My August Bead Harvest

In August, I didn't get into my ceramic studio much due to family visitors and finally some sunshine later in the month. I harvested beads from the earth rather than making them out of clay. I love all these veggies and am still in the process of preserving them for delicious winter eating.

Let Us Now Praise Famous Beaders

Although the late Peter Francis, Jr (1945-2002) writes from the perspective of a bead collector, (what beader is not a collector as well) I thought starting this series on beaders with Peter Francis, Jr. was most fitting because his research goes back to the many places where beads were first found. He points out that beads are the first known art form of humans, emerging over 40,000 years ago. In fact they predate cave paintings and carved figures.
The Late Peter Francis, Jr. (1945-2002) was a pioneer in the beading movement that we are continuing to experience today. I first became aware of his work when I was surfing the net on Compuserve in the late 80's early 90's. He had a webmall for beaders, he was the first I know of to have shops for beaders to sell their work on the web and he was a very knowledgeable bead collector and researcher. You can visit his original website here. In addition to his extensive research on the history of beads, he had a bead museum in Lake Placid, NY. Here is a link to photos of his museum. There are plans to have his entire collection placed in the Bead Museum in Glendale, Arizona.
I have a copy of his book Beads of the World which is a fascinating look at the history of beads. There are many photos of different beads from all over the world. He also includes some old photos of primitive bead making techniques and some great old drawings of how glass beads were made in the past. I especially love the drawing of three women at a table making wrapped lampwork beads, around 1600. Not so different from now.

Peter Francis, Jr.'s definition of a bead:

" What's a Bead?A survey of dictionaries and encyclopedias will reveal that the usual definition of a bead goes something like this: "A bead is a small, round object with a hole in it used for necklaces, etc."I do not find this satisfying. For one thing, many beads are not round. For another, they are not all small. They do not all have holes, and their uses go far beyond necklaces.My definition would be more on these lines: "A bead is an object capable of being strung and used for the many tasks assigned to it by various cultures. These include (but are not limited to) symbols of status and group membership; ornamentation of people, animals, and things; mnemonic devices; counting devices; amulets and talismans; and others."

I found the following link here that shows a video of Peter talking about African Beads on a UK TV program. It gives you a great sense of his knowledge and love of beads. I found that it would work on my Windows Media Player if I scrolled down to the link for people who can't get it on the screen provided i.e. the 14 mb .wmv file.
I hope that you will spend some time getting to know Peter's work, if you don't already, and enjoy remembering him as I have done in writing this article.

A Windy Night

We were away and missed the storm. But a giant branch from one of our 100 year old Maple trees was torn off by the strong winds that chased Ike out to sea. Thank goodness it was a graceful fall. It just missed our car, our house and our satellite dish. We feel so lucky.

Some New Beaded Jewelry

Part of my summer vacation was indulging in a nonstop beading marathon and not going to my ceramic studio. I had a great time but do have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. We remedied that by going camping afterwards and doing a lot of canoeing, biking, swimming and walking.

Here are some pics of both of my fun summer activities:

Here are some of my beaded pieces on a lovely china platter in the almost finished stage. I still hadn't finished the necklace below in this pic. Later I tied and cut off the working threads. I got a chance to try my new thread burner and it works really well for this kind of task.

This is a pic of my first right angle weave necklace. It was a challenge. I had to take it apart several times before it came out the way it did. I like the color combo and it is fun to wear.

This is the view from out campsite cabin looking out on Goose Bay. I spent quite a bit of time reading Looking for Alaska in this gorgeous spot.

A new right angle weave bracelet photographed on a bale of hay that is part of a hayhouse we made for the grandchildren to play in when they visited. I can't bear to take it down now that they are gone. It brings back such joyful memories. So now I am photographing jewelry on it.

Canoeing on Goose Bay. Here the inlet opens out onto the Bay. The mightly St. Lawrence River is just around the corner.

And Then the Sun Began To Shine

After weeks of rainy and overcast days this summer, about the third week in August the sun began to shine. And at long last our giant sunflowers began to bloom. I was thrilled.

To enjoy these sunny days I took off some time ( I skipped my August Newsletter and blogging) and spent them enjoying the fine weather. We even went camping. What fun. I guess summer is ending now as it has gotten colder on some days and the sun has become more scarce as large gray and white clouds keep rolling in. So now it is back to work and the normal flow of life. I love that too.

