The Lone Beader

Bright RED Reception

2009-11-21T11:45:00.003-05:00

Last night, I had a great time at the reception for RED: It's more than a color - presented by the Cambridge Art Association. It was a fantastic event! There was plenty of food, wine, roses, and cupcakes, as well as classical music performed by both a string quartet and a vocalist. And, of course, there was the art! What a fantastic showing of contemporary artwork in all different mediums! I am honoured that my beaded fire truck was selected to be part of this exhibit! I was also thrilled that even the juror, Carl Belz, attended to view his selections in person! It was a very exciting evening. I took a few photos at both CAA galleries, including pics of some of my favourite pieces. Please check my Flickr photoset to view them all! Enjoy!! :)

www.flickr.com

The Lone Beader's RED: It's more than a color photoset

RED: It's more than a color.

Presented by the Cambridge Art Association.

Juried by
Carl Belz,
Director Emeritus,
Rose Art Museum

November 10, 2009 - January 14, 2010

Wear Something RED

2009-11-20T08:50:00.005-05:00

Just a quick note today to remind everyone that tonight is the opening reception for the Cambridge Art Association's RED: It's More Than a Color! If you're in the neighborhood, stop by University Place Gallery from 6-8pm to check out my beaded fire truck! :)

RED: It's more than a color.
Presented by the Cambridge Art Association.

This show was juried by:
Carl Belz,
Director Emeritus,
Rose Art Museum.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
(click to enlarge)

EXHIBIT DATES:

November 10, 2009 - January 14, 2010

RECEPTION:
Friday, November 20, 6-8pm in both galleries:
Kathryn Schultz Gallery, 25 Lowell St. Cambridge, MA.
University Place Gallery, 124 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge MA.
Just a short walk from Harvard Square T stop!
Awards: 7pm at University Place.

ADMISSION: Wear at least one red item!! :)

My beaded fire truck, Engine Co. 6, will be displayed at University Place Gallery, 124 Mount Auburn St. Cambridge, MA!

View Larger Map

Please check the Cambridge Art Association's website for more details! Thanks for your interest in my beadwork, and I hope to see you there! :)

May Beads Be With You

2009-11-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

This week has been pretty busy for me, and I have not had much time for beading or blogging! So, today, I thought I'd show you a little beaded something that I noticed over the weekend. Last Saturday, the Star Wars in Concert tour came to Boston, and I had the opportunity to check out the exhibit of movie costumes first hand. If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen my mobile pics of Yoda & C3P0. They were pretty cool, but this was my favourite costume of all - Padmé (Queen Amidala) :

Padmé is a fictional character who first appeared in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. She is the mother of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. I loved her costume the best because it was the only one that was beaded! She has an elaborate gold bead embroidery neckpiece accented with long beautiful beaded fringe! There were also seed beads and pearls stitched to the pink trim around her sleeves and coat. These photos were taken through plexiglass with my iphone, so please excuse the quality, but it should give you an idea of what the beadwork looked like.

I really enjoyed viewing this, and it made me wonder what other movie costumes are beaded. I also fantasized about doing beadwork for a movie costume someday myself! What kind of beadwork captures your imagination and inspires you??

Beaded Venetian Angel Ornament

2009-11-16T10:50:00.006-05:00

Beaded Venetian Angel ornament.
Bead embroidery on felt. 1" x 3" wide.

Over the weekend, I worked on a new item for my Etsy shop! I made a beaded Venetian Angel! My angel was inspired by my recent trip to Venice, Italy. I saw many religious paintings, sculptures, & frescoes featuring beautiful angels while I was there. I have always been intrigued by the possibility of angels existing among us, and when I went to Venice, it seemed that I could feel their presence as they looked down upon me! So, I thought to make a beaded angel holiday ornament! This piece consists of bead emboidery on felt. I used size 11 & size 15 Czech and Japanese seed beads. I also added a set of mesh wings and a millefiori bead that I purchased on the Glass Island of Murano. I finished the beadwork and now all I have to do is add a backing & list her in my Etsy shop! How do you think she looks? :)

