Hello!
I’ve got a little something “new” to start my post with today.
Sometimes you realize it really is a small world. During my recent trip to Bead & Button, I happened to be at the Kalmbach booth just as the book signing for Beading Across America was wrapping up. It was a neat scene, seeing many of the smiling contributors there together. I even met one on the shuttle on the way to the airport the next day. Now you know seed beads are completely out of my realm. But something compelled me to look for the book online and read a little more about the authors. As it turns out, one lives in Virginia! And wait, she was going to be teaching a class in the next week at my local bead store! I contacted Amy Katz, made a few inquiries, then found myself signing up for a class…..making a RING no less! 🙂 It was really an exciting feeling to decide to jump right in and try something absolutely brand new to me. And I was joined by a friend.
That’s my ArtBLISS partner and friend, Jeanette! Neither of us had really properly threaded a needle, and for goodness sakes never worked with something as tiny as a charlotte before! I found myself in a tricky situation with two different-sized needles going but was still smiling. I think I’m kinda getting the hang of peyote stitch. I’m not saying everything turned out perfectly (or that it didn’t take me a few hours to complete the project), but I really had FUN. Amy is a fantastic (and patient) teacher. There is such a wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a project!
Now on to my something “old”.
By now you’ve probably seen a number of posts about the jam-packed 2011 issue of Easy Wire. Heather Powers wrote a nice review on Art Bead Scene recently. I’m proud of my friends whose work are featured within the 144-page issue. That’s Christi Baxter Clothier’s bright and cheerful necklace featured on the cover. I was happy to have a few pieces in this year’s issue as well.
The deep red lampwork focal was a gift from Lori. The artist is unfortunately no longer making beads.
Focal by LeAnn of Summers Studio
That’s all for now…. Thanks for stopping by and seeing my “something old, something new” today!
-Cindy
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE your new ring and that you jumped in and took a class in something new! Brave girl! I also love all your pretties in the magazine – I’ll have to look for it next time I’m at Barnes and Noble. Beautiful wire wrapping on your earrings – I can’t seem to quite get the hang of it!
oh WOW, peyote is very difficult exercise!! you did it so well!! love all the necklaces and specially the last earrings.. very chic!
Cindy, your peyote ring is soooo gorgeous. But I know what you mean, I always looking for instant gratification and that is not the case with seed beads, but from time to time I really like to grab my needles and go for it. I’m intrigued to see your next pieces. And I can’t wait to get my hands on the easy wire issue, hoepfully a few of them arrive in germany and time soon.
Your ring is really pretty! I started out years ago making seed bead jewellery, mainly because seed beads were the only supplies I could find locally way back then. I like my hammer and torch too much to spend much time with seed beads now though!
I love the necklace with the red focal bead!
Your ring is fabulous!!! And I have been drooling over all of the projects in the latest Easy Wire, especially the wire wrapping on your earrings!
Your pieces are always so beautiful and fresh! I’ve been wanting to learn peyote stitch for the longest time! It’s in my future to be sure!
Woohoo! So exciting to see you finally working with seed beads?! Addicting, no? 🙂 You’re gonna have a great time creating with those little bits of glass and I can’t wait to see what you create next?!
Wow…don’t know if I will ever go that route, but I say…never say never! Yes, your pictures are beautiful as usual Cindy …. (almost) makes me want to try it! LOL.
Your ring is wonderful Cindy! I can say that I really have the patience for seed beads, but I think the finished projects look beautiful. I can totally appreciate the time involved to complete a piece.
Loved your pieces in the magazine!
the ring is wonderful..don’t think i could master that..thanks for sharing the magazine pieces, love that red ,gold and turquoise necklace.
Thank you for the mention, Cindy! Your ring looks wonderful. You did a good job. I enjoy peyote and other stitching, but haven’t done any in a few years. Those earrings are my favorite.
