Sunday, June 24, 2012

BIG Summer Give Away-Serafini

I cannot believe that somewhere between here and there, I had not picked up or seen this book.  Where have I been?  For my second big Summer give away thanks to the folks at Sterling Publishing and Lark Craft, I have TWO COPIES of of Sherry Serafini's Sensational Bead Embroidery: 25 inspiring jewelry projects.  How exciting is that? 


First for the rules on how you can win one of these marvelous books from one of the Master Bead Embroiderers.  First off, you must be over 18, live in the continental US or Canada, either are or become a follower of my blog, and you need to leave a comment on this posting. I will draw TWO names on July 4thAlso, please make sure there is some way that I can contact you either through your profile or leave me an e-mail address.  For fun, please let me know if you already know Bead Embroidery and what your passion is.  Also, did I mention that these two books are signed?


If you have never taken a class with Sherry, then this is one teacher you must put on your "I've got to take a class with this Person" list.  She is a marvelous patient teacher who spends as much time helping her students with design, color matching, and techniques.  I didn't know this about her, but in her book she states that she has a "degree in graphic design and studied fine arts in college".  Then she got the bug for beads.   She states also that bead embroidery "is wonderful if you desire spontaneity in your designs.  While bead embroidery can start from specific pattern with specific bead placements, there's also the option of being completely impromptu with beads".  I cannot agree with her more.  Bead embroidery allows the arts to sit down with paper and pen drawing intricate patterns on your beading material or just go all wild placing bead after bead onto your canvass in pleasing patterns. 

This book is mainly intended for the more intermediate to advanced person who already has the beginning techniques down, but that should not stop anyone wanting to learn this fabulous technique from passing on this book. Each project has a detailed supply list for those who wish to complete the project and have it look like that which is photographed in the book, or you can just chose your own beads and color palette.  The very first project " Spiked Angel Brooch"  is easy enough for the beginner to start.   Between each project are also photos of some of Sherry's most breath taking designs and pieces of jewelry.  The whole book's project ends with the amazing "Perfect Union Neck piece".  Every single one of the 23 projects give you detailed knowledge on how to begin, but more importantly how to finish each design from putting the encrusted front to backing, sewing them all together, embellishing the ends, to the clasp.  AND there are patterns in this book for you to use in your own step into the pathway of Bead Embroidery.

To celebrate this Big Summer give Away to win one of two books, I've decided to take one of Sherry's projects and share with you how I complete it.  I started working on "Black Widow Collar" from Chapter 4: Natural Wonders.  I started it about a week ago, and am documenting my progress with pictures taken with my iPhone.  Now remember my blog name as I have indeed speeded my way through this fantastic project.  It all started out with a piece of glass that I got at the Bead Unique Tahoe Retreat.  I wish I could remember who gave it to me as the colors are just amazing.  Then I took a few small pieces of glass given to me by my Synergy partner, Cyndy Gohsman.  I have been using Nicole's Bead Backing for my past projects and wanted to experiment to see if it was durable enough for a bigger project.  I chose gray for the color as I wanted the beads to dominate the color pathway.  I've got most of it done by this posting, and will post more of my completion and finished project in future postings.  I must say that Sherry's book has really made my Muse dance with pleasure with each project and the luscious gallery of Sherry Serafini and other artist's work. 








I had to go back to work, so my progress on this project might be a little slower than it was last week while I was on vacation, but it makes me so excited to work on this that I just can't help myself and might spend time that should be used to rest and sleep to finish up.

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.

36 comments:

Larissa said...

Oooh! Oooh! ME! *grabby hands*

Unknown said...

Ms. Serafini is so talented. I am not even half worthy to kiss her beading needle.!

Katie B said...

Dot, I'd love to have a copy of Sherri's newer book.
It would be an additional to my library and I know it would be inspirational !

The bad Liz said...

The chance of winning even one of these books is wonderful!! Sherry is an awesome instructor and having a class with her is something ever bead embroiderer would cherish!

LIndsey said...

You are so freaking fast! This book is on my amazon wish list. I really love these Lark books!

Debra Wallace said...

This is so interesting. It looks very complex, it surely must be!

Irene Lenihan said...

I don't have this book yet and would love to have to drool over. It would be so nice to look thru and see all the projects I can someday attempt.

Beady Zoo said...

What a wonderful book to share, Dot! I'm still practicing bead embroidery ... one of these days I want to try a cuff or collar, but in the meantime I keep practicing on little buttons and bits.
--
Kathy B

Torque Story said...

Dot, this looks to be a great book. I love Sherri's work. (And I hope you got my email response to yours introducing myself as your bead soup blog partner!