I have also started making a second angel which should be finished soon. And, speaking of holiday items, CLICK HERE to check out my Peppermint Beaded Button earrings! If you would like to receive updates on all of my latest Etsy items, please become a fan of The Lone Beader's Gallery Shop on Facebook! Thanks for your interest in my beadwork, and have a great day! :)

Layered Lazy Stitch

2009-11-14T05:15:00.001-05:00

Just when I thought I was finished beading my M1 Abrams military tank, I added more seed beads! After finishing the wheels, I added more Japanese size 15 sand-coloured beads all over the body of the tank using lazy stitch technique! I think it adds a bit of texture, and I really like how it looks! Can you see the stitches??

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.
17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

I have also stitched a zipper to the bottom of the tank, although I'm not sure I like it just yet - I may add another one! Then, I have to stitch the entire tank together, as it is still 3 separate pieces... Wish me luck! :)

Abigail Adams' Birthday Party

2009-11-12T13:30:00.002-05:00

Last night, I went to the artist reception for Abigail in Perspective at the Quincy Historical Society!

It was fun meeting some of the artists, and I had a great time viewing all of the portraits and works of art inspired by First Lady Abigail Adams! There was also birthday cake to celebrate! :)

And here is a quick peek at the winning piece, 'Abigail's Kitchen' - an oil painting by Anet Paglierani. My beaded portrait, '21st Century Abby', is displayed right next to it! :)

Abigail in Perspective is the first of many art exhibits which will be presented by the Quincy Art Association & the Quincy Historical Society. If you would like to see more of the paintings at the show, please check the Abigail in Perspective event page listed on my Facebook page. And, if you happen to be in Quincy Center, this show runs now through January 8, 2010. Admission is free, so stop by and take a peek! Most works are available for sale. Enjoy! :)

Thank you, Veterans!

2009-11-11T08:40:00.001-05:00

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.
17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

Thank you, Veterans, for the sacrifices you have made to protect this great nation's freedoms. You are true heroes. Happy Veterans Day!

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RED is more than a color

2009-11-09T00:30:00.008-05:00

Today, I have some exciting news to report! My beaded fire truck, Engine Co. 6, has been juried into the Cambridge Art Association's current art exhibit, RED: It's more than a color! This show was juried by Carl Belz, Director Emeritus, Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University. Works in all mediums will be shown, including beadwork! If you happen to be in the Boston area in the next few months, please stop by and take a peek!

You're invited to attend:

RED: It's more than a color.
Presented by the Cambridge Art Association.

EXHIBIT DATES:
November 10, 2009 - January 14, 2010

RECEPTION:
Friday, November 20, 6-8pm in both galleries:
Kathryn Schultz Gallery, 25 Lowell St. Cambridge, MA.
University Place Gallery, 124 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge MA.
Just a short walk from Harvard Sq. T stop!
Awards: 7pm at University Place.

My beaded fire truck will be displayed at University Place Gallery, 124 Mount Auburn St. Cambridge, MA! Click HERE for more details!

ADMISSION: Wear at least one red item!! :)

Most works will be available for sale. Please check the Cambridge Art Association's website for more details! Thanks for your interest in my beadwork, and I hope to see you there! :)

Washers for Wheels

2009-11-06T09:10:00.004-05:00

Last night, I worked on the wheels for my beaded M1 Abrams military tank. I really liked the washers that I had shown previously because they were the perfect size for the piece, so I decided to just bead right over them using lazy stitch.

I am using tiny size 15 seed beads, so it is taking awhile. Also, due to the weight of the hardware, I must stitch through each row of beads twice to make sure the washer is secure.

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.
17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

You're probably wondering about the colour of the wheels. Real military tanks have no metal showing - they are painted almost entirely in camo colours, but since this is art, not an exact replica, and I want this piece to look a bit edgy. I really like the look of seed beads over metal. I am hoping it will remind the viewer of the power of the vehicle itself even though mine is made mostly from tiny glass seed beads. Guess I won't know exactly how it will look until I'm completely finished, so I'd better get back to beading! :D

Beaded Tank Moves Forward

2009-11-04T09:05:00.000-05:00

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.