Oh I have no talent with seed beads either – that ring is fantastic!!! I have a few of the Bead Fantasies books and I am contemplating doing a project infront of the pool this year. I would love to get a few tut’s from Marcey Abney as well – talk about eye candy. Enjoy your new skills : )
Oh Cindy, once you have tasted the fruit there is no turning back. I guarantee we will see a few more projects from you. Good luck and enjoy!
What a great pic of you and Jeanette! Love the ring…I haven’t ventured into the world of seed beads either…someday! Beautiful projects in Easy Wire…I need to get that one 🙂
Congrats on having those beautiful pieces published and for acquiring a new set of skills!!! I wonder what new dimensions this will add to your pieces.
Love the ring. Not sure my eyes (or brain) could handle such tedious work. I’ve not been able to find the Easy Wire magazine yet, but I’ll keep trying. It looks like a good issue to have. Your pieces are just gorgeous!!!!
So great that you challenged yourself to something new! And so awesome that you had a good friend to do it with.
Congrats on the magazine!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
When I get anything out to work on, it’s usually the little guys. I love peyote stitch. I’m just not very good at it!! HA! Your ring is great! It’s really a pretty little bit of bling! Love all your other pieces, too! Have a great time at the beach, you lucky duck!
Wait..so you just learned this..well that is one beautiful ring and you are so lucky to take this class..Learning something new is always a thrill,but learning something new with a close pal..well..thats even better!!Love your new pieces!!The first necklace is soooo beautiful.I love all the colors!!Hugs,Cat
Cindi, Love the bling look of your ring.
I’m with you on seed beads – I appreciate the workmanship, but don’t want to start down another creative path.
I’m always in awe at Bead and Button with the Bead Dreams seed bead entry – just breathtaking.
That lampwork bead from Lori is very cool and I like the design ~ and the others, too!
Speaking of Easy Wire, I notice you were wearing the cover piece from 2010 today. – JA
What a surprise to see that focal in your beautiful necklace. With all of the work of moving of I haven’t had a chance to see this issue. Thanks so much for making my little bead look so good! And seed beads. I am so fascinated with these tiny little beauties and admire anyone who can do this sort of work. I think your ring is lovely. Do you think you’ll work more with seed beads?
*love* those earrings at the bottom especially! And that ring is just beautiful – you’ve done a really great job, it looks like you are very comfortable with those little seedies! My inspiration pack arrived today – thanks so much Cindy, it’s so pretty, bright and colourful and I know it will do exactly what it says on the packet 🙂
Oh Cindy what a beautiful ring. I adore the earrings. Are they for sale? I would love a pair! Happy 4th of July to you and your beautiful family.
WooHoo Cindy! Welcome to another side of jewelry making! Your ring is beautiful. I am so proud of you.
Congrat’s on the magazine Cindy! You never cease to amaze me with your ideas ans talent!
That is one gorgeous ring for a first timer….I love it, it is beautiful!
Oh Cindy your ring is beautiful and I am so glad you went totally out of your box to do it. Those little beads have my heart as you know. Your necklace with the copper round discs it awesome!
Cindy Your Peyote ring is absolutely charming, i love it.
Cindy, what fun to learn a new technique….it keeps life interesting(as if the boys don’t do that for you!!). I really like the colors of the first necklace. It reminds me of a sunset…at the beach! I like the wire wrapping on the earrings…. I need to practice that technique. The copper rounds textured are wonderful too. I really must find this magazine!! Have a great 4th!
SO incredibly thrilled you took that class! And every time I see that necklace you made with that lampwork bead, I want to just grab it and keep it! If you ever sell it, I get first dibs!!!!
Hey Cindy, I didn’t finish my ring yet. It sure is a stunning design, isn’t it? Love all your pieces above and those earrings too!! Have a great 4th.
Jeanette
Wow Cindy, that ring with those little seed beads is incredible! Your first attempt? Unbelievable! Such talent! Love the pieces in the magazine as well, i have a copy but need to look at it in depth, just breezed through the first time.