A new skill has been learned.......

It is funny at times when one hobby overlays another hobby.   Even though this page is devoted to Bead Embroidery - Beadweaving - and Chainmailling but while attending a Society event ( Society of Creative Anachronism ) - I was managing the Arts and Science classes and competitions and I had the opportunity to see ( just a little bit ) for a historic embroidery class being taught by Andrea Brooks ( Lady Aesa ).  I was only able to try the Split stitch but I really enjoyed working in thread as a cover medium. One funny thing happened as I was sitting there learning the split stitch though,  I did keep trying to pick up a bead. 

Of course I enjoyed the Celtic Triskele pattern as well.  Soooo....... I'm hooked on Embroidery and starting thinking of ways to incorporate both Embroidery and Bead Embroidery, so I took off so to speak and decided that I would make a SPIKE ( The Unicorn Seahorse ) which is the mascot of the Kingdom of Atlantia.  And of course I added beads. 

SPIKE

I posted a photo on the Closed Needlework Group for the Barony of Hawkwood and I received many kind comments for completing a second piece.  I still have to block and press this piece but I believe it shall be an eye catcher when complete.   Now mind you,  I have several beaded pieces going on at this time but I have found the thread embroidery very relaxing while watching a little TV or taking a break at work.  The first photo ended up as a Cup Cover with brass swans hanging from each corner to keep the piece weighted over the cup.  The Spike piece I believe shall be a table center piece but it is to be determined. 

I have only learned split stitch and taught myself from a You-Tube Video on how to do Satin Stitch but there are numerous other stitches out there that I need to learn.  ( Yes !  Bless you You-Tube ) and now it has my thoughts going to next years Battle piece.  How to incorporate both mediums for a stunning design. 

Now look at this fabulous darling by " Fly Fenix ".   This has the imagination stimulated for sure. 

Stay tuned!  Piece number 3 is underway....... and it is Celtic and it is Swans. 

Current Musings - I am so behind in Blogging with all of the wonderful events going on

I apologize.  I am so behind on Blogging with both Catherine's Musings and A Newby to the Kingdom of Atlantia.  The Battle of the Beadsmith 2016 has begun this week.  Master Steven Weiss has started to post the Battle Pairs as the entire Battle has changed due to many that did not submit their Battle Pieces at the last minute.

Update:

Steven Weiss

1 hr · Carteret, NJ

6-20 UPDATE
As we do not have enough battlers to fill four groups of 64 I will begin posting battles as one large round. Everything remains the same in terms of voting, etc. We will keep voting forms reasonable in size to keep things moving along.
After the results of round one we will re-select battles for round 2 and so on.
Good luck to all
Enjoy the battle for what it is.
A celebration of people coming together to share with each other, inspire each other, and to strut their beady stuff with a group of beaders worldwide who share a common love of the game.

 We have some incredibly beautiful entries and it has been a Bling Event watching each Battle Pair get posted before voting begins.  I would be honored to make it to Round 3.

And here is my submission:

AWEN of the Sea

 

 If I am grateful for anything - it is that Awen stimulated my beading again.  I have a Blog Hop where I was a Bead Angel with two participants that I need to load but as you can see - AWEN - took up a lot of time.  Each size 15 bead was hand sewn individually.  Glutton for punishment.   I will spend time and organize the posts because there is a lot that has happened over the past three months and it has been wonderful.

I've changed my header Photograph...

As you can see - my header has changed from my Battle of the Beadsmith 2015 submission to a lovely piece I finished a month and a half ago.  The Cabachon is Malachite-Azurite and I cabbed this piece myself from a twin that I have with Deborah Apodaca.  Speaking of Deborah - she is the person that took the photograph of this piece and if you are looking for a superb photographer for your jewelry needs please give her a call or send her an email.  She is doing websites for " The Central Florida Bead Society " , Anne Hess and other artisans. 

To see an example of her work - www.annehesseart.com

and to contact her - deborahapodaca1@gmail.com

Please tell her I sent you. 

Any how - why did I remove last years?  Because it is time for the 2016 Battle of the Beadsmith.
I am in Battle Group C ( oh no - Nikki Messal - Courtney Phillips - Joanne Zammit - Betty Cox - my partner from last year - Rebecca Williams ---- Oh such talent in this group ) .  So?  What shall it be?  You'll just have to stand by. 