A Platefull of Pendants and Beads

I am thinking ahead today about the Annual Artists' Studio Tour that takes place where I live. This year will be the 21st Annual Tour. Wow!! I can remember back when the tour brochure was a handrawn map and no pictures of the artists' work. This year we are all getting color photos of our work. The picture above is for the postcard I plan to make for the event. My brochure photo is going to be a closeup of one of my freeform peyote stitch necklaces with my handmade ceramic raku fired beads.

The tour almost always takes place in November. This year it will be on November 7th, 8th and 9th. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is presented by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council. Hilary Oak is the director of this wonderful organization that supports and promotes the arts in St. Lawrence County.

I always like to do something special for guests who come to my studio--to give them a first hand experience making art with the materials that I use. This year there will be Ceramic Bead Making and Glazing; Felted beads and flower making and Fused Glass. One of each on each of the days of the tour. Last year we had a great time making art. And happily for me, many folks chose to purchase one of my handmade pieces.

What a Veggie Garden Year

It has rained almost every day this summer and the veggies are growing like crazy. And those giant sunflowers in the background are almost 9 feet tall now and the buds are just beginning to form. Since I haven't had a veggie garden in quite a while I am so thrilled and grateful for every fresh organically grown zucchini, cucumber, green bean and radish I pick. So far we have had lots of these. The tomatoes are plentiful but not ripe. Soon I hope. The peppers are big but I am still waiting to pick them since I want to freeze a few too.

And that field of pumpkins I planted for the grandchildren has really come through for them. As I said in my newsletter they are up to my waist or my neck. They just keep growing and spreading.

Book Review

Below is the review I wrote of Sherri Haab's new book for Amazon.com
Sherri Haab's new book Beaded Macrame Jewelry interested me from the start since I used to make a lot of jewelry using macrame. In fact that is how I got started making ceramic beads. I couldn't find commercial beads large enough to fit the hemp cord I was using then. Well now things have changed a lot. There are many wonderful handmade beads on the market that have large holes and wonderful new cords and material to use with them. This book is focused on using many of the new large holed handmade beads. Although lampwork beads are usually featured, the new ceramic beads you can find on Etsy and Just Beads on the Internet would work equally as well. And you know I am biased on the subject of ceramic beads. The book shows you the basic Macrame knots in clear large illustrations and then goes on to introduce you to a number of attractive projects. I have been having a lot of fun with the Japanese Cord Bracelet. I was attracted to this project because I had some of this wonderful Japanese Noro cording on hand in several different colors. By the way this stuff is gorgeous. Here is an example of my interpretation of the Japanese Cord Bracelet.

And now I am using this same technique to make a necklace.

There is another reason I love this book and that is the very simple sliding closure that makes it possible to adjust the size of any bracelet or necklace. She gives you two versions of this very handy adjustable ending.
There are many attractive projects in the book ranging from leather cord bracelets, macrame rings and earrings, to complex necklaces and even a purse using yarn and ribbon.
This book is available from Amazon.com and other books stores.

Hot from the kiln today

Here is a photo of some of the pieces I took out of the kiln this morning. I am putting them on my website under a newly created category, New Work. These pieces will be there for a month. They are one of a kind and are ready for immediate purchase.

Potsdam Summer Festival

Again this year, the Potsdam Summer Festival Arts and Crafts Fair was on a beautiful sunny summer day. Before and after it rained and sadly it is still raining here in the North Country. The river is so full from all this rain, it looks like our dock is going to set sail. Hopefully not.

The photo above is a shot of some of my hand made bracelets that I had on display.

I want to thank all my friends and customers and return customers for visiting my booth. You made my day. I always look forward to this annual event. See you next year.

Highlights of my Ceramic Bead Glazing Class

I have unpacked the kiln, packed up every one's beads and sent them off. But before they left, I took some pics so that all could see what we made. It was hard to tell how the beads would come out during class since by the end of the day, all the beads were covered in a pinkish white glaze. So now you can see what your friends made. All of you are so creative!!!

July Art Bead Scene Submission

Here is my bracelet for the July Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge. I used my handmade ceramic button, raku beads, and a ceramic bird along with some glass beads. The cord is macramed Noro Japanese cotton and rayon. The bracelet is light and comfortable to wear. I love the Noro cord which I bought last summer when the new Fiber Options store openned in a small village nearby. I am glad to find a good use for it and am making another bracelet in another set of colors as well.

