ONEILL OBSESSIONS
928/771-0778; [email protected]
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ONEILL OBSESSIONS
928/771-0778; [email protected]
Posted at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I call this piece "Arizona Honey". I was inspired by the focal beads created with German Glass Rods which I found at a Tucson Gem and Mineral Show at one time. The colored glass rods are interesting to work with. They have an inter-core of clear glass. Lampworking with this glass is a pleasure. All of the larger lampwork beads are hollow beads which makes this necklace much lighter in weight.
The off loom bead weaving is always a bit creative and a lot of fun. The beads inspire how you work with the seed beads.
Another addition to the design of "Arizona Honey" is the Agate Cabochon which I encased with peyote stitch size 11 seed beads and continued up the side adding a copper coil bead. I make several coil beads and add them when they fit into what I am trying to create.
Needless to say, I normally only have one or two of these larger pieces in my jewelry case at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery. They do take a lot of time to create.
Everyone can learn the Off Loom Bead Weaving Stitches at a local bead shop in your area or drop by The Bead Museum in Glendale, Arizona and sign up for a few classes. This is a life joy!
www.beadmuseumaz.org
5754 W Glenn Dr
Glendale, AZ 85301-2559
(623) 931-2737
Posted at 08:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Sharon Poplawski of Loom N Essence writes:
Hearts & Butterflies
This hand dyed Shibori silk scarf took center stage during the Art in the Garden show at the Brucemore Mansion.
"Shibori" is a Japanese technique dating back to the 8th century. In order to achieve the hearts and butterflies on this silk scarf I delicately manipulated clamps of varying sizes before applying Gaywool Dye from Louet. I continue to be very pleased with the results and the sheen from these dyes.
For
more designs by Loom N Essence visit Creative Colony, an Artisan's
Co-op, Main Street, Amana, IA
Posted at 07:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Kahlua Recycle Bottle Glass is one of my favorite glasses to use during the lampwork procress.
My brooches are adorned with lampwork, seed beads, vintage buttons and glass beads from around the world.
The back pins are attached in a vertical fashion so the brooch can also be used as a pendant. All you need to do is slip the pin through a chain.
My work is found at:
Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery
134 S. Montezuma Street
Historical Whiskey Row
Prescott, Arizona
Posted at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Coming to Prescott, Arizona - October 15, 2009
124 S. Montezuma Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
928.445.5570
[email protected]
PANDORA’s History
Back in 1982, the
jeweler’s shop that would one day become PANDORA was established by the
goldsmith P. Enevoldsen and his wife in modest surroundings on Nørrebrogade in
Copenhagen, Denmark. They often travelled to Thailand in search of jewelry for
importing, and as demand for their wares increased, the company focus shifted
to the wholesale business
In 1987, after several highly successful
years as wholesalers, the company discontinued its retail activities and moved
to larger premises. After a few more years as wholesalers, Winnie and Per were
inspired to open their own factory in Thailand. This was done as a means of
ensuring, among other things, control of their own designs. Lone Frandsen was
hired as a designer, and the company began to focus on creating a unique
jewelry brand. In 1996, Lisbeth Larsen, goldsmith and designer, joined the
company and, together with Lone, she has played a key role in defining
PANDORA’s style.
1999 saw the launch of PANDORA’s ever-popular charm bracelet on the Danish
market. Consumers quickly embraced the concept, and PANDORA grew hand in hand
with the increase in demand. In foreign markets, interest in selling PANDORA
jewelry has been in high demand, turning PANDORA into a global brand that is
currently sold in 18 countries. PANDORA has gone from a two-man business 25
years ago, to a team of 35 at its head office in Copenhagen.
Posted at 08:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Prescott Author Georgene Lockwood included my Arizona Big Lips Fish Lampwork Bead Mobile in The Complete Idiots Guide to Beading Projects.
Check at your Local Bead Shop, The Bead Museum in Glendale, Arizona or all Book Stores in your area for this beading projects book. See how I created a fun Fish Mobile along with many more projects.
