BEad Inspired design contest from Whimbeads
I am one of many, many participants in the BEad Inspired design contest from Whimbeads. Beki, proprietress and beader extraordinaire, made kits we bought sight unseen, inspired by pictures of the seasons. By July 1st, I am to create something from my “Fall” kit. One of the rules is that I am to share no…
Hmong textiles
The Hmong are an ethnic group that began coming to Minnesota in 1975 as refugees from the Vietnam War that decimated their homelands in Laos. The United States recruited Hmong men to assist in the war as a secret operation, with a total of 30,000 – 40,000 Hmong soldiers killed in combat, an estimated 1/4 of all Hmong men and…
Rhinestones and beads bracelet
Here’s the finished bracelet! I like it, and the clasp works well. Here’s a tip, though: the actual clasp should be as close as possible to the edge of the bracelet. Because I wasn’t thinking of this, I centered the snap on the Ultrasuede square. The clasp only gaps a tiny bit, but if I…
Transformations: Homage to Nancy MacKenzie
I recently was fortunate enough to see the exhibition “Transformations,” of work by Nancy MacKenzie at the St. Catherine University’s Catherine G. Murphy Gallery in St. Paul. I have seen Nancy’s work on several occasions, and once had the opportunity to hear her speak many years ago at the Textile Center. I am grateful I was able…
Lantern earrings/pendants
I just realized that I didn’t post any pictures of these gifts I made recently. Sára Zsadon wrote instructions for these as earrings in the December 2013 Beadwork magazine. I used them as pendants; I find them very appealing. For once, I made one for myself!