Author: denise

I have done beadwork for over 25 years and got so interested in jewelry design that I took two metalwork classes at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee from wonderful teachers Deborah Lynn Gold and Marjorie Simon. I can't choose a favorite medium. I love sculptural work and adore forming and fabricating metals, but three-dimensional beadwork is more colorful. I sew a lot! Lately I've been making lots of purses and wallets as well as upcycling used clothing into new items. Lately I've gone back to sewing and refashioning cast-off clothing–mostly men's shirts, into girls' clothing. I also enjoy making handbags and wallets. They are really fun to put together–like a puzzle.

New Bracelet

I don’t know why I love bracelets so much.  They seem to be the only thing I like to make lately.  It’s not because they’re a small project because I don’t like to make earrings as much as bracelets.  It’s not that they’re easy, because some of mine are more complicated than my necklaces.  Maybe one day I’ll figure it out, but meanwhile, here is one I just finished.  I used six different beads in a random pattern.  It closes by pulling the large Czech beads through the slot one at a time.

Copper Cuff

Old & New

Well, I’ve been side-tracked by Arbonne.  My sister invited me to her Arbonne Spa Party the other day.  I went.  I was prepared to not buy anything and not like the products.  Boy, was I wrong.  They’re hypo-allergenic and vegan.  The company is over 30 years old and I’m just now discovering it.  I’m not breaking out, or itching, or turning red.  Long story short–I’m selling Arbonne.  And using Arbonne.  LOVE Arbonne.  Thank you, Luanna.

Off my soapbox now, I’m planning more patterns.  How long does it take to hear from the copyright office?

The sun is shining today, after a few showers this morning and a cool front is coming through.  It’s nice outside!  We’ve had so much rain this year that I thought I was growing gills most of the summer.  Wheeeeeeeee!  Dog Days are officially over and we are getting less rain.  Does anyone remember the old saying that if it rains the first day of Dog Days, it will rain all during Dog Days?  My husband had never heard it.  I’d heard it all my life.  It was true this year.  The first day was July 3 and we were flooded.  The last day was last Saturday.  40 days.  I think my math is right.  It’s close, anyway.  I’m so eager for Fall.  Come on, Sweater Weather!

Pattern

I LOVE patterns.  Not beadwork patterns per se.  Just patterns.  Like fern leaves, fractals, repeating designs in fabric, rhythm.  Any beat, any color, any style–just patterns.  Some patterns can be annoying, especially high contrast patterns that create optical illusions.  Some seem to pulse.

How do you feel about patterns?  Are they annoying?  Calming?  Tell me your experiences.