Reflections on an exploding stash!

Santa Baby, I've been a very bad girl this year!! I purchased tons of stuff, with absolutely no idea, what I was going to make! Sure, I whipped up some class samples, and made an Inspiration or two, but did I really need all of those pearls? I ask you, would you?

Then, let's chat about the paint I purchased. Yes, I absolutely needed the Pebeo Fantasy paints, Adirondack, Alcohol Inks, Ice Resin, Iced Enamels, Gilders Paste, Mica Powders, and Spectrum Noir markers, for workshops I was teaching, but did I need so darned many of them? Not to mention seed beads, shaped beads, stones, buttons, bezels, rusty objects, found items, and perhaps even a cabochon or two. Should I mention the findings, threads and tools? It doesn't matter, because they make me happy, and if that means that Santa is not going to slide down the chimney this year, then so be it!

Now, how about talking about the stash from my pre-beading life, when I fancied myself a fibre artist? I own piles, and piles of thread, paint, paper, embroidery floss, and even a bunch of yarn (despite the fact, that I don't knit). It's not like it suddenly disappears, in a puff of smoke, when I head off in a new direction! It's still there, and it's clogging up my studio, and if the truth be told, my living and dining room, and storage area. When will I ever learn? I'd be embarrassed to show a photo of said studio, so I won't....but believe me, you're not missing anything! Sign me up for hoarders anonymous!

So, in the interest of full disclosure, I've been participating in an international paper swap, for a couple of years. Do I need more paper? No, of course not (except as collage fodder for my altered dominos), but I still signed up for 2016 (if anyone is interested, it's www.paperswap.com). It's a fun way to add some unusual papers to your stash, and meet a bunch of lovely people, along the way. Should I mention the fact, that I also monoprint my own papers (mainly for collage, paper beads, and swaps), via a wonderful tool, called the Gelli Arts, Gelli Printing Plate? You'll need to look them up, because they're not sold in the store (but I do use the printed papers, in several of my workshops). There are tons of YouTube videos on the subject, and it's just waaay too much fun!

I'm not really one to make resolutions, but if I were, I'd vow to make a pile of pearl pieces, and perhaps a few mixed media projects, over the holidays. In addition, I would dust off my neglected sewing machine, and give my beads, a little dose of fibre, for good measure! You see, I love it all, and it saddens me, when my older treasures are neglected. But seriously, I really do need to purge and organize my stash!!!

It's an exciting time of the year, despite the fact that Toronto is having unseasonably mild temperatures (by contrast, the above photo was taking after the ice storm, on December 22nd, 2013). There is, no chance of a white Christmas, but that's not stopping us, from celebrating the spirit of the season. So with that, I'll wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and to those that do not celebrate, a happy and healthy holiday of your choice. Enjoy your time with family and friends, and if you get a chance, try to relax, with a few beads! You've earned it!

Play and the art of gift giving!

Where has the year gone? Yikes, it's that time again! Time to start thinking about what you're going to do about holiday gift giving. Yes, I'm aware that some of you, have been preparing for this for months, but I'd like to think that you're in the minority. The vast majority (myself included), need the cooler temperatures, to get our collective rears in gear! The thermostat has dropped (and late this year, at that), so it's time to make some fast plans. As a dedicated crafter (now billing myself as a Mixed Media Artist), I've been making handmade gifts for years. I started with sewing related items (stuffed animals, pincushions, clothing, cushions, placemats and napkins), then quilting and applique (including framed landscapes), and now paper, beads and all sorts of mixed media projects. I'll begin with a photo of my Mother's toy sewing machine. Nope, nothing to do with beading, and not being gifted to anyone, but as photos of most of the earlier items are nonexistent; I thought that I would give you a little peek into my crafting history. The thimble was my maternal Grandmother's, and although small in size, is really quite beautiful!

Now back to gifts! Are handmade gifts more economical? Can you really afford the time? Will they be appreciated? Are you stuck for ideas? I guess the answers to these questions are very personal, and something that you will need to answer for yourself. However this type of gift, does give you an opportunity to show someone that you care. It doesn't need to be expensive, not everyone will appreciate it (just don't continue to give to those people), but there's a big sale on at BeadFX (25% off, almost everything in the store - runs until December 2nd), the books and magazines are chock full of ideas, and you might even have time to squeeze in a workshop or two (check out the class calendar, on the BeadFX website). You know, you want to!!!

As for ideas, I have a million playful ones (because you know that you love making stuff)! Here are just a few: beaded &/or bead embroidered necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, brooches, bezels, rings, ornaments, key rings, eyeglass holders/chains, pincushions, needle books, boxes and perhaps a little doll! A simple quilt block, collage, embroidery or landscape would look great framed, but don't forget to add beads, for an extra dash of pizzazz! Metal, polymer and metal clays present many options, as do Crystal Clay, Apoxie Sculpt and Ice Resin. How about making stitched and beaded covers for cell phones, tablets, eReaders and even handmade books? All this fun, is almost too much to stand!!

If you're anything like me, you'll probably be making gifts right up until the last minute.

But, do yourself a favour, and don't forget to treat yourself to something nice! Think of it as your reward, for getting through another holiday season (even though you probably won't be able to start working on it until January) Now get moving, relax and enjoy the playful journey, of making some very special gifts!!! Heh, heh...easy for me to say...I haven't even started yet......

By the way, no current holiday gifts have been exposed in this blog post, so don't start wondering, if one of them could be yours! LOL!!

Designing your way out of a paper bag!

