Our girl is taking shape!

  Oh she is looking so beautiful!  The water theme section of the skirt is about 2/3 done.  How I love precious gems and beads!

New Project Phase

Under the Sea

   In case I haven't mentioned the theme of the project, I am aiming at a very abstract representation of the 4 spiritual concepts of earth, wind, water and fire.  The earth portion of the dress is complete and has a subtle yet beautiful tree built into the design.  The tree features blossoms of purple and rose along with a few beautiful Tiger's Eye leaves and sassy mother of pearl bird.

  The photo above is the raw design for the water portion of the design.  There are sea anemones made of Watermelon Tourmaline, fish schools of Carnelian and a sneaky jelly fish comprised of a wonderful lampwork bead and 3 pieces of onyx.  When the water portion of the skirt is complete the design disappears into the bunches and folds of the bead strands but it is fun to know it is there, even if hidden.

More Strands added!

  I've added a few more strands to Jan's project, and I wish that the pictures did it justice.  It is looking absolutely stunning and I am getting more and more excited about it.  I am looking forward to seeing how the back of the skirt looks through the front of the project.  I think it will fill it in more.  Hopefully I will have a few more strands to post tomorrow.

Tentative Steps

Today, I put the final touches on a the first two strands of the bead skirt.  I am feeling very spoiled to work with such beautiful stone and I find myself losing track of time as I work. Unfortunately my kids have a quick way to pull me back to reality in just a few words..."what's for dinner???"

The beginning of project: Jan

 Jan's Glorious Stash of Beads!

A couple of months ago I was commissioned to created a beaded piece of artwork for a friend and customer, Jan.  I have been a bit trepidatious as this is a big project and I know how much all the beads and pieces mean to Jan so I have been hesitant to start, but today is the day.  So I cleaned my bead desk, bribed my husband to put up a couple of shelves to dedicate to the project, and am ready to go.  Wish me luck!