Bead Peeps - Well my Two Ladies have received their kits...

Both of my Bead Peep partners have received their kits - Both Sheila Poster ( http:catswithbeads.BlogSpot.com ) and Brandy Collier - (www.bhjewelry.wordpress.com) have ooohed and awed on their treasures and Sheila and I had like ideas. 

1st Exchange with Brandy Collier - she loves Purple and Green together.  Actually that is one of my favorites as well. 
2nd Exchange with Sheila Poster -

The bead Embroidery kit.....just to expand those wings. 

So please keep and eye for when we reveal our treasures.

An addition to the 2nd Annual Bead Peeps - An Angel request...........................

Well - all the goodies have been sent to partner one and I was asked to be an Angel and add a second partner - Sheila Poster.  Absolutley!  My second partner is proficient in Bead weaving and works in a medium where I seldom venture - Geometric Beadwork - Jean Power style.  Not that I do not admire the style of this type of beadwork - I've just never ventured there. 

I find Sheila's blog a very natural expansion of growing into our craft and her curiosity admirable.  Therefore,  she shall have a surprise package coming her way tomorrow - a new style of beading. 

Please take a moment and meet my second partner for the 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Blog Hop:
http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com,  and stay tuned for our reveals. 

Two for one..... yippee!

It's Kinga....... Kinga Nichols that is................

Last month I was able to exchange a few Cabachon's with Kinga - she had posted she was looking for Sugar Skull cabs to complete her kits and I had ( 5 ) spare Cab's from a order I had placed.  Lovely little Sugar Skulls..........................

In exchange I received Kinga' leaf cabochons which I just think are wonderful.  I love the pendant technique that she uses by incorporating the bail into the embroidery so I gave it a try and I am very please with the results.  Completing the rope for this piece now.  I'll probably have to photoshop this photo and replace - all my I-Phone photos always rotate.  Aaargh! 

I've always admired her beadwork and use of Lovecraft themes and colors that are just, Wow ..... really Wow! 

Spend a few moments and visit Kinga's Blog at: 
http://crimsonfrogdesigns.blogspot.com/  and view the work of a true artist. 

A new introduction.......

I haven't had the opportunity to introduce Ms. Callie O'Malley - yes I know.... all of my pets have two names.  But here is my latest treasure and she adopted me.  A stray who showed up at the house and started staying as I fed her ( Fancy Feast and milk ) .  Now she has been spayed and all of her health requirements have been met and she now resides at night in a huge dog crate where the pups are getting used to her.  She has her own bed - blankets and tiny little litter box in the corner for a just in case.  I've never been a cat person until this little gem arrived.  To hear her purr in the morning is just wonderful. 

#Battle Nation - 2016 Battle of the Beadsmith

Well - it looks official - the lists are being confirmed now and the 1st of April is looming on the horizon.......    # Battle Nation here we come....

Let me introduce you....... 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Swap 'n' Hop

It is that time again - the 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Swap 'n' Hop and our partners have been selected.
I'm excited with this partner as she is a new beader and I find this refreshing.  We also have the same taste in colors - love that purple and green. 

Let me introduce you to- Brandy Collier, my new partner.  She is a new beadweaver and she is also planning a wedding to boot.  Her blog is -http://www.bhjewelry.wordpress.com and her blog is easy to navigate using the archives to the right.  He has done Kumihimo and uses seed beads throughout her work.  A kindred spirit.  Nothing better than a new seed bead artist.  I look forward to selecting her " goody bag " and seeing what she does with it. 

It seems I have been remiss in Blogging

With the new Bead Peeps Exchange beginning -  it would seem I have been remiss in blogging.  Doubly so with my SCA blog too boot.  So let me say I have a lot of updating to do to include The Bead Peeps 2016 Exchange, I am approved to be in the 2016 Battle of the Beadsmith -----just all kinds of beading related goodies.   Over the next week I'll post photos of the new wonders in progress as a Bead Embroiderer and the Chainmaille is hopping.  I need to post my SCA period piece " Tudor Chain of Office" in bead embroidery and after two competitions I have broken it apart and it shall become a new wonder.  I also have the Florida Jewelry Artist Retreat coming up so stay tuned.