Dot's Book case: Diane Fitzgerald

 Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork & Beyond

Have you ever experienced a mental block?  I'm sure you have. We are human and sometimes this phenomenon disrupts our happy go lucky life.  I must be very human as I've had many of these.  What is a "mental block" you say?  Here is one definition from Wikipedia:

A mental block is either a repression of painful thoughts, or an inability to continue a train of thought, like in the case of writer's block. A similar phenomenon occurs when one cannot solve a problem in mathematics which one would normally consider simple. In the case of writer's block, many find it helpful to take a break and revisit their topic. Another tactic that is used when people with mental blocks are learning new information is repetition. Mental blocks can be caused by physical disabilities or simply a lack of focus. Mental blocks are also often used to describe a temporary inability to recall a name or other information.^[1]

 ^{My mental block has been with the bead stitch peyote.  I've taken many classes with so talented teachers hoping that the intense focus of class would help me get over my mental block to enjoy and embrace peyote stitch.  I CAN do peyote, but it does not come naturally for me.  I stumble, I focus, and then I just find myself putting it aside.  I tell myself "oh it is years of doing cross stitch and viewing charts that are straight up and down instead of charts and angles".  I've tried tools to help me read charts.  I've bought patterns with word descriptions along with the charts.  And finally, I've just told myself "I CANNOT do this".  I gave up and politely find myself struggling with peyote stitch while other stitches just come naturally to me.  I've had friends and teachers scratch their heads as they see me doing peyote and wonder why I can't learn to just relax and just enjoy it as much as they do.  It is a block and nothing can make me feel relaxed and successful doing peyote stitch.}

^{That is until NOW.  What has broken through the block and made my fingers dance and twirl as I construct intricate designs with peyote stitch?  A book has been my driven through the block and let in the bright creative light behind the sculpted peyote stitch.  Diane Fitzgerald's latest master piece has been that tool that has given me the insight and joy of being able to understand, appreciate and enjoy peyote stitch.  Diane's newest book, Shaped Beadwork & Beyond: Dimensional Jewelry in Peyote Stitch by Lark Jewerly and Beading, has opened up a new world of sculpting and creating pieces of art that before I'd only pushed away due to my thinking I could not understand it.  I embrace this book and am working my way through the projects learning and enjoying each and every chapter.}  

^{I've decided to do something a little different with my newest book review and show my own work of her projects.  It is still slow going as I have to constantly push back that nagging voice that tells me I'm going to fail.  So I just push that voice back and push on discovering that I can.  Shaped Beadwork and Beyond's chapters take me closer with each project built upon the other and then expanding for more dimensional peyote challenges.  The book starts out with understanding the basics then moves on to succeeding with Triangles, Teardrops, Beaded Beads, Bezels, Pointed Ovals, and then to a combination of Potpourri.  Each chapter and project has excellent bead diagrams and written word instructions to help succeed in completing the work.  If you follow me on my Facebook page you will have already seen some of these projects and my joy in learning them and conquering my block.}  

I first learned to make triangles and zipped them together

This project is from the Bezels chapter and Pointed Ovals

After feeling confident in making triangles and peyote bezels, I went on to create the Temari beaded bead and create a little fun sparkly flower.

A close up view of half a Temari beaded bead with peyote bezel to create a flower type structure

My version of the Eye to Triangle Necklace piece using techniques in the Pointed Oval chapter and the Bezel chapter.  I actually had a friend on Facebook tell me this looks like something a Star Fleet officer would wear (you have to be a Trekkie to get this).

Here is two of the Pointed Oval projects on my beading board.  The blue pointed ovals are from the Pirate Eye Bracelet turned into a necklace.

^{Each of these projects have made me feel so confident that I can really say I'm over my mental block with peyote.  I haven't mastered this stitch, and I still have so many more projects to attempt and succeed, but I know now that I CAN do this with Diane's book on my work table being my go to book and Muse in learning to master and enjoy peyote stitch.  Theses next are projects that I have on my to do list.} 

Diane taught this at 1 Stop Bead Shop in Dublin.   Because I was so afraid of Peyote, I did not take this class when I had the opportunity to learn it from Diane, but now I KNOW I can do this after completing the other projects and throwing over my mental block.

