The Virtual Blog Tour
The Virtual Blog Tour – This is the next stop
I was asked by Meghan at Firebonnet, to be the next stop on the Virtual Blog Tour. I’m not sure where this idea originated, but going backwards through the participating blogs has been fun. I love finding new creative blogs, and this has introduced me to several. The idea is just as it sounds, a blog tour so we all can find and meet new people. I have to answer the same 4 questions that everyone else has. This is Meghan’s post from last Monday, so you can see what she had to say. Alrighty then, lets get started. #1 What am I working on? I just started working on ideas for some old purse frames I have. My friend actually purchased these frames, and they are awesome! I am creating small beaded purses that go with each frame. Each one is a work of art all on their own, so I am trying to get bead patterns that compliment them. I sold one the other day to a woman who was immediately drawn to it, hopefully I can do that with all of them.
This is the one I just sold.
#2 How does my work differ from others of it’s genre?
I try to be just different enough to stand out. I love the traditional Native American beadwork, that is why I started beading in the first place. But lately I have been doing more contemporary designs, or a blending of old and new. I line all my bags with fabric that compliments the beadwork, and construct everything with an eye to detail and usability. I also use a mixture of elements in some of my pieces. Stones, metal, and different size beads all make for something interesting.
#3 Why do I write/create what I do?
I have had a love for Native American beadwork for as long as I can remember. When I taught myself to bead it opened a whole creative process for me. I can’t draw or paint, but I can make a picture in beads. I also sell my work as part of the way we make a living. Plus, I love beads and this way I can buy more!
#4 How does your writing/creating process work?
I have reference books for beadwork ideas, or sometimes I have an idea based on something I already have. These two small pieces were born from the shape of the bronze in the center.
I am very lucky in that I live with an artist who I can bounce ideas off, and who can pull that idea out of my head and actually draw it.
That’s it for me. But let me introduce you to your next stop on The Virtual Blog Tour.
Lillian Connelly writes a great blog called, It’s a Dome Life. She lives in a geodesic dome home in New Mexico, and paints beautifully. She blogs about a variety of things, her art being just one of them. Be sure to pay here a visit.
You sure do some beautiful bead work.
Wonderful projects–I certainly can see the influences upon your beading. Decades ago I was a fiber artist, and know the sense of tranquility and wonder that is realized in such creative work. Enjoyed your responses.
I like your work, it’s full of life ( I remember your wonderful wedding dress!!!)
How thrilling to see these unique bags with the purse frames. I love the round bag with the curved bottom and beaded wheel. I think your ideas are good to add a variety of new and old designs. I like the Lakota medicine wheels, moon and stars. Hope you had a great birthday.
That is such a clever idea with the old purse frames! I bet they will all sell well and you will be in need of more purse frames in no time!
those purse frames are awesome, and your complimenting work for them is really neat!
some of us toy with an occasional creation, now and then. you do it, enjoy it, sell it. i’m always impressed by folks who can.
I love those new little purses, such a great idea! Your beadwork is always gorgeous!
Your beadwork is lovely
I love your beadwork, I think the little purses are my favorites.
Those purse frames are so cool – what a great idea to do the beading to complement them! Lovely!
Those purses are all going to be beautiful! Wow! Although, I’ve never seen you do something that wasn’t. :)
What a cool blog. Love your purses!
Your purses are beautiful Mary! I have no doubt you will need more frames very soon! This tour is awesome…although I see a sharp dip in my work activity for this evening! On to visit some more blogs!
Enjoyed reading your answers and seeing your beautiful beadwork. I too am a lover of Native American beadwork and Native American artwork in general.
It’s amazing to be able to do something you love for a living! :) You must get a lot of satisfaction with every creation.
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I am so impressed with your many talents. Those beaded purses are just gorgeous. I want one of each.
Thank you for adding me to the virtual blog tour!