Posted at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Check out The Best Bead Show 4th Annual Tucson, Arizona Fall Classes on Friday, September 11, 2009.
Working
in your choice of sterling or copper, learn to make and utilize coils to
capture a bead and embellish a gorgeous pair of dangle earrings. Develop your
skill of hand wrapping single and double coils and learn to make jump rings.
Posted at 08:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Elaine Mathas came to Prescott this week to show the new season colors for yarns and Fibers to Local Businesses. It is like the Market coming to the shop!
Posted at 07:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Arts Prescott Gallery is a Cooperative on Historical Whiskey Row in Prescott. There are 24 members who are all local to the Prescott area and we all work the gallery. So...everything you find at the gallery is made in the Prescott area.
Here is one of my recycled wine bottle necklaces. It is created by lampworking recycled Rhine Wine Bottle Glass. The main 3 focal beads are hollow lampwork beads so this necklace is much lighter in weight than it looks.
The sterling silver clasp is hand made.
Posted at 08:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
On Tuesday I dropped by the Mountain Spinners and Weavers UFO's. That is not from outer space....it means Unfinished Objects!
Normally, all of the members of this group are either knitting or finishing fringe work on their handwoven pieces, but lately they have been bringing in their seed bead work as well. What can I say...I was excited to see their work.
Here is a piece by Maryanne Davidson. Maryanne is a weaver, jewelry designer and a glass artist. She creates all of her fused glass buttons for her finished work as well as the cabochons for her bead work.
Sharon Richards showed me her bead work. Along side the seed beads you can see the Holiday Card invitation from Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery on Historical Whiskey Row. This group was the first to get one. I picked them up at the gallery for them. The image is a painting by gallery member Bernie Lopez. More on that at a later date.
Sharon is a weaver, spinner and beader. She is part of the group which demonstrates spinning at Sharlot Hall Museum every Monday from 10 AM to 2 PM. If you want to see some great spinners you must drop by the Museum and watch them at work.
Anne Marston is a weaver, spinner and also a designer of jewelry.
on the 3rd Saturday of every month at the American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott
Dr. in Prescott, Arizona. Our meetings begin at 9:00 am with a business
meeting, coffee and social time, and our program at 10:30. http://www.mtnspinweave.org/
Visitors are always welcome
Posted at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Glenda created this brooch using a Swarovski Rivoli Crystal as a focal point of her piece.
Using various sizes of seed beads, fresh water pearls and Rose Beads, Glenda was able to create this one of a kind off loom bead woven brooches.
Glenda gets most all of her beads at The Bead Museum Bead Store, which is to your left when you enter the Museum in Glendale, Arizona.
The Bead Museum Bead Store offers all types of seed bead classes and I learned many of my beading techniques some time ago their at The Bead Museum. I began my trip into the world of seed beads and I love every minute of it.
The Bead Museum 5754 W. Glenn Dr. Glendale, AZ 85301 |
623.931.2737 Phone 623.930.7395 Museum Store & Classes 623.930.8561 Fax |
Hours
Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, 10
a.m. to 8 p.m. (Free Admission 5-8 p.m.)
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sundays
Free Memorial Day - Labor Day)
CLOSED: Monday and Tuesday
Location
One block north of Glendale Avenue at 58th Avenue, next
to the Glendale Civic Center.
Posted at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Yesterday I had a great conversation with Gabrielle Liese, the founder of The Bead Museum located now in Glendale, Arizona. Prescott, Arizona was the original location of The Bead Museum. www.beadmuseumaz.org
Gabrielle talked about The Hubbell bead and I have been looking around for more information about this historical bead. If anyone knows the location where they were originally made I would love to hear about it.
The Beadin' Path in Freeport, Main writes about the Hubbell Bead history.
"The Collectible Beads of J.L. Hubbell", written by Dara Spiotto in 2008 in the Weekly Beadditudes with Dara:
Beads that have a rich history are irresistible. Sometimes it’s the origin, or
that it was commissioned by a designer, or made by someone intriguing. Many
times I’ve heard people say, “if only these old beads could talk!” and I
couldn’t agree more. Especially beads found in museums, or that have been in
private collections for generations.
