I am so jealous.....
I am a fairly versatile and creative person. There are really only two things that I've ever tried at which I have failed miserably. Those would be the mastery of certain types of beadweaving, and photography. I can do basic Peyote stitch, loom weaving, basic square, right angle, etc., stitches. But, I completely SUCK at my fav stitches; free-form and sculptural Peyote. [I also love spiral stitch and crocheted beads, but I'll save my whining about my lack of ability with those for another day.] And, I am not that competent at even the basic stitches, other than a couple of them.
So anyway, I curse myself each time that I try one of the aforementioned stitches again, wondering if I am somehow "challenged". Whatever the reason, I can not wrap my mind around these stitches. Gah......so very frustrating.
One of the best, and most well known of the artists who have mastered these stitches, is Jeanette Cook of Beady Eyed Women. Her work is incredible, even though her website really does not showcase her best work, she is totally excellent at this art/craft. An example of one of her pieces is depicted in the image at the top of this post.
Some examples of beadwork by other bead weavers/artists that I admire are below (not necessarily related to those stitches). Do visit their sites to see more of their work.......these ladies are really so talented!
1. Fish Stories bead-woven bracelet by Sarah, of the thebeadedlily.blogspot.com.
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2. Titiana Speaks to Bottom spiral rope necklace by Mary Lou of MaryLou's Art Adventure.
3. Midsummer Night's Dream by Triz of Triz Designs.
There are so many more talented bead weavers out there, it's very difficult to choose just a few. For the best bead weavers selling on the web, visit The Etsy Beadweavers Team Blog.
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I need to learn how to do this. I have been taking apart vintage jewelry that is broken or has missing pieces so that I can use it as parts in new jewelry. My mom sells at an antique shop so she had tons of old jewelry laying around. It would be cool to be able to combine some of the old stuff with bead weaving.
Posted by: Rachel | July 24, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Rachel, be prepared to acquire a new addiction. :)
Posted by: nicole | July 25, 2008 at 07:05 AM
I cannot imagine having the ability to create such amazing pieces. It seems as though it musst be similar to what the Tibetan Monks do with the sand paintings, only this you get to keep! WOW!
Posted by: Debbie Lane | July 25, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Thank you for featuring one of my pieces!!! :-) am truly honoured to be included in this post among such amazing talented beadweavers!!! Don't give up on the beading!!!! :-)
Posted by: Triz | July 25, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Stunning pieces Nicole, these women are truly great at what they do...I've tried to do beading like this but I just don't have the patience for it nor the eyesight...:0)
I have two bracelets half finished and I started them a year ago...
Cheers
Posted by: Heather | July 25, 2008 at 06:58 PM
@ Debbie......yeah, they really are amazing. So beautiful, it's almost a shame to wear them, lol. :)
@ Triz...LOL, I won't give up, but I don't ever expect to be very good at it. But, I can always admire the work of those who are! :)
@ Heather....mmmm......I too have a few unfinished---no, let's be honest here, Nicole.....I have like 7 or 8 unfinished beadweaving projects. *sigh* :)
Posted by: nicole | July 25, 2008 at 09:42 PM