Summer Time on The Bead Loom!

Part one, of a two part class, "Loom University" on BEAD SOUP Campus! Actually, we are at BEAD SOUP, in Savage Maryland, where I share my skills for weaving beads, on a loom. Class projects included the cuffs, "Flip Flop Zentangle" and "Flying High". Both, of these cuffs, have been shared here, on my Blog. Scroll through to take a look. We had a very electric time!! You will enjoy these pictures

Everyone picked which pattern they wanted to create, in class. 

Each student receives both patterns, but only one in class. 

Bead Soup offers the beads in one gram packages, so the cost of supplies, for these cuff, are low

Everyone wore Flip Flops, or brought them! We saw some cute versions, not just on the loom

Everyone was given an empty pattern, as well as the flip flop pattern I created. That way, they were able to draw and create their version of a flip flop, to be included in this cuff. We got underway with weaving, but I am sure there will be surprises at Part Two Class, on Saturday.

Notice Eunice, standing. She has joined in all of my classes. Eunice prefers to stand to weave. Therefore, I had a special loom created just for her...it is taller than the others!!

Much of my instruction is offered on a large screen TV, seen here in the background.

What makes the choice of cuff patterns great, is how each student learns double the technique, as each cuff offers something different.

These are the best "thongs" of the day!! LOL Donna, French Flower Artiste Extraordinaire made these. LMAO! I love the flower topper too.

Maureen sported her version of a flip flop

Lisa was totally prepared for today. I love these.

Finally, two of us came prepared to take the heat! LOL My shirt was a gift from Caron Reid and Lisa said she bought her years ago. No whistling please!

Option one. "Flip Flop Zentangle"

Option two. "Flying High"

Next session is on August 9 & 16, 2014. Call BEAD SOUP for reservations 240-456-4568!

Framing Bead Loom Woven Art

I believe the frame is as important, to a painting/picture, as the image itself. Not unlike wall hung art, I like to consider such a finish, for my bead art. In my case, more often then none, it is an edging. 

Here is my latest piece, still on the warps. 

I have a few new ideas, to finalize the edges. With so much color splashed throughout, I will be considering the best means to tie this all together. 

Let me work on my new crazy idea, then share later :D

Spring into Summer!My latest Bead Loom Woven Cuffs

Busy, busy, busy! The latest, off my bead loom, is this "Lazy Tulip Cuff"

Edged with Cream Glass Pearls and Permanent Gold Metallic 11/0 seed beads. I created the pattern, using 11/0 Delicas. The 3D petal, was secured on top, covering the crystal stamens.

The leaf and petal, extensions, were aligned with the woven pearl suspended edge.

The picture below shows how the negative space was created, on the loom.

Keeping with the theme of 'negative space', I included a scalloped edging, of pearls and gold beads.

Summer Bead Loom Classes are kicking off, with the next two patterns.

"Flip Flop Zentangle".

Then Students may weave my pattern, or offered a chance to recreate their own flip flop designs.

These are clipped to a clothes line, of sorts, with a matte transparent background. 

This way, the flip flops jump off the cuff and the transparent offer a little of your skin tone to shine through.

The second option, offered to the students, is the cuff below,

"Flying High!"

This pattern offers a glimpse into a day at the beach. Each bead finish was selected to offer something to this scene. A sun shines hot, using bright metallic beads finishes, where as the seagull is an opaque line, against the matte beaded shy and clouds. The water offers a silver lining and the beach resonates galvanized sand. A sand bar hold some shells and beach glass, crystals also offering a charm bracelet of beach related charms. 

My summer classes begin, on June 21 & 28, at BEAD SOUP, in Savage Maryland.

August 9th & 16th, are the next dates, continuing to offer unique bead loom techniques!