Sonya Clark at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Sonya Clark chairs the Department of Craft/Material Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Sonya is currently well-represented in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area – she had three simultaneous shows. As part of her inclusion in Minneapolis Institute of Art’s “State of the Arts: Discovering American Art Now,” she recently spoke at that institution, and I…
Thrifted rhinestones and beads
I bought this wonderful, 3 1/2′ rhinestone chain at a thrift store. It’s tarnished and the rhinestones aren’t really sparkly – which makes it perfect for everyday wear, right? Perhaps from the 50s? It’s unsigned, so I don’t feel guilty about cutting it apart. Below is version three of a possible cuff. And here is…
Beads at the flagship American Craft Council Show
There are more than 650 artists who have (or will be soon) putting up their booths for the 2016 American Craft Council show in Baltimore. I work for ACC, but I’m one of the stay-at-home staff. If you can go, keep an eye out for these beady people, who share my love for little beads:…
I love French pumpkin beads
Really, I love all these colors, but the pumpkin is its own category of wonderful. I have a lot of this particular bead, but they are precious because I love them, and because there are no more French seed bead manufacturers. I’ve long admired Julie Powell’s beadwork, especially her collections of herringbone rope necklaces. I…
Earring two of two
I have a pair! And, the back: Not the perfect best color for the Ultrasuede, but it’s not horrible. I have active starts on two other beading projects. One involves rhinestones, and one does not.