face of the Mona Lisa.

Here is my start. This pattern is done in Even Count
Peyote and size 11 japanese delicas. I've started this
piece over several times as I've had to learn how to keep
the tension consistent.

Next on my agenda... to encase (2) of these lovely glass
buttons back to back using the same Peyote stitch to
create a two-sided button pendant. Wish me luck!

Thought for today:
"It's up to each of us to get very still
and say,
'This is who I am.' No one else defines your life.

Only you do."

With much gratitude, I thank you for stopping by,
your friendship and kind words. PEACE.

Please check out my other locale: "ThE ArTfuL EyE"

12 comments:

Irene said...

I know nothing at all about beading and had not heard of it until today. Whatever it is, and however difficult it is, you seem to have done a terrific job. I think the pendant is just lovely and I can only imagine how much work went into it. You really are a multi talented artist.

K Hutchinson said...

WOWZERS this is gorgeous! You did a great job! WOW! I can do a little beading but this is stunning! ROCK ON!

Unknown said...

Lovely patient work. I can relate to all you said. Check your email. Hugs

John M. Mora said...

You create such beautiful work. It is wonderful how you combine interests and generate unique work with a focused clear sensibility.

Good to see your vision and also your sage calm words.

Regards from a cold front.

John M. Mora said...

Always gooo to come by for a second look and it has been quite quite rewarding.

This beaded collage is just splendid. Colors, images, technique - everything.

Just perfect.

Listening to my british invasion playlist riding backwards, looking at ads for a tv show ("deep undercover, who can you trust?") And the Rockettes at Radio City.

"Time is on my side" in my ears.

shayndel said...

Beautiful beads, beautiful color, beautiful artworks.
(I accidentally typed in 'artwords', and that too, your written expressions!)
I visited at John's suggestion, so glad to know of your inspirational creations.
Best wishes.

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

i am so impressed by your talent..
i love beading but i am nowhere near as good as you.
you are amazing.

xoxo nita

John M. Mora said...

off.all.week.other.than.regular.black.berry.moments.business.man.blue.meanies.my.best

shayndel said...

Thank you for your fun poem.
In Japan it's popular to play word games at the New Year,
I used the lines in a post today, to see if the verse can continue!

Anonymous said...

You dabble very well and I only wish I had the patience and eyesight to dabble half as good!
Beautiful treasure to behold:)

Linda M. Cain said...

I too am a dabbler. Every once in awhile I wonder how good I could be if I concentrated on just one thing.....but that's too boring for me! SO....I continue to enjoy what I do for a time, and then movo onto something else!

Whatever works!

Your Friend in ART,

Linda

Unknown said...


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