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April 17, 2012
Busy week. FINALLY have the new website up and running!! Very exciting for me as I've never worked on websites before. I am so obsessed with it that I actually spent more time with the site than beading, if you can imagine that. Still more work to do on it. I want to get some cool items up on it that are my personal favorites for all of you to be able to have as well. So check back often. I plan to start creating new kits soon, but I'm nose diving into getting everything ready for my Master Classes first.
I'm also working on a new line of jewelry featuring my favorite Ammonites. I'm very excited! It's a year of new beginnings.
April 20, 2012
I just finished teaching in Madison, North Carolina. This is the first time I've 'blogged' and I'm thrilled to be chatting about this group of gals as my first attempt! Tammy Lawson put together a group of women from this area, and beyond for classes and a trunk show. What a fabulous time! One of the coolest things about teaching for me is the friends I make along the way. These gals are some of the greatest friends I've had the pleasure to hang around.
Tammy had me teaching in a garage. Sound insane? IT WAS AWESOME. This was a huge building where cars are worked on, cleaner than my home! I had to honor to work with a gorgeous red Mustang in the room. My favorite car.
15 students sat in an L shaped setting and we had more room than I've ever had to teach. My only fear was Tammy's sister Janet raising the garage door and taking all of my sketches thru the roof with the door! LOL
The food was catered by Tammy's sister Wanda. This gal should have a cooking show. We indulged in the finest feast of gourmet sandwiches, salads and deserts. If you see me and I look pudgy, blame Wanda.
We recreated the collar from Perlen Posie that was featured on the cover this past month. Two days of laughing and creating....who could ask for more. We solved all the worlds problems as well while beading!
Tammy if you're reading this, thank you for a wonderful trip. You are a true gem!!!
Me, Julie Knabb & Tammy Lawson The Crazy Madison Chicks
April 27, 2012
Bead and Button on the horizon! I made a trip to NYC in March and bought some cool stuff to bring to the Master Classses! Some awesome vintage closeouts that I'm dyin' to work with myself. that is if my new french bulldog doesn't consume them all. This little guy loves crystals and small beads. I've never had a dog quite this fascinated with beadwork.
I still can't believe I've got 60 people for the Master Classes. I hope my students bring me lots of Mt. Dew to keep the energy level up!
Can't wait. Bead and Button is the greatest week. I get to see all of my editors, fellow instructors and students. Simply the best week......
Creativity has been at an all time high lately and I can't turn it off! I feel a new 'something' developing, not sure what it is just yet, but I'm excited and new connections are being made.
November 8, 2012
I'm terrible. Bead & Button was in June and here I am finally getting on here to write about it. My apologies to everyone who has been watching and waiting for a report. First let me say that I applaud each person that attended my classes.
I was honored to be asked to do the Master Class this year. One class turned into 3 as we had so many people wanting to attend that through many discussions with Marlene Vail, we decided to not dissapoint anyone and go for it. 9 days of teaching in a row. One might think you would be able to view my lifeless body on the last day.....HOWEVER.....I was fully energized and blown away by the creativity that came out of the classroom. Each and every person explored his own inner voice and creativity. The results were staggering! I'm posting a few pictures that I've received and will post more as I get them. The rest will be featured online at www.beadandbutton.com and in February 2012's Bead and Button issue.Lisa Garoon of City Beads Chicago was my right arm during class time. I would've never been able to do what I did without her!
Susan Gross Lori Riznek Rhonda Gross
SPEAKING OF LISA!!!!! I spent 3 awesome days in Chicago with Lisa Garoon at her shop. What a weekend. I love those Chicago gals! Upon arrival and after set up Lisa took me to an awesome dinner and to the SOFA art show. My jaw is still dragging on the floor. I had the pleasure to view Betsey Youngquists work at the show. AND meet Betsey herself. What an amazing and inspiring artist!
I spent the weekend at Lisa's home as her daughter was away at college. Now....anyone who knows me, knows my favorite color is black and my favorite motifs are generally dark, brooding skulls, or unusual edgy items. Lisa's daughter Rachel has a lovely 'pink' room with floral walls. Needless to say I found myself working with pink shibori, pink flowers and actually woke up singing a John Denver song one morning. Talk about a trip to the Twighlight Zone. Panicked that I might never come back from this strange journey I plugged in my ipod and listened to AC/DC for 3 hours straight. I think I'm back to normal now.
Anyway....love the girls in Chicago. I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Thank you everyone for making life good.
December 8th, 2012
Teaching at Turquoise-Stringbeads in Fall River, Mass. What a blast! I love those New England ladies....even if they are Patriot fans.
We had a great time creating the Caged Heart as a project, the one that features MAKUstudio's one of a kind hearts. Nancy is a fabulous hostess and takes care of everyone. We had the pleasure of viewing Amy McNamara's soutache as she set it up in a room adjacent to mine. Very talented artist and a pleasure to have in class as well! Everyone was great and I truly look forward to going back. Notice the cool Swarovski covered skulls in the background!! These were amazing!
March 2013 Oregon Bead Society! What a great trip this was. And I'm proud to say that I was made an official member of this awesome group. I can't say enough about what a wonderful group of people that attended my workshops. I don't think I've laughed that much in a long time.
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