A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to be drawn as one of the four winners of Robin Atkins giveaway of her first book, "One Bead at a Time" now out of print. It arrived and the obsession began. Many of you know that I've never been an avid beader, I loved the way beading embellished my stitching, but I've never been good at it. Didn't know how to choose, place or attach beads. Plus I was always stabbing my fingers with those thin needles.
That was then this is now. After reading my prize book and then purchasing the companion book, I was hooked. DD and I took a trip up to Frisco, CO to a bead shop that we had visited once before. Luna's Beads and Glass has more beads than you can poke a needle through. I nearly lost the nest egg, not because they are unusually expensive, but because there are so many temptations. I'm not good at resisting temptations either.
Check out Robin's blog Bead Lust and get inspired. On her website, she also has beads for sale and other accessories like needles, beading thread and stuff like that. Beautiful stuff. Robin's books can also be purchased on her website. I used to think that most beads were used for jewelry making and that in large part is a true statement, but using your imagination to embellish your needlework, or create, of all things a bead journal, opens many possibilities for expression. It's all so fascinating and oozes of creativity. I'm just getting started on this odyssey and cannot wait to make something wonderful. Heart to Hands gives ideas on what type of project to start but also includes 20 different techniques for creating forms, textures and even ruffles. Oooo a bead ruffle. BTW "One Bead at a Time" is now available as an eBook on Robin's website. Thank you once again for stopping by for a visit today, I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the wonderful beads available; I write as if this is something new but I know there are many bead artists out there that have been practicing this art for years, it's only new to me.
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Those are gorgeous beads, especially the leaf ones. We have a very nice bead store close by called Bead Jungle. I looked into taking some classes (I really just want to learn how to make scissor fobs.), but I haven't been feeling well enough to manage yet. I should find some time during the summer. Have fun with your new obsession. Right now I am just collecting beads without making much out of them except:
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Hi Madonna,
ReplyDeleteI could not help but smile when I read your blog entry as I am also becoming more interested in beading and will soon work on a project too.
Can't wait to see what you will be doing (big grin)
Pierrette =^..^=
You collected a lot of wonderful beads! I usually buy them the same way, without a project in mind. I will definitely have to check out that shop the next time we are out that way.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever checked out Fire Mountain Gems? I got one of their catalogs in the mail the other day, and at first thought it was a phone book LOL :)
Oh good, I am very much looking forward to seeing your project. I'm in a perfect environment today (rainy and cold YAY!) to finish reading my new books and getting a few thoughts down on paper.Thanks for writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, keep collecting those beads I know I will; for one thing it's quite inspiring to see all those colors glistening. And if nothing else, imagine how beautiful they would all look together displayed in an exquisite clear bowl or vessel.LOL! Fire Mountain Gems looks amazing and a great resource with excellent prices too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKathryn, I checked out the link and love your book thongs. The beads are beautiful and the charms are.....charming. :) Your braided cord is beautiful too. I hadn't heard of swap bot before and must check it out. You might get a laugh out of this, when I saw this unreal gorgeous bowl full of "cane" glass beads being sold by the ounce, I inquired about the price per ounce and decided I could afford several ounces to start my own bowl full, until I found out that there was only 1 or 2 beads per ounce. Nevermind! It never ceases to amaze me how much I don't know. LOL! I'm hoping you're feeling well this week, thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteTo die for beads! I can't wait to see what you do with all these!
ReplyDeleteO Madonna! You are in SUCH trouble!!!!! This is just the beginning of a very wonderful odyssey and I'm SO excited for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt that you will do amazing things. Already your choice of beads is incredible! Woooohooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL! Susan, now you tell me. :) Have a great day!
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