MOM'S AFRICAN VIOLETS
One of the first pieces I completed, a few months after I discovered beadweaving. It was concieved as a value study, in an attempt to understand the multitude of finishes and linings of beads I put a light figures (violets) on a dark ground (leaves) at the center and gradually reversed the values as I worked to the back of the piece. The leaves and violets are my own design. In a private collection.
DAVINCI CODE BOOK CLUB NECKLACE
Another of my first efforts. I took a two session "Right Angle Weave Workshop" class, to learn the stitch. In the first class, we were to make a bracelet or necklace base, and in the second, embellish the base. It took me weeks to finish my embellishment, and I listened to The DaVinci Code on cd while working on it. The ritual scenes with men in black and women in gossamer white appeared in the work. I don't think this is at all what the teacher had in mind for her students.
TURQUOISE AND TAUPE TWIST
A double spiral, and a great lesson learned in how the choices of bead sizes and shapes are really important. I think I must have done at least 6 samples before I found a perfect combination of beads to create a really nice, full twist.
HER TATTERED HEART
Created as a response to a close friend's divorce. A very artfully cut Biggs Jasper heart with markings that looked like a break to me. I thought the agate teardrops, especially the one on the face of the heart were the perfect detail. Some of my early work sold before I had functional photography skills, and I regret that!
In a private collection.
A beautiful embroidered Russian cabochon, set with light rose and olivene rivolis, and fringed wtih delicate Czech flower beads. Again, my early photography ability was sadly lacking.
In a private collection.
A beautiful piece of stone, combined with a couple Swarovski rivolis, bicones and a bit of fringe. A guest artist teaching a class in a local bead store tried to buy this piece off my neck while while I was attending her class, before I had given any consideration to selling my work. That was a eye-opening moment in my beading career. Ultimately, the piece sold at "Your Art's Desire" gallery, in Minnetonka, MN, during my featured artist exhibit there.
It is in a private collection.