17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

Here is a quick look at my semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Using mostly size 15 Japanese seed beads, I finally finished beading the first layer of the tank. I am now ready to move on to the wheels and undercarriage of the military vehicle. My plan is to 'finish' beading the entire tank before I go back to add details. How do you think it looks so far?

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Seed Bead Shopping in NYC

2009-11-02T09:45:00.003-05:00

It's amazing to me how fast time flies! My weekend in New York City went by so quickly, but it was so much fun!! My sister and I went to the Kandinsky exhibit at the Guggenheim on Friday (fascinating) , and the Statue of Liberty on Saturday. Then, we went to see Jersey Boys on Saturday night (fantastic!). And, finally, on Sunday, I went bead shopping! :)

Since I only had a few hours for bead shopping, I didn't get the chance to go everywhere I wanted. Also, since it was Sunday, several shops weren't even open. But, I did happen to find two great shops that were open. The first was Toho Shoji located at the edge of the Garment District on 990 Sixth Avenue.

In addition to their New York location, Toho Shoji also has several shops in Japan and two shops in China. They carry Japanese seed beads in both large and small quantities, as well as an acrylic & metal beads, crystals, sequins, and an abundance of findings to make just about anything your heart desires.

I was a little overwhelmed with the selection here - it was much like bead heaven! (Boston could use a bead shop like this!)

This shop sells retail & wholesale, and their prices are very reasonable!

I found some Matsuno size 12/o seed beads (which my local bead shops do not carry), and I also picked up a few boxes of Deli cas.

The next shop I visited was Beads World located on 1384 Broadway between 37th & 38th Street.

I thought I had seen it all when I went to Toho Shoji, but I was even more impressed with Beads World. They have quite an assortment of seed beads available in every colour of the rainbow!

I enjoyed Beads World because they also sold tiny size 15 Japanese seed beads in large quantities. They were a little hard to find because they were mixed in with the size 12s, but they are there. There are also many packages of seed beads which originate in Hong Kong. I normally will not buy Chinese beads because they are generally poor quality, but these seemed to be different. I picked up one package of gray beads just to try them out. I also found some fascinating 1x 4mm bugle beads in black and white. (I had never seen bugle beads that small before in my life!) I also found some cool metal beads which I hope to use on my beaded cars & vehicles at some point.

Beads World also had excellent service. They were very happy to help my find what I needed, and the store clerk told me that they also do mail orders! Just email them with product code and the quantity that you desire, and they will be happy to ship to you! I might just take them up on that offer! :) That's all for now. Can't wait until my next trip to NYC. There are many more bead shops there to explore! Which shop is your favourite?? :)

Beadwork Never Sleeps

2009-10-30T06:15:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a short break from beading & blogging for the next couple of days because I'm going to New York City with my sister! We plan to check out the Guggenheim, attend a Broadway show, go to the Statue of Liberty, and maybe do a little bead shopping along the way! Of course, it wouldn't seem right if I didn't bring some beadwork to do, so I packed the above small project to work on at the hotel or on the train! Please follow me on Facebook or Twitter to see what I'm up to! Have a great weekend! :)

Never Forget

2009-10-28T07:10:00.003-04:00

With 55 lives lost, October now holds the record for being the deadliest month for U.S. military in Afghanistan since this 8-year war began. This post is in memory of the all the servicemen who gave their lives for this country. They will not be forgotten.

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.
17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

Abigail in Perspective

2009-10-26T01:05:00.002-04:00

Today, just a quick reminder.. You're invited to an art exhibit of works that were inspired by Abigail Adams, including my beaded portrait, 21st Century Abby! Abigail in Perspective is a visual arts competition presented by the Quincy Art Association & the Quincy Historical Society. Many works on display will be available for sale.

21st Century Abby. 12" x 12".
Bead embroidery on felt, collage, acrylics.

Abigail in Perspective
Quincy Historical Society
8 Adams Street
Quincy MA 02169

October 26, 2009 - January 8, 2010
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm

Artist reception takes place on Abigail's birthday, Nov. 11 from 7-9pm.

