I’ve been experimenting with some elevated beadwork, a very different style to what I normally do. I learned this particular style of raising the work from Nancy Eha, and it’s opened up some new avenues of exploration for me. Here’s a detail:

It’s not too appropriate for most clothing, since the “petals” are only hooked down in three spots…it would be too easy to snag them on something and rip the whole thing out! But it’s a fun application for quilting

As usual, I am stuck with no name for this piece.  I’m not entirely happy with the results either.  I thought that I wanted some of the petals to hang over the edge of the quilt (you can see them on the left), but now I don’t really like the way it looks.  I’m trying to decide whether or not to add another strip around the quilt edge…what do you think?

There are some extra process shots here if you’d like to see more!

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Psalm 31:15
My times are in Your hands

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project

Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

There’s always room for more. Always.

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project

Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Psalm 90:2
From everlasting to everlasting, You are God

There is no trouble or struggle that is as big as God.

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project
Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God

No need to struggle…just let go of your self-will, and know that He is there.

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project
Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

It’s not that easy to do ugly. I mean to do really gut-twisting ugly.

It’s easy to make a necklace that isn’t that great, but how about to make one that breaks all the rules of good design and leaves your viewer feeling squeamish? I can’t show you a picture of my entry from two years ago here, because I used plastic vomit as the base. If you’d like to see it, it’s on their website as a semi-finalist from 2007. It’s called “Queasy”, and you’ll have to scroll down just a bit. You’ve been warned!

The Land of Odds has been sponsoring this contest for 7 years now, so there are plenty of…wonderful?…examples of ugly art to look at to inspire you. But please, enter this fun contest and see how hard it really is to do ugly! All the information you need is here.

The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2009. Here’s last year’s winner to get you going:

Julia Vogl

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Altered Couture
A hand-me-down sweater … a raggedy old skirt from the thrift store … a plain T-shirt … Using just a few tools coupled with your creativity, all of these items can be transformed into fantastic works of wearable art! The publisher of Belle Armoire and Somerset Studio invites you to submit your own altered and embellished clothing and accessories to be considered for the second volume of this exciting publication. Chapters will include Skirts & Dresses, Pants & Overalls, Jackets & Vests, Shirts & Tops, Children’s Wear, Sassy Shoes, and Accessories.

Deadline for artwork to be received: March 15, 2009. Please read submission guidelines before sending your submissions to: Stampington & Company · C/O: Altered Couture · 22992 Mill Creek, Suite B · Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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Instructor: Marla Gassner

Carmen Miranda Bangle Bracelet
Location: Tucson, AZ
Date: Feb 5, 2009

Create a stunning bangle bracelet, using handmade silk cording as the base to fit your wrist size, embellished with various shaped Crystallized Swarovski elements. The kits are specially created by the artist/teacher, Marla Gassner. The kit color is oranges, browns, blacks and clear crystal on beige or gray silk cording. All supplies are included, beginners are welcome and will complete the bracelet within the class. It is a one of a kind, knockout bracelet. Cost: $60. Sign up on the Swarovski website.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Psalm 42:7
Deep calls to deep

The deepest and most satisfying relationship in my life is my spirit’s communion with my God.

My previous pieces for the Bead Journal Project
Information about the Bead Journal Project
Bead Journal Project blog

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Altered Couture
A hand-me-down sweater … a raggedy old skirt from the thrift store … a plain T-shirt … Using just a few tools coupled with your creativity, all of these items can be transformed into fantastic works of wearable art! The publisher of Belle Armoire and Somerset Studio invites you to submit your own altered and embellished clothing and accessories to be considered for the second volume of this exciting publication. Chapters will include Skirts & Dresses, Pants & Overalls, Jackets & Vests, Shirts & Tops, Children’s Wear, Sassy Shoes, and Accessories.

Deadline for artwork to be received: December 15, 2008. Please read submission guidelines before sending your submissions to: Stampington & Company · C/O: Altered Couture · 22992 Mill Creek, Suite B · Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Here are some challenges specific to this upcoming issue:

THRIFTY ENSEMBLES
Got 20 bucks? Then you qualify for this challenge:

1. Visit a thrift store and purchase a complete outfit for no more than $20.
2. Take “before” photos of the outfit.
3. Alter the outfit a la Altered Couture so that it transforms into an art-to-wear outfit.
4. Write a brief description about the experience.
5. Submit the photos, altered outfit and description.

Deadline: Ongoing.

FASHION ICON: MADONNA
One of our most popular music artists is also one of our enduring fashion icons known by a single name: Madonna. Ever re-inventing herself, she has produced many fun and fabulous styles throughout her career. From crosses and crinolines to her disco dancing queen look, there are countless looks to choose from. Whatever she donned, her fashions always made a statement. We challenge you to create clothes inspired by this fashion icon.

Deadline: December 15, 2008

 

Post from: Jewelry and Beading