Saturday, June 30, 2018

My Heidi Necklace

     Last July I had the opportunity to travel to Colorado and take a private workshop with my favorite bead artist, Heidi Kummli.  She's the author of "The Spirit of Bead Embroidery", my favorite beading book.  I practically sleep with it under my pillow. 
      I brought the white bone carving that I had bought at the Tucson bead show earlier in the year.  I told Heidi I wanted to make a beaded collar. I had never attempted such a big project, although I have been wanting to make one for a long time. 
      Heidi showed me how to make the collar pattern and helped with the initial design.  On a large piece of grey ultra suede Heidi drew the outline of what would morph into the pattern you see in the picture.  She attached the middle row using my bone carving and the green and violet beads that came from her stash.  While she worked on her own jewelry project, I began stitched her iris gold seed beads around the first three beads. 
       Surrounded by Heidi's art pieces and supplies, I had a relaxing and inspiring afternoon of beading.  Heidi was generous with her advice and encouragement and is an excellent teacher. 
       The basic design stayed the same, although I decided to add more natural stones to the project.  From an online store I bought more "Heidi beads", the iris gold 10/0 seed beads that she uses in many of her projects.   Whenever I worked on the collar I remembered the great time I had that day.
        If you want to see more of her work, here is the link to her website.  She also sells on Etsy in her shop.  Her designs are one of a kind, wearable art. Beautiful and inspiring.
        If you have a favorite bead artist who offers workshops or classes, I highly recommend you try to go.  I hope you'll have as much fun and get as inspired as I did.
        I've worn my "Heidi necklace" once and can't wait to wear it again. 
   
   

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Happy Birthday, Etsy!!!

      Etsy is celebrating its 13th birthday by featuring a site-wide sale event!  The celebration will be held June 18 to 22, 2018. Many shops, including mine, will feature deals and discounts that you won't want to miss.

      Etsy is the premier site to find unique handcrafted and vintage items. For the DIY'ers, there are shops selling supplies, too. Currently there are nearly 2 MILLION sellers from around the world on Etsy.  You can find one-of-a-kind jewelry like I make, as well as paintings, posters, clothing, knits and much, much more. If there’s something you want, you can probably find an Etsy shop that sells it.

      Many sellers, like myself, are joining in the birthday fun by placing items on sale.  I rarely have sales in my shop, so this is a unique opportunity for buyers to get a handcrafted bracelet or necklace at a special low price.  I will be giving a 15% discount on all items over $20.00. Plus free shipping within the U.S.

       Click on the Etsy logo on the side or here to go to my shop, Desert Dabbler.  Or go to www.Etsy.com  to reach their main page. 

       Mark your calendar - the sale starts June 18.