Starting over

So it's been over a year since I made a blog entry but I am ready to put 2012 behind me and forge ahead into 2013....I have been working on a new series of beaded Ladies and I have gotten so many "how did you come up with that" comments at various shows and when I wear one of them that I want to share my process from the initial choosing of the beads and components on through the placement and decisions on fringe, chain/strap and closure. For the first time ever I took pictures of every phase....it amazes me that I remembered to do this! This is the genesis of my latest piece....it all started with the vintage snowflake pin...I knew I wanted to make The Lady of the Winter Solstice ever since I picked up this brooch at an estate sale this past summer

The face is one I purchased from a vendor at the Philly Bead Fest this past August...unfortunately I misplaced the business card that was tucked in the bag and do not know who the artist is who created it is...it is made out of the most glorious cranberry/blue/purple/turquoise raku and just seemed to glow from within. After those two elements came together it is time to dig through the shelves and shelves of hand dyed fabrics that I use as the base of my bead embroidery pieces. This particular fabric was hand dyed many years by my friend Helene Davis.Then it's time to dive into the bead stash and just start pulling together beads and other components that seemed to want to dance with what I already have....as you will see, some made the final cut and some did not but at this stage of the game I allow myself to be a glutton and just out as much as I think I want to use. Well that's how it all begins....be back soon to play some more...enjoy the last weekend of 2012