 

 

^{I'm amused now that I actually think in peyote.  Imagine that?  My brain has decided to throw out the block and embrace the intricate patterns and projects that can only be accomplished with needle, thread, and peyote.   Next time I see Diane anywhere, I'm going to give her the biggest smile and thank you for helping me break off the yoke of "I CANNOT do this".  I'm not done with this book and a journey of discovering and creating with sculpted peyote.  I can't wait to see what I can do now that I have a firm grip on this stitch.}  

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. 

Dot's Bookcase: Metal Clay 101 for Beaders

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Metal Clay 101 for Beaders

Create Custom Findings, Beads, Embellishments & Charms

Kristal Wick

When you were young, did your parents have you write out a Christmas wish list?  As soon as the Christmas catalogs started showing up in our mailbox, we’d start the scurry of looking them through each page trying to find THE THING that would make us so excited on Christmas morning.  My Mom would cut out different colored construction paper markers for each of us to use in the catalogs as place markers.  We were each allowed ten markers to choose ten possible things we wanted for Christmas.  Then we wrote down a wish list using the colorful place markers as reminders in our childish scrawl.  I would sometimes help my siblings that couldn’t write to compose their wish list getting just as excited as they were.  My Mom then would SEND our wish list to Santa with the confirmation that we’d be guaranteed at least one thing from our list from Santa.  You never knew which one it was but the anticipation and the hours of exploration kept six active kids busy from Thanksgiving on to the big day.  Now days, I don’t do wish lists as I pretty much buy what I need when I need it, but I actually have a semi-formal wish list for Santa to check out.  And what is it that I put on that wish list?

Well, after looking over Kristal Wick’s newest book published in October 2013, about creating ‘custom findings, beads, embellishments & charms’, I think I might want a kiln.  Metal Clay 101 for Beaders is another amazing book by Kristal Wick teaming full of temptations and ideas for the average Beaders to take their art work one step above by experimenting with Metal clay.  Not only does Kristal show fantastic closing to finish up your beadwork, but also she demonstrates techniques in sculpting and embellishing the Metal Clay.  I really enjoyed the how applied patinas give the whole piece a completely different look.  Who knew that hard-boiled eggs or Miracle Grow plant food could be used to create a unique appearance.

Sculpting, texturing, hammering and creating unique patterns and patinas will take Metal Clay from a lump to a startling piece of art jewelry with insights from Kristal’s book.  Throw in page after page of stunning projects with detailed instructions, experimentation, and a sprinkling of fun to cause you to hold your breath to see what comes out of the kiln.  

Puzzle Bracelet on page 55 uses texture plates to produce this amazing design.  Add semi precious chips to resin to make a stunning addition.

Wire Lace Crystal Netting bracelet has the most amazing toggle and clasp system.  If I could make unique pieces like this then this book definitely is a winner.  Santa, can I have that kiln?

 Lark has a wonderful interview with Kristal here.

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. 

Dot's Bookcase: Jamie Cloud Eakin Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects

Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects: Design and Construction, Ideas and Inspiration

Jamie Cloud Eakin

Imagine a Baseball field with the green grass freshly mowed, blue skies blushing in the late hours, and the Sun throwing down sparkling kisses to caress the faces of those watching from the stands.  Up to the bat comes Jamie with a Bead Embroidered bat slung over her shoulder.  The pitch comes almost blinding her with the twinkling of thousands of crystals.  She swings and makes it to first base with her 2005 Beading with Cabochons.  Looking up the ball is rising higher and higher to touch the Sun so she takes off and reaches second base with her 2010 Bugle Bead Bonanza.  Still the ball is hurtling toward the upper reaches of the stands, so she takes third bases with 2011 Dimensional Bead Embroidery.  Still the ball grabs the sky refusing to let gravity take it, and Jamie hits home base with 2013 Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects.  The crowd is standing as Jamie stands with at coveted Home Run under her belt.  She finds herself showered with a bucket of energy drink colored crystals as her fans cheer her new endeavor with great enthusiasm.  This is all playing in a big screen in the back of my mine as I greedily work my way through Jamie Cloud Eakin’s fourth marvelous book.  

With each of her four books that evolve around the bead weaving technique of Bead Embroidery, Jamie takes her followers step by step into the world of color, form and texture.  Bead Embroidery Projects is the next logical step by combining design and construction beginning with a tip on how to make your own personal collar to manipulating components using the tips and ideas she has given the designer to advance and compliment their skills in jewelry making to create unique individual pieces of art.  

