Embellished Wool Pendants

Here is a recent experiment in fiber jewelry. The beading and embroidery took place on a base of needlefelted wool. Once that step was finished, a piece of ultrasuede was stitched to the back to cover the stitches and make it soft against the skin. Sterling silver rings were then stitched on to allow them to be easily attached to a chain. It is a fairly simple concept with a lot of room for experimenting and possibilities…don’t you think?

Lampwork Bead Necklace

This is a necklace I designed that is a direct result of how I work at the torch. I don’t particularly care for making sets or pairs of beads if I can help it...that gets kinda boring. Instead, I prefer to sit down and just play...making beads that will all be unique but still within the same color palette.



There will be more of these necklaces to come over the next few weeks, in many different colors and color combinations. As you can see from a previous post, I’ve already done a lavender & lime set and started a collection of deep, earthy brown beads. Any suggestions for other combinations I might try?

Freeform Peyote Necklace

Here is a red necklace that I created using freeform peyote. It’s really enjoyable to sit down and just start beading without a pattern, and I think this form of peyote is my favorite. You can do a little here and there and there’s no big commitment to stay with one thing or have to use a particular size or color bead. It's the perfect solution to using up all your little bits of beads, and working in larger accent beads is fun too…can you find my signature ladybug?

The Beginning of the Beadmaking Frenzy

Tuesday was a lovely day of beadmaking...very peaceful and quite enlightening. It's obvious that I've found something that I really enjoy, and I'm looking forward to developing my own unique style as I continue to experiment. Here is one of my favorite focal beads from the day's efforts. I wasn't quite sure how it would turn out, but I really liked it when I pulled it from the kiln this morning. (a pleasant surprise :)

One of my goals for the next few weeks is to generate some beads for the art show in October. I will be playing with different color combinations, and this particularly bold set of violet & lime beads is the start of a nice little necklace.

The next set of beads I am working on is an earthy, natural collection full of rich browns & golds. A nice start of something I think...but more will be needed if I want to have enough to make a necklace. A good excuse to get back into the studio and make some more beads tomorrow! :)

Embroidery Exhibit

If you’re in town this weekend, make sure to stop by Farragut Town Hall to check out an exhibit by the Knoxville Chapter Embroiderers’ Guild. I will have two pieces in the show! One is a self-portrait I did earlier this year, and the other is a close-up of a flower where I experimented with using different textures to get variations of the same color.



The exhibit is September 18-20 at Farragut Town Hall in Knoxville, TN.



Friday, Sept. 18th, 8:00am - 5:00pm (reception & presentation at 7:00pm)
Saturday, Sept. 19th, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 20th, 1:00am - 5:00pm

Fine Art in the Park, Jonesborough, TN

Isn't this a beautiful setting for an art show?

I've been invited to participate in a fine art show in Jonesborough, TN at the International Storytelling Center on October 24th. It is a judged and juried one-day show, open from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Over the next few weeks, I will be creating and posting photos of some of my jewelry, which will be available at this show. Please come by for a visit and take a closer look at my handmade creations!

The Royal Studio & Gallery

The Royal Studio & Gallery in Bristol, VA contacted me about selling some of my letterpress stationery in their gallery, and I just got done packing up some stuff to send out to them.



If you happen to be at the Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Bristol this weekend, be sure the check out The Royal Studio & Gallery for some unique treasures!

My Lampworking Studio

Today is a momentous day! I’ve got phase one of my lampworking studio setup so I can begin torching again! The hoses and tanks are hooked up to the torch and everything has been thoroughly tested to ensure no leaks. My dad was kind enough to help me build some divided boxes to store my glass this weekend, and I’ve unpacked all my precious beadmaking supplies. It seemed like this day would never come! I will continue to make improvements as I go along, but the very basic equipment is now at a functional level. Speaking of which...will you excuse me? I gotta go make a bead! :)

Phase two of my endeavor will involve the implementation of a top-notch ventilation system, but for now I will have to make do with a good cross flow of air to blow the fumes away and out the door. I have a bit more research to do, but hopefully in the next few weeks I will be able to implement phase two!

A Clean Desk

Today’s task, be it ever so boring, was to simply clean my desk. It’s surprising how the buildup of physical clutter can bog down my thinking and cause such a roadblock when it comes to creativity...or anything for that matter. I have found that I can be easily distracted from my goals when my life is disorderly. So...here's to a fresh start for tomorrow...literally. :)