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. 

Suzanne Golden Presents...review

Many of my friends are heading out today and the rest of the weekend to Milwaukee for the Bead and Button show.  I had to chuckle last night when I saw someone refer to it as the BEAD MECCA.  And it truly is a place of camaraderie, awe, and just plain old fun.  I wrote to several this morning as they were getting ready to get onto the train, plane, or automobile wishing them good travel weather and then complaining to them that I had to stay here and just be green with envy.  I thought about all those hours upon empty hours as your stomach is churning with excitement to see old friends, lots of glorious classes and shopping, meeting new friends in classes and events, but mostly seeing the displays of jewelry and bead sculpture adorned on people walking through the convention center and on display for the Bead Dream Challenge.  If it was me waiting for the next connection or just at the road side stop for a snack before jumping back into traffic, I would want to wet my appetite for the big show with Suzanne Golden Presents: Interviews with 36 Artist Who Innovate with Beads.  Well, unfortunately for me, I'm not able to attend this year, but that is not going to stop me from taking this week and enjoying using Suzanne's book to cruise from page to page getting to "meet" new artist and "revisit" with those artist I follow on either Facebook or their blogs.  I must say that though not like being there with all the excitement but Suzanne Golden Presents makes feel as if I AM in Milwaukee.

Suzanne's book was published in April 2013 by Lark Jewelry and Beading.  Once again, Lark has given us a delicious book filled with Suzanne's interviews with bead artist throughout the world.  The book "offer...lush images and interviews with every artist [personally chosen by Suzanne}, this volume is pure inspiration.  Suzanne herself is an inspiration for any artist indulging in beads or any other medium through her use of bold colors and beads "that nobody else would have the courage to touch for fear of not being taken seriously"'  Well now, doesn't that just want to make you jump over to her website and check it all out for yourself?  Or why not friend her on Facebook and follow her on her journey of just living full steam.

With Suzanne Golden Presents: Interview with 36 Artist Who Innovate with Beads, I've chosen with this review five artist that I had never been introduced to before.  I've seen their work in magazines or on the Internet, but had never really be "introduced" to them.  I chose these three because they all work with the artistic form just as I love to do.  Many of them like myself use whatever they can find such as plastic toys.  I'd like to also introduce you to these five artist who have made my heart pound a little faster seeing some of the fantastic creations they've come up with. 

Felieke Van der Leest

Felike van der leest is an incredible bead artist  from the Netherlands.  Her work can be seen in galleries in Amsterdan, NewYork, and in Tokyo.  I really enjoy the humor in her work, and she likes to recycle her collection of plastic animals  into works of art that amuse and delight viewers.  She uses bead crochet, bead embroidery, and other bead weaving techniques.  Masterfully designed with a big dash of humor makes Felike an artist I can identify with and am excited to have been introduced to her and her work.  You can see more of Flike's work here on her website.

Sari Liimatta

Sari uses a technique I haven't seen done since I was making Christmas ornaments back in the 70s.  She uses toy animals and actually pins the beads onto them creating unique and original pieces of art that amuse and makes the looker want to reach out an caress  the piece.  Sari says that "I find a toy animal which I examine thoroughly to get an idea of how it NEEDS ME.  Then I connect the toy with a suitable story...sometimes the theme of the piece needs to be told in a very forced manner.  Letting the pins show is a way I can do this.  It is a tool....."  Each of Sari's piece does pull a piece of emotion from the viewer.  You can see more of  Sari's work on her website.

Jan Huling

I got to discovery one of Jan's pieces the year I went to Bead and Button show in Milwuakee.  I stood and gazed at her A Gentle Man getting lost in the multiple colors and hypnotizing designs.  I was amazed to find out that Jan glues her beads onto the form.  Jan states that "I tried needlework, jewelry making, decoupage, and other things but didn't feel super inspired.  Gluing beads onto stuff just felt right".  And she has found an amazing way to share her magical palette and imagination with the work.  More of Jan's work can be seen on her website. 

