OK. So I wasn't quite ready to move onto the bird. I kept wanting to add some three-dimensionality to the cherry trees...and so, for the past two days, I've been playing with petals.
It took me a while to get the shape I wanted and to figure out how to bead them using peyote stitch. Then, I made myself write it all on a chart so I won't forget what the heck I did...
Once I made five petals, I was able to stitch them together using a square stitch and this produced a wonderful cupped effect, which was just what I was shooting for...
I used a combination of delica beads for the center of each petal and small 20 degree AB clear beads I bought from Beadcats. The light and darker shading of the petals is actually from changing the beading thread from a pale pink to a darker pink -- it was just the subtle change I needed and was less drastic than changing the bead color.
When I finally add stamens and intersperse them throughout my cherry tree, I think they will look great. Overall, I was quite pleased with myself for figuring it all out. In the beginning I was all thumbs beading those tiny petals. Now, I'm much more proficient and I have dreams of making a necklace or bracelet covered in them...wouldn't that be beautiful?
I am trying to finish this piece by this weekend because, all next week, I'll be too busy enjoying Allie Fest 2009!
What is Allie Fest 2009, you ask? Well, the very talented crazy quilt artist, Allison Aller, is coming to teach a Crazy for Flowers workshop and...she is staying at my house! And, we're going to go to New York for two days, and the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, and shopping at Accessories of Old....and who knows what else...
So, Allie Fest 2009 will be quite the event AND we have a very special guest who will be returning to join us as well. My bead embroidery teacher, the very talented and sweet Robin Atkins. So, I'd love to have this piece finished by the time my teacher comes back. When Robin taught her workshop in the Fall, I had just started the BJP and had only finished my first piece. It's going to be a very exciting week for us all!
Still my beating heart. All because of blogging and the internet. Isn't it wonderful?
OK, gotta run. I won't promise the bird this time...we'll just have to see what comes up next...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Playing with Petals
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15 comments:
Fabulous, Susan. I am trying not to be envious of your workshop with Allie, but you're going to the Sheep and Wool Festival is about to push me over the top. LOL
Have a wonderful time, and enjoy NYC while you're at it!
What a patience you have! It is absolutely gorgeous.
And OK, I'm jealous of Allie staying with you and you two having a good time :-) So enjoy it as much as you can.
Lady, you are gonna have so much fun you'll never want to return to real life! I love your little blossoms, they would be pretty cool as a group dangling on a thin silver necklace, too.
Well, the flowers were certainly worth the effort. They are superb!
How cool that you are going to have Allie for a guest. You are going to have a Fabulous time, and I am so happy for you.
I don't know which has me more excited, your beautiful beaded cherry blossoms (kudos on figuring them out) or you getting to play with Allie for a couple days. Oh, I anticipate some great pictures and stories on your blogs in the next week or two!! Have fun! Hugs, Cathy
Your flower is fabulous and so is your exciting news. You, Allie and Robin, wow, so much creative energy in one room at the same time. You are going to have a blast and I can't wait to hear about it.
CA
It's just *beautiful*. And the bead flowers are so clever!
This piece is going to be absolutely beautiful! I love the flowers you made and the ones you stitched. You are so clever and dedicated to figuring it out! I cant wait to see the end product!
Susan the petal flowers are gorgeous. I thought the others were so pretty but these really add to it all. They are like the Turkish oyas. I never thought of changing the thread color instead of the beads. Another great idea to try.
Allie will never be the same after coming to Baltimore and visiting with you plus going to New York and all the wonderful stores. If only we all could. Then to add Robin A to the mix and this sounds wonderful. I took a 2 day class from Robin 2 years ago and had such fun.
Enjoy and hugs
FredaB
Susan,
Your flowers are breathtaking!!! I can smell their sweet scent by just looking at them...I picture them on top of a cake...It makes me want to eat them all up!
Sounds like an exceptionally fun week coming up. Wish I could be there for the wonderful adventures!!!
You will see on my blog that I just finished two days of workshops with Robin as well. What a fabulous treat!
Much love,
Camilla
Those beaded petals are just sublime. I really like the way you changed thread color...and took on those sized 20s too!
I have to say, you are making me blush beet red out here.
It is your welcoming enthusiasm that has me on cloud nine...I can't wait 'til class! (Not to mention hanging out together with Robin and the rest, and playing in the Big Apple, too!)
How lovely! I love how adding the three dimensional flowers really makes it come to life! Such a fabulous piece!
About the Allie-Fest ~ I want to come too! Wish I could! What a fabulous time you will have together and such fun things you have planned! Blessings on your time together!
Totally Gorgeous!
You are such a clever girl Susan! Have a great time this weekend!
Stunning. The bead work is absolutely stunning. It sounds like you are about to enter seventh heaven...and I think you deserve it. Easily!
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