Locked Away was a big project, and now that it's finished, I feel like I'm pretty much free to bead whatever I want. But what should that be? Do I want to focus on smaller projects while I'm packing and moving, or do I want to follow this up with another biggie?
For the immediate future, I'll probably work on a few small projects. I could use some more anklets on the website, for instance, and I might make some earrings with some of the Earthenwood beads from my recent order. But after that, I might start another large project. It's nice to have something major to work on, it makes me feel like more of an artist.
In the meantime, I've mostly spent today working on non-bead-related stuff, like cleaning and packing and working out. I managed to work out and dance today, which was nice. The dancing was kind of like a little reward to myself after lifting weights and doing crunches. And I put a dent in the stacks of books in the closet. Ahhh, productivity!
I'm a day late, but your necklace is great! (And I'm very inpressed with that macro setting!) And speaking of projects, did you comment about doing a beaded bezel a while ago? I've seen a piece that has inspired me and even if I only do one in my lifetime, I think I'd like to try. Can you recommend a book that'll get me started? I have never woven or worked with seed beads in that arena. And since your pieces are so amazing, I'm hoping you can help me get started with some book advice. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBooks get their own closet?
ReplyDeleteCarlene, there are several different types of beaded bezel. If you're looking for instructions for an open-backed bezel, especially for a rivoli, then you'll want Laura McCabe's crystal book, which I can't recall the name of off the top of my head.
ReplyDeleteIf you're wanting to glue a cab down and embroider around it, you'll want Kummli and Serafini's Art of Bead Embroidery. There's a different book by someone else called Beading with Cabachons which has lots of nice eye candy, but I don't like her bezeling technique as much.
If you can send me a picture of the piece that has you inspired, I may be able to narrow down the recommendation :)
Marilee, the bedroom closet has a really sturdy shelf running its length, so most of our novels are on that, piled as high as I could reach. Rather, they were before I packed 95% of them today ;)
ReplyDeleteAh, mine has that shelf, too, but I keep shoes up there, boxes for electronics, and the boxes of slippers -- I go through a pair every three months and I buy four pairs when they go on sale near the Winter Shopping Holiday.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I just got the van back -- it was brake pads in the front.
Thanks for the book recomendations, our local Borders actually had 2 of them and another I wanted. I never buy books full price, but after I looked at them and was standing there holding them, I couldn't put them back! I'm embarrassed to say I can't remember where I found my inspiring piece!:( I'm like a ping pong ball with ADD on on the internet. It was in a flicker group and I've tried to retrace my clicks, but I think it might be lost in cyberspace. I did think to write down the artist, Sandfibers, who has a Etsy shop! (But of course the piece wasn't there!)In fact her pendants in the shop were pretty tame compared to the beauty I saw. Anyway, if I every find it again, I'll let you know. And thanks for the book list! (I actually want to try both styles now!)
ReplyDeleteExcellent, I'm glad that you found the books. Sometimes you've just got to splurge and buy things at full price. I think you'll find that they were both worth the investment, they're chock full of eye candy and useful tips. I hope you'll share pictures of what you make :)
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