Uliana Volkhovskaya

Uliana is a self taught artist from the Ukaraine.  She is a supported in her creative work by her husband and her daughter.  Her work is whimsical and announces the joy of life and small things in life. But her work is far from small.  The intricate weaving explodes giving her figures life and joy to the viewer.  What is also amazing is that Uliana states "most of the figures I make are dynamic with MOVABLE LIMBS.  I am inspired by cartoons, funny pictures and scenes from daily life".  To see more of Uliana's work you can visit her website. 

Christy Puetz

Christy works with a group called Beads of Courage, a nonprofit organization that creates arts-in-medicine programming for children coping with cancer and other serious illness.  I really felt drawn to Christy's work as I myself have just started working at Nationwide Children's hospital in Columbus Ohio.  I intend to spend more time investigating this group and found out how I too can make a different on the lives of those small children who are so brave while learning to cope.  Christy has a series that really intrigued me called "Lost Forest".  She states that non of the creatures have eyes.  They hold poses that that make them appear frozen in time, waiting for onlookers to exit so they can secretely move around in the shadows.    She says that choosing beads for a piece is "like going on a treasure hunt with a specific map".  Her pieces all awake a primal desire to further investigate the mystery behind the pose.  More of Christy's work can be seen on her website. 

These are just five of the thirty six artist in Suzanne Golden's book.  There are so many more that are familiar to me and just as many that I've never be exposed to before.  I hope like me, you take the time to explore each and every single one of them.  Enjoy the interview in the book and then go out onto the Internet and further immerse yourself in glorious beads, glorious ART.  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.

I have been making my way through I CAN Herringbone a little more.  I can't tell you enough what a marvelous book this is.  Click below to find the link to buy this book on Amazon for 1/2 price.  You will NOT regret it:

I Can Herringbone: From Basic Stitch to Advanced Techniques, a Comprehensive Workbook for Beaders

Mish Mash Delight using one of the fused glass pieces from Roxanne's class

One of the lesson's in Mellisa's book where you add to the herringbone chain.  In this experiment, I added a different colored seed bead and then a 4mm pearl giving the chain "bumps

The fused glass piece has a peyote bezel and the crystal has a RAW bevel embellished with glass drops.  I added a few pearls to pop out the color of the crystal and then added a bone rondelles.

 

 

In this project, I made another herringbone chain from Melissa's book and used the twisted version of it.  When Liz was visiting, I found a bag of taxidermy glass eyes so I decided it was time to use one of them on a project.  It was glued down on a piece of Nicole's Bead Backing which is my favorite.

The Eye of the Beholder:  To finish this up, I did a RAW bezel around the eye and embellished with a few glass drops.  To keep it simple, I only did one row of back stitch using seed beads and pearls.  I wore this the other night to work, and no one guessed it was a glass eye looking at them.

 

 

A special message from Lark Craft

I'm happy to report a very special opportunity this week: most Lark Jewelry
& Beading books are on sale at half price on BN.com until Dec. 11, and
Amazon.com also is matching most of the sale prices.

We've listed all the titles available at half-price on our blog at:
http://bit.ly/SDJu63

Or, full URL:
http://www.larkcrafts.com/jewelry-beading/lark-half-price-sale/http://www.larkcrafts.com/jewelry-beading/lark-half-price-sale/

The sale includes our best-selling 500 and Masters gallery gift books,
including Publishers Weekly Book of the Year Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry. It
includes beading books by Sabine Lippert (an Amazon Top 10 Craft Book of the
Year), Jill Wiseman, Sonoko Nozue, Diane Fitzgerald, Marcia DeCoster, Sherry
Serafini, Rachel Nelson-Smith, Melissa Grakowsky, Mabeline Gidez, Jamie
Cloud Eakin, Laura McCabe, Ann Benson, Janice Berkebile and Tracy Stanley,
Candie Cooper, and so many other wonderful teachers and designers. And it
includes jewelry technique books by Gordon Uyehara, Mary Hettmansperger,
Carles Codina, Joanna Gollberg, Linda Darty, Dylon Whyte, Lisa Bluhm,
Barbara Becker Simon, Brenda Schweder, Nathalie Mornu, Kathy Sheldon, and,
again, many, many of our top authors.

We hope you'll share the links above, or direct links to specific books, via
your own preferred social media channels. It's a great opportunity for your
friends, colleagues, and the community, and I'm so pleased to share it with
you.

Happy holidays,

Ray Hemachandra