Day of Rest

I've been going non-stop for the past seven days. Full out.

Every day has been spent painting, cleaning, painting and cleaning again.

I feel like I'm in some manic rush to get the house done before the wedding and guests arrive.

So, when I was told to take a day and rest, I agreed that it was probably needed and I'm glad I listened.

After a much needed nap, I found some time to take some photos of my newest piece.

I'm calling it the Rising Star.

The cabochon is from Caroline Fung who sent me the most gorgeous collection that she handmade. (Thank you, Caroline!)

I'm finding myself really trying to push my creativity when it comes to bead embroidery.

I'm finding ways to incorporate depth and texture into what might otherwise be a very flat piece.

Can you see the depth I've created around the cab by incorporating beadweaving with bead embroidery? Under the bright red/fuschia layer of beads in the center is actually a layer of small bugle beads which supports the red/fuschia delicas and helps them to sit higher than the surrounding layers.

I've also started adding rows of beadwork after I've already backed the piece, working off of the existing row in little picots to hide the edge beads just a bit, but also to create the look of beadweaving with the weight and softness of bead embroidery.

This piece is definitely a hybrid of the two.

The art of embroidery, attaching the beads to a solid surface to hold them in place, and the art of weaving, attaching the beads to each other to create patterns and texture that aren't always possible in embroidery.

I added some little dangles and fringe for some movement and a little interest around the neck.

If you'd like to see more of this one, I've listed it here.  

Enjoy the rest of your beautiful weekend and don't forget that Mom's Day is coming up!

It's not too late to get your gift to her!

I'll be shipping all week!