Customizing Beads

On my next project, Oriental Expressions, I found some beads that I really thought would be perfect for the design and ordered them. When they arrived, the color was wrong. I had already looked at so many beads that had to be rejected for one reason or another and so was not sure if I could find substitutes for them. When that happens, I turn to my Martha Stewart All Purpose Acrylic Paints that can be used on glass, and therefore, on glass beads. I used the satin finish paint for these and I couldn't have been happier with the results. Since the beads I work with are relatively small, it can be messy, and usually takes several coats of paint to cover completely and some time for them to dry and cure, but the results are well worth it.

I don't like to employ this method except in rare instances when there is no other recourse, simply because I am a purist and prefer to use materials that are 100% of what they claim to be. That is one of the reasons why I would not use any type of glue unless as a last resort to fasten things in my work. And only then the very best of the best that has proven great ability to hold and last indefinitely. My track record in the past with most glues has been disappointing at best, so I avoid them as much as possible. Stitching items onto a base with fibers is my absolute favorite way to go because of its longevity and what I think is just a classier look.

I'm also including a picture of the brooch that is the centerpiece of the design. I love the colors and how unique the design is of this vintage brooch.

Will be updating the progress of Ladybug Lake next time, until then I leave you with this thought:
"Searching for possibilities outside your safety zone will plunge you into learning processes that never stop".
-Michael Fleishman

When Did a Tornado Go Through My Studio?

I know here in Oklahoma we are known for our dramatic weather, especially tornadoes, but I never suspected one could just roar through my studio without me knowing it! LOL! It looks like an F5 barreled through, and I'm the one that unleashed it. UGH! I hope this isn't going to take more than a week but from the looks of it, it might. I get the magazine, "Cloth, Paper, Scissors" and almost always I read that uncluttering the studio is wonderful for the creative spirit. I believe that is true, but when I am in a creative frenzy so to speak, it seems I have to pull everything out to get the little that I need.

One thing that I am quite anxious to try are my Shiva Paint Sticks and foils. I have some Egyptian beads that I am just dying to work with and I think the foil and sticks will add a wonderful dimension to the stitching. I also have some Faber Castell Gelatos that I would love to try out too, not to mention my Jacquard Fabric Paints. I think adding paint with stitching is such a great way to create and adds so much to the craft of surface design and mixed media. OMGosh I am already wanting to pull out more stuff from my cabinets instead of putting things away.....the creative curse strikes again, and again, and again, ad infinitum...LOL!

Here is a sampler of my gelatos I can use for reference as well as my Jacquard and Stewart Gill fabric paints.

Faber Castell Gelatos Sampler

Jacquard fabric paints.

More Jacquard fabric paints.

Stewart Gill fabric paints.

More Stewart Gill fabric paints.

I would much rather paint on my fabrics than dye them because I like to have more of a hand in the design of it rather than a random occurrence. I really enjoy that part of the process and prefer not leave it to chance. That is not to say that I don't think overdyed fabrics aren't pretty and have a place for stitchers, because they certainly do, I just prefer to play with paints and designs of my own, and there are so many they truly are a blast to experiment with. Did I mention fabric markers too? Oh no, I better stop while I'm ahead and get to work on the studio! LOL!