In the project Loop de Loop Necklace (pg. 29), she explores a simple design made stunning by adding dimensional techniques.  With English Garden (pg. 47), she shows how working with multiple focal cabochons can change the appearance of the piece.  I was excited to see that she suggest recording the experiments with pictures for future references.  I do this, and it is something that I’ll go back to again and again to decide if I really did make the correct adjustments to the design element.

With the project My Fair Lady Necklace (pg 62), the object of the lesson is to using multiple focal components assembled by experimenting with how the draping strands of seed beads and stone at stress connection points can change the design and visual appearance of the piece.

The project Circulating Round Necklace concentrates on design and construction using connections of components and additional connections for a stabilizing effect of the assembled pieces.  Jamie here recommends two connections with each component construction that is a great idea as I myself have struggled with twisting and turning components in past constructed necklaces.

Then Jamie shows how using Asymmetrical designs with the project Waterfall Necklace (pg 97) can change the visual appearance have a piece while taking the assemblage of the individual components to new heights of completion.

The remainder of the book is filled with earring and bracelet projects that though smaller have just as much thought into construction and design as a larger necklace project.  She shows multiple variations for each project to stimulate creative experimentation.  One of my favorite bracelet projects is Marquis Magic Bracelet (pg 133) that pulls a positive visual response with color and the use of multiple components.  And then who doesn’t enjoy a big doses of eye candy in the gallery pages which I was thrilled as I saw a friend of mine (Arline Lewis), whose work I love and several pieces she’s gifted me with, showcased in the gallery.

If you love Bead Embroidery as much as I do, then do not hesitate to add Jamie’s fourth book to your permanent collection.  And if you don’t have the other three books, then definitely go out and purchase them as I can guarantee you will not be disappointed with the thought and work Jamie has put into each and every project. 

 As always, LarkJewelry and Beading has given the reader a fantastic layout with Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects.  All I’m saying is that Jamie has hit that “ball” so high knocking it outside of the ball park that it just might find itself up in the heavens twinkling down on each of us every night reminding us to create, experiment and enjoy.

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. 

Dot's BookCase: Marcia DeCoster's Beads in Motion

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Marcia DeCoster’s

 Beads In Motion: 24 Jewelry Projects That Spin, Sway, Swing, And Slide

Marcia DeCoster, one of the most beloved Jewelry Artist in the world has wowed us again with Beads in Motion from Lark Jewelry & Beading Bead Inspirations series.  Marcia’s first book Beaded Opulence a part of Lark’s Bead weaving Master Class series is still an inspiration of bead weavers, now has a companion book from Marcia that is playful and delightful using motion as the beginning trigger for each of the 24 projects. 

I have to admit that I’ve taken more classes with Marcia than any one else and each time I’ve been pushed to use the techniques she’s shown me to go outside the box and incorporate them into my own view work.  With glamorous photos of each project showing it completed and then how it MOVES combined with Marcia’s signature illustrations, each project can be successfully completed.  Having a piece of Art that you can spin, sway, swing or slide can be a constant reminder of how FUN jewelry can become. 

Right Angle Weave used with crystals and pearls create a stunning piece of joy in Carousel Bracelet (Pg. 54) creating a spinner on the top gliding around the focal element which is a perfect distraction while waiting in traffic.  Riveted Necklace (Pg. 70) is just a delight to look at which the stunning color combinations Marcia has shared for this project.  Necklace and pendant spinning around a central beaded rivet is a stunning piece of Art that will be attract attention when you wear it.  Be prepared to have everyone wanting to admire this stunner.  

Passion Flower Bolo (Pg. 110) uses daggers and a central crystal bezeled Rivoli to make a sparkling bloom that can be used in a pretty mesh chain.  I could definitely see Rita Hayworth wearing something like this in a seductive Film Noir movie, but here you have the project to make you feel like a Movie Star out on the town.

The last project in Beads in Motion is Marcia’s stunning Rings of Saturn Necklace (Pg 114) that I can tell you are delightful to make (oh yes, I’ve made two from purchased kits and actually sold both of them while wearing  at art shows).  Three crystal embellished rings spin around a central peyote vessel creating a sparkling effect that will definitely have all eyes in the room looking at you. 

