"Deck the Halls" is the current working title for my November Etsy Beadweavers Challenge piece. I got to select the theme, as reward for winning the Bollywood challenge in September, and I chose "Holiday Treasure." The idea is to choose a November or December holiday, and create a beadweaving to be worn for, or used at, the event. I celebrate the Winter Solstice, (along with Christmas and Hanukkah) and see it as the genesis of most other December holiday traditions. The use of holly, and other evergreen plants, as indoor decoration at the time of long, dark, and cold winters has been symbolic of the eventual return of warmth and the growing season. Holly has the added mythic benefits of providing protection from evil spirits with its spiky leaves and serving as safe resting places for friendly forest fairies.
So... I intend to "deck the NECK" with boughs of holly.
I have been working on holly leaves and berry clusters and a pretty pleased with my results thus far.
I have begun stems as well, to assemble my leaves and berries on, and think there will also be a bow, to tie the cluster together and form a focal point, but it's all still a bit fuzzy in my head at this point. I am really having a great time with it though. Are you making a holiday piece? Tell me about it!
It is very interesting to see how each designer creates. This was very insightful. I learned some pointers that will be helpful in the future. Thanks for sharing your design idea and how you envision it progressing.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very enticing peek at your challenge project.
ReplyDeleteI'm scurrying to get ready for a Thanksgiving weekend show, so I'm skipping this challenge. Hopefully I'll hop on the next one.
Good luck with this!
Mary, my own process can be completely different each time. Sometimes I made a sktech, sometimes I am inspired by an object, sometimes, like this, I make components and put them together like a puzzle. I'm always curious about how other artists work. And Kate, sorry you won't be participating in the challenge. Good luck with your show!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all your winning designs & thanks for the Nov theme. I love how you are sharing your design ideas. I plan to create a necklace design that I would have worn to the many Apres-Ski holiday celebrations I enjoyed while skiing on the glaciers in the Alps. I may wear for New Years here in San Antonio too.
ReplyDeleteI'm not making one, Marsha. :)
ReplyDeleteThe leaves are BEAUTIFUL! That's great idea to use bicones for holy! Good luck with your piece, dear :)
Love the holly idea and can't wait to see the finished piece! I admire all your work! I am almost finished with a simple cuff intended for casual holiday gatherings of family and friends. It will be fun, as always, to see what everyone thinks up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, ladies. I look forward to seeing your work. :o) And CONGRATULATIONS to Foxan on her beautiful "Sigulda" necklace, winner of the October challenge. I'll miss you.
ReplyDeleteYour beadwork is a very good representation of the holly!! I can't wait to see the completed piece! Hopefully, I'll enter this challenge. I have sometheing started!
ReplyDeleteLove the "holly" design you've gotten started - can't wait to see the finished product! I have some of those plastic bobbins for kumihimo - I never thought of using them as thread savers for beadwork or needlework. Thanks for the great idea! :)
ReplyDeleteWo. Your holly leaves are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteCenya
As usual, your work is awesome! I don't think I'll be participating in the challenge this time, but we'll see...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Chris :D
Just perfect this holly leaves...
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. I look forward to seeing your Holiday Treasure!
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