Otherwise known as a Hubbell Bead
My first experience with a Hubbell bead
came from Heather, co-owner of The Beadin’ Path. During her bead
buying trips, she often learns the most fascinating things about the beads she
buys. Her choices are what’s interesting to her, and even if the bead is sort of
ordinary on the outside, it doesn’t matter. Stories, names and history all
stored away in her memory are brought back to life with each bead she sells.
She’s shown me fish scales, lime eyes, and rough cuts
to name a few fun ones. Anyway, we were pulling strands of glass out of a huge
box that she had just purchased, sorting and looking for things that were a
priority to get out for sale, and she yelled, “Look at these!” as she thrust
them out at me. Spellbound, to say the least.
How it Began
John Lorenzo Hubbell purchased a trading post in Gavado, Arizona in 1878 and re-named it the Hubbell Trading Post. He provided the Navajo and Hopi people, as well as other tribes and thousands of traders and settlers with supplies to live and
work with. The homestead covers over 160 acres, and the heart of it is J. L.’s business, constructed in the style of ancient Anasazi-style dwellings. The Hubbell family operated the Trading Post for 89 years until they sold it to the National Parks Service in 1967. Today the Trading Post is still alive and thriving under the watch of the Western National Parks Association where the trading traditions of the Hubbell family are still honored and practiced.
Now… the Truth About Those Beads
In my research about Hubbell beads, I hit a lot of dead ends. I mean a lot. There’s a rumor and a belief that Hubbell himself actually commissioned beads to be made for him. Let me just nix that right in the bud. Hubbell didn’t commission any beads. But he did buy beads. Lots of beads. He did his research, found a fantastic source and actually imported from Czech bead makers. But not just any beads.
Consider this logically… Hubbell’s customers were native people, traders and settlers who were invested in the Southwest. They depended on their local resources to provide their life support and in many ways J.L. Hubbell helped them do this. But he also nurtured their appreciation of their cultural art and interest in beauty and adornment. Yes, you could by plowing tools, shovels, fabric, flour and sugar at the Trading Post, but you could also buy locally made baskets, blankets, pottery, jewelry, and other works of art. He actually sold to native people the supplies they’d need to create their pieces, then purchased them back to be sold at the Trading Post. In doing this, Hubbell made a critical contribution to the Indian arts and crafts market. He even arranged venues off the reservation for Navajo weavers and silversmiths and Hopi potters to demonstrate their crafts.
How the Czech Bead Makers Fit In
At the turn of the century, Czech bead makers were chugging out beads at an alarming rate. They experimented with styles and types of beads, and found many popular winners. For one, beads that look like precious and semi-precious stones were a hit. They appealed to everyone since they were affordable and easily available in quantities. Hubbell researched to find beads that looked like stones native to his area: especially turquoise and coral. Czech beads in a turquoise color that looked like real stone, with tiny spider-like veins of brown and black were exactly what Hubbell was looking for. Beginning around 1915, he imported them in a variety of sizes, shapes and shades and sold scads of them, and he also traded for them. To be specific, he accepted raw turquoise as payment for his turquoise-like beads.
Hubbell Beads Today
I’ll tell you up front that these beads are not easy to find. I thought I’d get a smattering if I checked eBay, but I was disappointed to only find 3 things, with lousy pictures to view them with. I emailed some dealers I know to see if they had any in their current possession and the replies all came back no. I’ve seen them in museum displays, especially out here in the west. The San Bernardino County Museum has a lovely selection on display from time to time. I sent out inquiries to the Bead Museum in Glendale, Arizona and to bead societies that are more collector themed. I got quite a few responses saying there were Hubbell beads out there, mostly in finished original pieces, and a few loose beads. Collectors are not willing to part with them. I had no idea how collectible they were until I began this research. I have one strand in a graduating style of round beads. I also have tear drop shaped strands that I bought loose and then stranded up myself. Then I found a little gold mine in a weird shaped pendant that looks like a rough stone. And no way, I’m not willing to part with mine. However, in my downtown area I found a 3 necklaces and one bracelet at an antique shop. So I know if you look you may find some. And what a find it would be. Buy them up, people. They’re a wonderful piece of history and worthy of museum status.