Doesn't it just drive you crazy, when you try to think up a new design, but then find that you're in a total creative slump?  You have the time, you have the materials,  a deadline is looming, and then nothing!! So what the heck do you do? Tearing your hair out, isn't productive, nor is shutting yourself away in the dark, wailing out your misery!   So, let's explore some techniques, to unlock your ideas.....

1.  Go for a walk!  Use your camera, to take shots of anything that inspires you.  When you return home, relax, indulge in a snack, and your beverage of choice.   Then choose one photo!  Check out the colours, rustle through your stash, and see if you have anything that "tickles your fancy"! If not, visit BeadFX for a little shopping therapy.  Pull together a simple piece, out of the items you have chosen.   Don't worry about the end result, just focus on the colours.   You might be surprised at the results!!

2.  If I have a few leftover beads (the larger ones), miscellaneous bits and chain, I literally throw them in a paper bag.  I use these for in-between, or "rainy day" projects, but you can also use them, when your muse abandons you. Open the bag....fondle the bits....and let your creativity flow....

3.   Sleep on it!   I'm serious....if you go to bed, thinking about a problem, your sub-conscious mind will often solve it overnight.   Just remember to leave a pen and paper on your nightstand, and jot down your brilliant ideas, before they escape you!.

4.  Stop stressing! I promise the ideas will come.

5.  Forget about it!  Do you have any other hobbies?   Try working on something else for a while.

6. Meditate, exercise or take a yoga class..  Clear your mind!

7.  Give yourself permission to postpone the project.

8.  Clean up your table or workroom!   That's always good for a little creative procrastination!!!

9.  Fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole, for a while. Or google beads and beading (or whatever else you're trying to work on).

10. Make a date with yourself, for some uninterrupted time.

11.  Visit the museum or an art gallery, for tons of eye candy!

12.  Take a workshop....learn a new techique.....and did I say, go shopping?

13.   Check out the "Inspirations" section on the BeadFX website.

14.  But most of all, stop worrying!  The blockage is only temporary.......and you'll be back to your beading obsession soon.......very, very soon!

Shopping, talking and observing other beaders, is a great way to get the juices flowing again!  Form a support group with your friends &/or join a Bead Society.  You could also make a date to attend either the Wednesday evening, or Thursday afternoon, free beading sessions, at BeadFX.  Just give the store a call first, to reserve your place!

Finally, come visit our booth at the CreativFestival (North Building, Downtown Convention Centre - Booth #927), this Thursday, Friday and Saturday!   We'll have demos, make & takes, and enough goodies to spark a ton of creativity!

Jean Power coming to BeadFX

You've seen her in the magazines. You've seen her books. Now you can see her at BeadFX.
Who am I talking about? Jean Power, of course!

Jean Power

Selected as a 2012 Beadwork Designer of the Year, Jean is an award-winning jewellery designer, writer and teacher based in London, England. In June, Jean will be travelling to Canada to teach three classes at BeadFX.

As a lover of seed beads, I've tried a couple of Jean's projects in her latest book, Geometric Beadwork. Her instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Of course, there is nothing like learning in a class setting from the master herself!

To sign up for any of these classes, please call or visit the store. Payment can be made over the phone with any major credit card. Full payment is not required; a deposit will be sufficient until the date of the class. The store can provide all the details.

Special savings when registering for more than one class!

• Register for any one class for $175 per person
• Take 2 classes for $315 (save $35)
• Take 3 classes for $475 (save $50)

Join us for the following classes:

Interchangeable Cuff

Zinnia Flower

Interchangeable Cuff and Zinnia Flower (2 projects in one class)
Friday, June 21
10:00am - 5:00pm

Interchangeable cuff: Learn how to make an interchangeable set of jewellery which ensures you can mix-and-match to your heart’s content! Using beadwork (not bead embroidery) you’ll cover your cuff and learn the basic method needed to create a bezelled crystal (or other cabochon) which can be swapped in and out.
AND

Zinnia Flower: Learn how to use some fun peyote stitch techniques to create a dramatic flower which is perfect for a brooch or necklace centrepiece. The class will also cover making a matching beaded chain.

Frame Bangle

Frame Bangle - a brand new design from Jean!
Saturday, June 22
10:00am - 5:00pm  

The class will cover how to make the basic components and then how to combine them to create a variety of different styles. Learn how to switch from peyote stitch to brick stitch to create these versatile frame bangles which can be beaded in an endless variety of ways to create armfuls of bracelets.

Geometric Stars

Geometric Stars
Sunday, June 23
10:00am - 5:00pm

Learn the basics of creating the very useful components needed for these stars and then learn how to assemble them to make stars, beaded beads, bails and more…Plus new for 2013- learn how to add hanging holes directly to your stars.

Favourite free beading projects

I've been on the hunt for some magatama beading projects for Gail. So far,  I haven't uncovered much, but I did come across some other projects I'm quite tempted to try out at some time.  I love these three in particular. Bead and Button will require you to set up a free account in order to access the projects.

Beaded Bead Caps by Amy Johnson for Bead & Button

Beaded Flower by Beth Ratheram for Beads & Beyond

Beaded Bead by Pru McRae for Beads & Beyond

Long Weekend Beading

Beading and travel - how do you traipse your beads all over the world? I know you do it. We bead in the car, on picnic blankets, on the subway, and we even used to do on the plane - back in the day when they allowed us beadweavers to take needles on the plane.

Personally, I've got a lightweight aluminum makeup artists case. However, we all know that beads can weigh quite a bit. And if you have the room (just like a big purse) you'll fill it. The case is quite awkward  and heavy once full. I've also got a few of those travel bead boards with lids. They're handy for works in progress.

Are any of you planning on traveling with beads this weekend/ How do you plan to transport them?