Jewelry Art Exchange with Gaea, Lorelei, Joelle and Jennifer

A few weeks ago Gaea came up with the idea of a Jewelry /Art Exchange on her blog. I learned about this fun project from Lorelei's blog and wrote in to Gaea that I would like to participate. I am not quite sure of all the artists who have joined in but will add their names as I learn of them. So far I am the third person to add to this necklace. Below I have included pictures of the additions as they were made and by whom.


Lorelei's contribution (above) Joelle's contribution (above)

Mary Harding's contribution (ab0ve)

I added a small bird, a red gemstone, the green fiber chain, and the toggle clasp. I have really enjoyed this challenge. Can't wait to see how it turns out. The small bird and the toggle clasp are ceramic beads handmade by me. Now the necklace is going on its way to Jennifer Stumpf .

Peeking Into My Ceramic Bead Class Kiln

Here is a preview of the beautiful beads created and glazed by my Ceramic Bead Glazing Class that I taught at the Handweaving Museum in Clayton, NY on July 16. This class gave students the opportunity to bring previously bisqued beads they had made or to have a selection of bisque beads that I had handmade to glaze. No wet clay in this class. Just glazes and stains. There are more beads under this shelf that I haven't even seen yet. I will be posting more photos soon. Trying hard to keep the beads in place so that I can read my map and get every one's beads in the right box to return to them.

Right Angle Weave Class

I taught my Right Angle Weave Bracelet class on Wednesday at the Handweaving Museum in Clayton, NY. It was a beautiful summery waterfront day with a great breeze coming in the museum windows. All of the bracelets came out beautifully--9 in all. Attesting to the versatility of Right Angle Weave (RAW) is the variety of the work the students created. Some bracelets were dainty and classy, some organic, chunky and contemporary and some had the distinct vintage look.

The class was a bit large so next time I will suggest a 6 person limit. Luckily 4 of my students drove with me and we got there plenty early and could get a head start.
In addition to having a wonderful class of students, the new Programming Coordinator, Juliann Schindler was so welcoming and enthusiastic that she makes me want to come back again, despite the long drive.

Jewelry Exchange with Gaea, Lorelei, Joelle, and, Jennifer

I received part of a necklace in the mail the other day which I am excited to be able to contribute to. So far it looks like this:

I can add whatever I want, Gaea tells me. I could even take away, but I would never want to do that. So this afternoon I will be working on my addition. Hopefully it will add up right.

Toggle clasps

New toggle clasps ready to glaze.

New glazed toggle clasps fresh from the kiln.

Art Bead Scene Submission for June

This is a photo of my submission to the ArtBeadScene Monthly Challenge. This month the theme is Pearls of Wisdom. I have titled my necklace Mom A Pearl of Wisdom. The necklace is made with my handmade copper pendant stamped with MOM in numerous places. I have also used one of my handmade raku beads with a copper finish. The two chains are antiqued brass. I have wire wrapped one Swarovski pearl as well as other charms to hang from the pendant. The clasp is copper as well as some of the jump rings and wire wrapping on the raku bead. The green glass is beach glass I found on the shores of Lake Erie. I drilled holes in them and they too are on copper jump rings that I made. I did not preplan to use Mom in this necklace but when I went to make the pendant the word Mom just popped up and off I went. I don't think of this as a sentimental tribute to my Mom or myself. But as I grow older and become more aware of how Mom's can and do change the world, I have the idea of Mom on my mind more often.

Let Us Now Praise Famous Beaders

This extraordinary lady is going to be the photo for a new section in my newsletter I am calling Let Us Now Praise Famous Beaders. And indeed let us praise the children of the Elmwood Village Charter School who created her. She is clearly a beader in her own right with a fabulous necklace in white. Unlike James Agee, I will be focusing on beaders both known and unknown with the purpose of exploring some of my favorite artists and finding new ones. Check out my newsletter by signing up for it here or on my website. I ususally send it out the last Sunday of the month.

This Year I am Having a Garden

For the last quite a few years, we haven't had a garden because the deer have eaten it up. The final straw was the year they took a bite out of all of my tomatoes. That was it. In the meantime, I have been using a very tiny garden that we annexed onto the chicken yard. It has a very high fence and has never been bothered by much of anything. The only problem is that it can only grow a few things since it is so small.

So this year we are fencing in a plot to keep the deer out and our veggies in. You can see from the pics our progress. The most recent photo shows the fence up and veggies planted. Some were above ground when I planted them and some are emerging at this very moment. So exciting.

This last photo shows how much the peas in the first photo have grown already.