Sorry I have been incommunicado for a while! Between the virus and the election and being incredibly busy with work (good stuff), I haven’t been able to carve out the block of time to post on this blog. But I’m back. I plan to get back to it at least a couple times a week now.
I have been incredibly inspired by this fantastic watercolor by the artist, Paul Klee….painted in 1929. The richness and weirdness of the colors make them look “lit up” and clear, yet earthy and strange. Furthermore, the yellow and gray have been announced as “Pantone’s Color of the Year-2021” The patterns lend themselves to weaving, which is a new method of beading that I started to do in September of last year. My background is indeed in textiles and I was a weaver for many, many years- making fabric for other designers as well as my own line of clothing in San Francisco in the 80’s. It is second nature to me. Weaving with tiny glass beads is very different, but is basically the same sensibility. I love it. It moves quite quickly compared with peyote and herringbone stitch, and it has become a vehicle for color and pattern that is very satisfying.
The off-loom weaving isn’t going anywhere! I love that too. It’s just wonderful to learn something new!
Here are two new pieces, a pleated necklace and a “Interwoven” woven cuff….both which are available in my shop. I will be exploring these forms much, much more in the future with tons of color variations. Happy New Year!
6 replies on “Back to Blogging!”
Fran
Love the way you interpreted Paul Klee’s painting with beads – amazing. I go through museums and often imagine necklaces made with the colors I see in the paintings . So far still in my head … but you have definitely inspired me .
Nadine Tibbs-Stallworth
Julie, your beads are absolutely wonderful. Where do you purchase them?
Julie
Thank you, Fran! I seem to find inspiration everywhere, but especially in modern art. I am thrilled to have inspired you! Keep beading!
Julie
Thanks, Nadine- I buy wholesale through distributors of Czech and Japanese beads. You can find beautiful seed beads at Shipwreck and Fire Mountain Gems- both which are online.
Nadine Tibbs-Stallworth
Thank you Julie. I have admired jewerly in Artful Home for many years before taking my first beading class. You have been an inspiration.
Julie
Thank you so much Nadine! It is the utmost compliment to be an inspiration to you! Keep creating!