Inspired by a bead ...

I have a friend who is an amazing lampwork artist  (Bead Up a Storm - Vanessa Hearn) ... she makes the most incredible pieces and I am lucky enough to own some of her work.  I came across one of these pieces the other week and it inspired a new design.

So what do you do with a bead, some leather and a loom ...

... this is what you do, you design a pattern and let your imagination go wild! The pattern has an almost snake skin quality - shimmery and shiny! I used Miyuki Delica's  11/o in all metallics except for the turquoise which is matte.

The width of the looming is 15 beads wide (1 inch)  ... add the leather and voila - a sensational leather cuff for all occasions!

The leather is just under 2 inches wide and bought from a recycling shop, it has a lovely texture and feels wonderful on.  (I really need to find those leather tools!)

So thank you my wonderful friend, I love your work!

Nan's Cuff

Diamonds maybe a girls best friend ...

but pearls are her soul!

I love pearls ... they are my favourite, the beautiful lustre entices every time.

Nanna My passed away over 10 years ago, after she died I was given a bag that contained some odd beads and pearls.  Most were cheap glass ones but some although dirty and unkempt, after a little bit of TLC shone as they should.

So what to do with these pearls, they have sat staring at me on my bead mat for quite a while, and then inspiration came to me to create a cuff as a tribute to her, so Nanna My - where ever you may be ... I hope you like.

Technique:  Erin Simonetti Warp Management

Design:  Caron Reid

Style:  Erin Simonetti Channel Cuff
Cuff Materials:  Nanna My's Pearls, Toho Sead Beads, Tila Beads

Fringe:  4mm and 5mm seed pearls

Facing your fears

2011 has been a huge year for me, testing my creativity to its maximum.  Personally, its been a year of reflection and whilst I've had my moments, in comparison to others I know who have suffered terribly its been a good year.

As I look back on my achievements over the past 12 months - I overcame some major health issues and can now report an (almost) 100% bill of physical health. I started off the year in a new role and slightly different career direction - which at first was a case of what have I done but through the support of my wonderful work colleagues and close friends, my hard work has paid off and I'm enjoying my role.  Personally, there have been some small setbacks, however I'm blessed with an incredible support network and some amazing friends and working through these. Overall, I'm  happy with the direction my life is taking me.

On the artisian front - this year I took up bead looming.  My dear friend, Erin introduced me to the loom as a means to keep me occupied after my surgery.  I was one of those people who said those words "never" when it came to using seed beads in my work.  I don't know why I feared these itty bitty tiny beads but I did.  The dye was set and the loom arrived - the challenge was in place and after my first tentative rows and the pattern evolved, I was hooked!  Then came pattern development, testing my patience and capacity with new techniques and methods ... its a constant, evolving process and I have so much to learn!  Not only did Erin introduce me to the world of looming but to others like me who were looking to embrace or develop their skills n this area - I'm part of a fabulous group and have made many lovely new friends this year.

Another area I had been involved in but wanted to explore further was metal clay.  After the studio closed, I saved up for a kiln and late this year it arrived.  After much searching, I found someone to make a stand specifically for the kiln which would withstand high temperatures.  I'm now set to go.  I have never been more scared to start something in my life - with fears of burning down the house and after much reading, the kiln is now up and running.  I'm going through the testing phases at the moment but with my first commission for early February, the pressure is on!

So - this year has been an interesting one - I have faced many fears - from personal to creative ones - but if you take a deep breath and just go for it ... you can overcome yours too!