If you’d like to learn more about the Hubbell Trading post you can either visit their web site or buy a great book called Hubbell Trading Post: National Historic Site. It's full of rich history and great stories. Or you can contact them at the address below.
Hubbell Trading Post NHS
P.O. Box
150
Ganado, Arizona 86505
Phone: (928) 755-3475
Photos and article taken from: http://www.beadinpath.com/content/view/547/4/
Posted at 08:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
This piece is part of my Arizona Series. I love the Turquoise with the beads.
Note I did Peyote Stitch for around the neck and did not add a clasp. Brick Stitch is one of my favorite stitches and off loom bead weaving is a wonderful adornment for all beads.
All local bead shops teach off loom bead weaving and it is like spinning yarn, you just feel relaxed while doing it.
Posted at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Times are changing and space is dear.
This Antique Medicine Chest has been with me since 1985. I purchased it from someone who worked at Salon Denmark.
It housed Rowena Skin Care for 15 years and then it carried a great bead collection.
It is now in my bead room waiting for a new home. At one time I am sure it adorned a doctors office.
Posted at 09:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 09:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
A Good Yarn in Prescott, AZ
Shed your fears about fiber, texture and most of all ... gauge. Join Valentina in this incredible class to learn her secrets of creative knitting; the emphasis will be on knitting without a pattern. Discover how to combine linear shapes such as rectangles, squares and strips along with linear areas of color. Combine all that with textures and embellishments and Viola! Designer’s work. Explore simple shaping ideas for sweaters, coats and shawls in this hands-on class and you will be well on your way to completing a good portion of a garment in class. Students should bring: lots of different yarns in small amounts, knitting needles in sizes appropriate for the yarns, a medium sized crochet hook, blunt yarn needle and any other implements desired. Click here to register
In this class, the next step beyond Creative Knitting, Valentina guides you through free form knitting at its best such as circles, swirls, scrumbles and more. Discover how to create extraordinary and beautiful designs while using up all those wonderful yarns left over in your knitting basket. Students should bring: lots of different yarns in small amounts, knitting needles in sizes appropriate for the yarns, a medium sized crochet hook, blunt yarn needle and any other implements you like. Click here to register
Posted at 08:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Jewelry design takes leads me into all directions.
I begin with one of my lampwork beads and create from there. This "Arizona Copper and Water" necklace is an example of designing beginning with that one Lampwork Fish Bead.
Here is my Arizona Big Lips Fish created with Moretti Glass Rods and Gold Stone.
I began running copper wire through the fish bead. I could just add a chain or create something more elaborate.
Using Brick Stitch and Peyote Stitch I adorned the wire rings around the fish and continued with wire work and beads.
Posted at 08:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Prescott Fiber Artists Maryanne Davidson enjoys weaving and knitting among the Prescott Pines.
Maryanne Davidson writes, "I designers
and knitted these bags and made a glass button for each. All my knitted and
woven bags have a glass button, designed, created and fired by me, for that
particular bag! No two alike! These bags are sitting on my loom atop one of
the handwoven mixed warp throws that I love to design."
"The black shawl, handwoven of silk and wool in point twill structure, measures
22"X85". It covers a handwoven coat woven mainly with chenille, and various
other fibers, to give it texture, color and depth. Comfortable and elegant to
wear."
"Wrap woven with hand dyed chenille, and other fibers, to give color texture and depth. Very comfortable and elegant to wear. Looks and feels great on any and everyone with any outfit!"
Maryanne is a member of The Mountain Spinners and Weavers Guild here in Prescott, Arizona. The Guild is gearing up for their November 2009 Fashion Show. Be sure and put this on your future planner.
Posted at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Lampwork Beads created with recycled Merlot Bottle Glass clustered throughout Peyote Stitch.