If you ever get a chance to take a class with Marcia, you will be delighted and enchanted with her as a teacher and a jewelry designer.  Marcia is always experimenting with new designs and computer skills and shares her world with followers on her blog.  Until then, you just must add Marcia DeCoster’s Beads in Motion to your Christmas list…or why wait!  But it NOW and enjoy creating flowing moving jewelry that will make the child inside you extremely happy.

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. 

Dot's Book Case: Soutache: 30 Gorgeous Bead Embroidery Designs.

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Soutache: 30 Gorgeous Bead Embroidery Designs

Anneta Valious

Several months ago, there was an online discussion praising the look of Soutache jewelry mainly being done by European Jewelry Artist.   Many announced that they considered using Soutache as a fad that would eventually wear itself out and fade into obscurity.  AnnetaValious, in her new book Soutache another great book from Lark Jewelry and Beading company as part of their Bead Inspirations series, states that Soutache trim have been incorporated in clothing, uniforms and hats throughout history.  So therefore, it is prime time that it be used in jewelry design.   I’ve been admiring for a while the images of SoutacheBead Embroidery jewelry predominately used by European Artist incorporating traditional Bead Embroidery techniques with Soutache Trim.  Up until recently, Soutache trim was difficult to obtain in the United States so it hasn’t been used in many projects.  Now with many colors available through online Bead shops and Anneta Valious’ gloriously illustrated book, I believe that we’ll be seeing more Soutache added to a variety of jewelry trends making it delightful and thrilling to add to tools for creativity.  I was extremely delighted to see many pieces of Jewelry Art used in the 2013 Battle of the Bead Smiths.  

Each project in Anneta’s newest book has clear concise photo illustrations from the simplest design (Pg. 19) using multiple strands of Soutache trim to the stunning Moon River necklace combing multiple pieces to achieve a balancing act of symmetry and color (Pg.129). 

From elegant necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings, this versatile trim finds its way embracing and enhancing traditional bead embroidery jewelry.  Necks, wrist and earrings aren’t the only body part that can be a showcase of Soutache jewelry as Anneta shares a project showcasing Soutache with rings such as the Mirage Ring (Pg 98).

Anneta recommends using 1/8 inch wide Soutache trim gluing the ends so that the strands of the Soutache trim won’t fray.  I’ve used my thread burner that also seems to work very well.  It does take practice but adding any new product has its learning curve. Meanwhile, Anneta’s book has many photos of projects that will thrill you and take you on a ride of joy.

Example of photo illustrations easy to follow

Soutache Bead Embroidery is here to stay. And I applaud having one more material to use while creating and pushing boundaries.  I also was talking to a fellow doll makers like myself who is now thinking about how to use Soutache with beads in new doll designs.  Yes, Soutache is going to be around for awhile, and I’m sure it is going to make a big impact in future jewelry designs. 

Soutache trim can be found online :

Simply Soutache 

Beads East 

In the UK, Bojangle Beads 

Other various bead supply online stores and, if you're lucky as I am, at your local bead store 

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. 

Fall is in the Air

Red leaves cascading down to carpet the yard with dancing color, dew drenched grass in the early mornings, frosty breaths escaping from the bird bath, and clear blue skies are all forecasters of Autumn.  Here in Central Ohio, we really don't need look at the calendar to know that we are one step closer to snow and icy cold.  But meanwhile, it is time to enjoy Mother Nature putting on one more show embracing herself with color.

Grab a hot beverage as the Crisp Fall air is here to stay

Another thing that this time of the year signals is that it won't be long until we hear the jingling sound of bells and Christmas Carols.  What a perfect time to start your list of wants and subtle hints to those wanting to gift you with the perfect present.  For Bead Artist, those definitely would be some of the finest books to entice and wet the creative appetite.  Lark  Craft Books has a fantastic line of books that should and need to be in any crafter/artist book case.  I know they are all there in mine within easy reach for me to casually thumb through whenever I have a few moments to luxuriate in projects and just plain eye candy.  Therefore, I'm going to showcase a few of the newer books Lark has to offer this month. So get ready to want...and want some more...and want even more.  Lark Books has something for everyone's taste.

Keep your eyes out for a month of book reviews by me of  Lark Craft Books featuring designers and artist that are currently creating challenging pieces of Art.

And don't forget that inspiration can be found as close as your own backyard.