Heather said...

Yeah! Love contests :)

Unknown said...

Wow, it would be wonderful to own a signed copy of Sherri's book. I have a friend who doesn't have it and this would be a special gift for her.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hi Dot
I have this wonderful book so don't enter me (though mine is not signed). I didn't want to visit without commenting on your necklace. It's stunning.
xx, Carol

Helena said...

Can't wait to see Sherri's book! She is fabulous! and I recommend everyone to take one of her classes. You would not be sorry.

Helena said...

I'd love to have Sherri's book! she is terrific.

char said...

Love how your collar turned out, really beautiful. I have Sherry and Heidi's first bead embroidery book, its also great. Happy Beading!

Diane Lithgow said...

This book would be sensational but I live too far away. I live your collar Dot.
Diane, New Zealand

Didi-beadwork said...

your necklace is wonderful Dot and I would love to win the book but live too far away.
Diane, New Zealand

SandyMarcil said...

Dot,
I'd love a Serafini book to add to my collection.
I am in awe of your work, you have such a talent.
Amazing collar. And you are speedie, that is for sure!!!

Sandy Marcil
Sammers38

Ellen said...

I would love one of the books! I just found your blog and am excited to be following it!!

Jann Christiansen said...

Love, love, love the necklace! I already have the book so don't enter me, but wanted to comment on the necklace. Jann - Dayton, OH

rockcreekcreations said...

I have dreamed of making beadwork like hers!! It would be wonderful to win this book!!

Tanya said...

I've been wanting to try bead embroidery for a while now and this book would be quite the inspiration. Wonderful giveaway. Thank you!

minxdkrolo said...

I have only made a few bead embroidered pieces but I do enjoy it. Thanks, for the wonderful giveaway!!!

Cathy Spivey Mendola said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what you're making!!! I would LOVE to have one of her books. I too have caught a major 'bug' for beading. My house is running out of room to store all the beads I've been accumulating. Not enough hours in the day to bead!

Denise said...

Your necklace is beautiful!! I would absolutely love a copy of this book! So pick me!!
I have been following your blog for years, not sure if I am a listed follower or I just do it because I enjoy it!
Cheers, Denise

Unknown said...

I would LOVE a copy of this book! I do so bead embroidery, but am self taught. I would love to see how a professional does it:) ss10001 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Cece Cormier said...

You do some beautiful beading there. I've tried my hand at a few bead embroidered pieces and really enjoyed it. That book looks like a great resource.

Beadcomber said...

Gorgeous beadwork. I would love to learn from a master beader. Living in the boonies, a book is the closest to a workshop I can get to, so would very much appreciate this book.

My passion primarily polymer clay, but I pick up beads now and then. Following your blog now to see what other fabulous things you are up to! that collar is stunning!

my email is beadcomber@yahoo.com
Thanks for the opportunity!
Tinah

madelineMi said...

Would love to have one of her books. Did not take a class with her when she visited GLBG (not sure why) but loved seeing her work, it is even more awesome than the photos. Thanks for the opportunity.

madelineMi said...

Would love to have a copy. Heard her speak, saw some of her work in person at the GLBG meeting (back when??). Bought some suppies but did not take a class, not sure why. Her work is even more incredible when you see it in person. Thanks for the opportunity.

Madeline C

Anna said...

This is an amazing book, I love the pieces I've seen of Sherry's. I've done a little bead embroidery - earring size pieces, but I want to do more.

Gutukas said...

What a beautiful collar, and very very awsome book. It is a pity you don't do it internationally :(... what is to be done...
I have been doing bead embroidery already for 3 months or more, since I joined a virtual class in one forum, after this school we have remained in the topic, maybe due to the creativity this technique offers, one can experment endlessly...I also have copied one collar shape from the book (called it Herra. :) Thanks and good luck.

Beadcomber said...

Hi Dot, not sure why my last comment didn't show, but would love to have the opportunity.
thanks so much,
Tina

Shirley said...

I have not attempted bead embroidery yet, but I am a part of a group called Beading Babes. Every couple of months we choose several projects to work on, and the one that was chosen to create this month is Sherri's cuff that was published in June 2011 Beadwork. I love seeing your process, and am excited to be a new follower of your blog!

Sally Anderson said...

I'd love to win a copy of this book (have wanted it for a while actually). I'm a new follower of your blog thanks to Geneva from Torque Story. You're doing amazing work. So impressive!

KipperCat said...

I'm just getting started with bead embroidery & I'd love to have this book! I'm now a subscriber, and also sent here by Torque Story