The Sterling Silver Clasp is hand made to finish off the "I Love Merlot!" necklace.
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Posted at 09:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
This in not only for Bead and Fiber Artists, but I can see how a book like this would help get the word out about your work. Or...just keep it for all the family memories.
Carol La Valley is a biography writer and she takes photos and your stories to put together your book.
Image having a story book of your art work along with a great artist biography during an art show or along side your artwork at a gallery.
Check it out...it could also be a fun project.
Carol writes: "Your stories are your life. They are a part of the legacy you will leave for your children and future generations. Let me ask the questions that trigger your memories of your life, love, adversities and triumphs. Together we will turn your unique stories into a book you and your family will always treasure." [email protected]
Carol writes, "This is from a love story I did for a client with copies for the children. It is a 7 by 7 inch hardcover book."
"And this is from a 12 by 12 inch book I did for a client as a special birthday gift for his brother's 90th birthday."
comment by Carol La Valley
Posted by: Carol La Valley | August 05, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Posted at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Aug 8 & 22, 2009
Vanessa Tamarin
Demonstration
of short-cuts and tips about
wire-wrapping different shapes.
1pm — 3pm
Aug 15 — Sep 14, 2009
Reception: Aug 28
6pm — 8 pm
Posted at 08:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Granite Creek Vineyards is located in the Prescott Quad-City area in the Town of Chino Valley at 2515 Road 1 East, Chino Valley, Arizona 86323. Access from Highway 89 is from Road 3 North ¼ mile east to Road 1 East ½ mile north to the winery. Prescott the Yavapai County seat is about 15 miles south on 89. Downtown Phoenix, the State capital, is about 110 miles south via Hwy 89 to Hwy 69 to Interstate 17.
Description
Granite Creek Vineyards is the State’s
only Certified Organic Estate Winery, this exceptional property is offered
turn-key with the real estate and improvements, the wine label, equipment and
inventory as well as current business contacts such as a 900 member case club
and a number of large retailers.
The vineyard was established in 1974 and was Arizona’s first Certified Organic farm and to this day is one of a handful of wineries in the United States that produce 100% organic wine without sulfites. The winery has been owned and operated by the same family for 35 years, prior to the winery this property was a historic farm homestead.
Acreage
The property consists of 18.41± gross acres
with approximately 12± acres being planted to the vineyard. Approximately 6±
acres of the vineyard are mature and producing while the remaining 6± are soon
to be mature, the last 2± acres were just planted in May 2009. The remaining
acreage consists of building sites with several large lawn areas for
entertaining customers, a large garden, an orchard with peach and apple trees
and a large cement pond. The entire property has some of the oldest and mature
growth cottonwood, sycamore and willow trees in the area. There is also parking
capable of holding 75 cars.
Retreat/Guest Home – A 1,672 sf passive solar designed adobe home with rammed earth walls and vaulted viga pole ceilings, built in 1981. Retreat has two bedrooms and two baths, two fireplaces and three 10’ arched windows, flooring is a mix of Saltillo tile in the living and kitchen areas and carpet in the bedrooms. Dwelling also has a large pond and sauna outside.
http://www.granitecreekvineyards.com/
Posted at 07:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
My "glass" is generally overflowing, so I find I have to have a little bit of creative tunnel vision to get through the projects of a particular day.
Tales of a Lifetime, was conceived through my desire to help people tell their life stories while I made my living from an absolutely positive endeavor.
Unexpectedly meeting Rowena a few weekends ago taught me once again, that there are limitless ways to portray a life; that a great part of an artist's story is their creative output. When an artist completes a custom project for a client or a unique piece simply for the pleasure of creating, a record of those paintings of jewelry or pottery can live on in the pages of a book to possibly attract the next client.
At an art show, when an artist is in conversation with one client, another potential client could be looking at the portfolio presented in a professionally designed and printed book.
Here's a toast to doing what we love best.
Thanks, Rowena, for adding to my glass! I love your recycled wine bottle beads and charms!