View Larger Map

If you happen to be in the Greater Boston/Quincy area anytime soon, please stop by & take a peek! Thank you for your interest! :)

Cut it Out

2009-10-24T08:05:00.003-04:00

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.
17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

The other day, I got an email from a new reader who noticed that I cut out my felt shapes before I bead them. She asked " Wouldn't it be easier to work if you beaded the shape first on a larger piece of felt, THEN carefully cut it out? You'd be able to hold on to it more easily, and it would be lots easier to bead the edges. "

I know that plenty of beaders work this way, and I have tried that before, but I have found it is easier for me to work in the opposite manner. Since my pieces are so larger, it is much easier for me to work if there is no excess material, and it is actually easier for me to bead the edges of the felt if it is already cut out. Also, I would be afraid to try to cut out an odd shape such as a beaded military tank after it is beaded. What if I accidentally cut a thread that I can't see?? Then, all of my work would fall apart! So, I guess there is a method to my madness, afterall. Which method would you prefer?

Half-Beaded Military Tank

2009-10-21T00:15:00.002-04:00

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.
17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

After many hours of stitching seed beads to felt, I think I finally finished half of my beaded tank! Now, on to the next phase... Will it be the wheels or the rest of the vehicle?? And should those parts be camouflage print or not?? I guess only time will tell! :D

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Buttons, Buttons, No Buttons

2009-10-18T01:45:00.003-04:00

The other day, I was reading the comments on my Facebook page and noticed that someone suggested using buttons for the wheels of my beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. I thought that was a great idea, so yesterday, I went to Windsor Button in downtown Boston.

I looked at almost every button they had (they have many!). I almost bought a set, but then, at the last minute, I decided not to. I don't know why. Maybe it was because the buttons I liked were actually plastic instead of metal, or maybe it was because they were pricey, or both!

So, disappointed, I came home & just kept beading my tank.

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. Bead embroidery on f elt.
17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

Now, I don't know what to use for the wheels...
Maybe I'll just make beaded ones!! :o

Digitized Beaded Camo Print

2009-10-15T09:04:00.004-04:00

The other day, Allison commented on my last military post. She said (when I am finished creating this M1 Abrams main battle tank), my beadwork will "unfortunately look like the new digitized camo print... " I hope she's right- I want it to look like that! You can see a sample of the digitized camo HERE. Now look at a close up of my beadwork - do you think it looks similar?

If I were going for one of the old style camouflage prints, I would stitch in completely different directions, but since I want it to look like the new camo, I am stitching in straight lines. The one thing that is making it difficult is that I am using 2 different size seed beads - 15/o and 11/o. So, the beaded lines aren't exactly perfect... :o

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank.

17" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

I still don't know what I'm going to do for the wheels & undercarriage of the tank, so I put a set of metal washers there to give you an idea of how it might look. They seem to fit perfectly, though! How do you think it looks so far? And, what do you think I should use for the wheels??

Another Beaded Old English Sheepdog - Finished!

2009-10-13T11:21:00.006-04:00

Rachel. Beaded Old English Sheepdog pin/pendant.
Bead embroidery on felt. 2.5" x 1.25" (6 x 3cm)

Thanks for all your comments on my last post, and thanks for the birthday wishes, too! Since some of you have requested to see my finished sheepdog pin, here she is! I estimate that this piece took approx. 10 hours to create since she requires very tiny size 15 glass seed beads! But, I think the extra effort is worth the results. This sheepdog is now listed in my Etsy shop! (Please click the pic for more photos!) I still have another one to finish, but I think I'll take a break and get back to working on my beaded military tank first. So many things to bead, so little time! :o

Beaded Old English Sheepdog Factory

2009-10-12T00:01:00.002-04:00

Rachel. Semi-beaded Old English Sheepdog pin/pendants.
Bead embroidery on felt. 2.5" x 1" (6.5 x 3cm)

