Browse by Tags

“Ooh” and “aah” were just two of the reactions heard while Beadwork’s editors were judging the entries to our latest contest. The June/July 2009 issue of Beadwork challenged readers to create a project using pattern as inspiration and, as you are about to see for yourself, the results were phenomenal! By drawing inspiration from patterns found in nature to patterned papers and fabrics, our contest entrants show us pattern is everywhere you look. I’m sure you’ll agree that the fabulous projects featured here, all created by readers like you, are impressive and inspiring. A hearty thank you, all participants—you sure pulled out all of the stops! We hope you had as much fun making these projects as we did judging them. ...

Though it’s hard to imagine what life was like before I started editing Beadwork magazine and writing books about beading, I remember what drew me to pursue a career in art and design in the first place: pattern. Patterned wallpaper, patterned bedspreads, patterned Trapper Keepers (remember those?), you name it! While all of the other art students on a collage trip to Italy filled their notebooks and wrote reports on statues, paintings, and textiles, I focused my study on patterned tiles, gates, and tapestries. ...

If you look at my current resume, there isn’t a section called Rewards. No presidential citations or even an “Employee of the Month” award. I’d put them on there if I had any… Well, I guess in the sexist 70s the high school band voted me “Best Legs”, but I’m not sure that would add to my credentials. And, quite frankly, the “best” part of my hail-damaged legs anymore is that they get me from Point A to Point B!...

Some beading abbreviations crack me up. "RAW" (right-angle weave) is one of them. I told a non-beading friend that I was writing about RAW this week and she paused and then politely said, "I didn't know you were into wrestling."...

What can a passionate seed bead artist who’s just eighteen accomplish? Anything she wants! I first saw Scarlett Lanson while she was viewing the stunning crystal creations in Swarovski’s annual design contest display during this year’s Tucson Bead Shows. Little did I know that this young woman in jeans was one of the winners in their competition—and the designer of one of my favorite pieces. I was so impressed with her work and her passion for designing fashion-savvy jewelry with seed beads that I invited her to submit a project to Beadwork. ...

Color is such a key element of good design. Yet each of us wrestles now and then with being in a color rut—“I only buy purple beads”—or wondering what shade of blue brings out the best in a new multicolored lampwork pendant. Do you ever watch The View on TV? If so, you’ll understand how much fun it is to poll several of our bead magazine editors and learn new and different angles from each one....