Bead-A-Licious!: 2012

H E L L O....!

Drop flower beaded pendant - a borrowed design

I haven't written in a L-O-N-G time. Not that anyone missed me.....and that's okay! I have been through a MAJOR life change this last year; in fact the last two years have been pretty bad. But, here I am. I'm in a new part of the Country; Phoenix, Arizona; I'm healthier and working on getting happier. I've been teaching art at my kids' school, teaching workshops and birthday parties, working at night, trying to work on my studio during the day and just trying - overall - to move on from everything that felt familiar and that I loved so dearly.


Dragonfly Dreams - Cheryl Payton

Two summers ago I went and taught at the Teton Bead Retreat with my friend, Amy Loh-Kupser, and had a great time. I made this little dragonfly pendant from wire and a mix of gemstone and glass beads that was meant for beginning wireworkers.

I've since taught it for a couple of groups here in Arizona and have been well received.

Geometry - Cheryl Payton

Here's a piece I did with seed beads - Right Angle Weave - a double layered triangular pendant. I did the cord with tubular peyote and just scattered gold wherever.

I like to work that way the best - just outside the lines. I'm not good at following or reading directions - so I like to work from a picture in my mind and modify as I go. If a design isn't going well, I'll tear out what I've done - maybe even cut it all apart altogether - and then start all over.

Cellini Spiral - Cheryl Payton

Sea Urchin - a borrowed design

I'm So Blue - Cheryl Payton

Hey, I know it's not earth shattering beadwork here folks! Art is a process. For me, it's always been THE process by which I pull out what's inside of my stupid head - or how I calm the inner storm. When I'm emotional, I don't spend time doing what I'm supposed to. It's been a tough year emotionally. I don't think you really want to hear about it - and to me it's probably too much whining anyway. Right?!

I thought I'd share some photos of my classes at Teton Bead Retreat and also from a class I did in Tucson. I love teaching - - I just love it!!

TEACHING IN TUCSON - 2011

Here is the palette of a student who is just starting to put together the pieces to her necklace - the pendant takes the longest. After that, you assemble the components. Connecting the pieces together and stranding the necklace is where the magic happens and you begin to see the finished piece!

Deedee Stockman - the gal in yellow - is a wonderful person, a great hostess, and a kind person. These gals at the Tucson Embroiderer's Guild were amazing! The nicest group of ladies I've ever had the pleasure of teaching.