Here's what I'm working on during this long weekend. Two more beaded Old English Sheepdog pins! My beaded sheepdogs are my best-selling item, so I feel I always need to have at least one completed! I don't usually make 2 pieces at once like this, but I received a custom order request from the owner of The Divas pet portrait. She wants to start collecting my beaded pins! So, when I am finished, one will be reserved for my best customer, and the other will be listed in my Etsy shop. (Look for Rachel in my shop within a day or two!) And, speaking of custom orders, I also added a listing in my Etsy shop for commissioned pin/pendants. I love to create dogs and cats, but could also create beaded horses, parrots, fish, potbelly pigs or any other animal you may love. :)

Other plans for today include celebrating my birthday by going to the MFA's Fall Open House! That's all for now. Hope you are having a wonderful Columbus Day weekend! :)

Camoflauge Seed Beads

2009-10-09T08:30:00.002-04:00

People always ask me where I get my beads. The truth is, I get my beads anywhere I can! I do have my favourite shops, but I don't shop exclusively at any one place because every shop carries something different. Yesterday, I went to my local bead shop in Scituate Harbor, MA - Beaucoup Beads. I picked up 3 new colours. Check out the beads in the tubes below:

I got Miyuki 15/o and 11/o Matte Opaque Olive, 15/o Dyed Opaque Olive, and 15/o Sparkling Lined Sand Dune Mix (my new favourite colour!). Also, in the photo is a bag of a lighter shade of 15/o olive-coloured seed beads that I got from Beadworks in Boston, 15/o Toho Brown Lined Light Green from Artbeads.com, and 11/o Matte Olive Green I got from Fire Mountain Gems! These colours are very close to the colours U.S. soldiers wear in Afghanistan.

I am starting by stitching beads to one of the felt layers of my M1 Abrams tank. In real life, these military tanks are usually only one colour, like sand, but I think it will look more interesting in camoflauge print! What do you think? :D

Semi-beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank.

16" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm)

8-Layered Tank

2009-10-07T09:23:00.007-04:00

Last night, I finished cutting out the felt foundation for my beaded M1 Abrams main battle tank. There are 13 felt pieces total.

Now stitched together, my tank is 8 layers thick (3/4"), measuring 16" wide x 5.5" tall (40 x 13cm).

Now, I can finally start picking out some seed beads & parts for wheels! What colour do you think it should be?

Beading a Jack O'Lantern

2009-10-05T05:45:00.003-04:00

Thanks for all your comments on my last post. I liked the idea of earrings, but I finally decided to turn my set of beaded pumpkins into metal-free buttons! You can see more photos of them HERE. And, I guess I'm in a Halloween mood! Either that or I was too lazy to put away my orange seed beads because yesterday, I worked on a beaded Jack O'Lantern!

First, I cut out some felt. Then, I stitched on his face using size 15 black seed beads.

Then, after quite a few stitches and a few hours later, he is (almost) complete!

Something made me stitch beads in all different directions, and I really like how it looks. Kinda makes him look even scarier! He is larger than my last set of beaded pumpkins (1"), so I think he will be a pin. Now, all I have to do is add a pinback & some Ultrasuede! Look for him in The Lone Beader's Gallery Shop! :)

Beaded Pumpkin Buttons or Earrings?

2009-10-03T23:25:00.011-04:00

I am trying to get back on my regular schedule of making Etsy items on the weekends. Today, I made two small orange beaded pumpkins! I used 5 different shades of orange and brown seed beads. The pumpkins measure about 3/4" (2cm). I will list them in my Etsy shop today as soon as I figure out what they should be! Do you think they should be buttons, earrings, or appliques? If I can't decide, I will list them as 'Your Choice'... Next, maybe I'll make a beaded Jack o'Lantern! :D

Designing a Felt Tank

2009-10-02T01:25:00.000-04:00

On my last post, Bluebirdcrafts mentioned that she works for the company that builds these M1 Abrams military tanks.

Very cool, but I bet they don't build 'em like I do! ;)

And, as soon as I figure out how I'm going to build my beaded tank, I will let you know! ;)

Back to cutting out felt! :D