Saturday, January 16, 2010

Start with a path!

This was my very first attempt at bead embroidery a couple years ago. I just knew from looking at Robin's work that I wanted to do this but did not have the foggiest idea where to begin. So I just started by making a bugle bead path that extends from the path on my painted button and I worked out from there...and before I knew it the piece was done.

When I took Robin's class this fall she said when she is without inspiration or an area is overwhelming she starts with a path and works out from there. I could hardly believe my ears. I believe in paths.....

So today I received an email from someone interested in bead embroidery and wanted my advice. Should she take an online class or buy one of Robin's books...I told her to skip the class and buy Robin's "Heart to Hands Bead Embroidery" since the first half is inspiration and the second half is technique.. Buy the book and make a path!!!!

Gerry K.

p.s. The neutral embroidered background is the fan's memory!!!

9 comments:

Dee D said...

That was good advice you gave. I, too, started with Robin's books. Love your piece of beading and embroidery.

Carol Creech said...

This is just gorgeous. I love that you started with a path. I think I did that inadvertently myself, with my first bead embroidery piece last month (you can see it on my blog if you want: http://www.ccreechstudio.blogspot.com/)

I'm enjoying the improvisational beading on my January piece in progress. Look forward to seeing more of your work!
Carol

Lois2037 said...

That's what I did, too. I saw a copy of One Bead At A Time and immediately bought it, loved it, and dived right into bead embroidery. I was lucky to take some of Robin's classes not long afterwards.

Your piece is lovely. I've never started with a path, but it looks like a good way to go.

Robin said...

Now I'm blushing... And happy to hear that some of my ideas are helpful. Gerry... this piece is so outstanding, especially for a first piece. Thanks for sharing the path idea here on the BJP blog... Robin A.

Robin said...

I don't mean to be pushy, but thought I should mention that I only have about 20 copies of One Bead at a Time, my first bead embroidery book, remaining in inventory. After they're gone it will be out of print and I do not have plans to reprint at this time. Robin A.

flyingbeader said...

THat is absolutely lovely! I have Robin's book from way back & it helped me through some interesting challenges too.
dot

unnur said...

I never really used beads in my work till Robins book.So inspiring! If this is your 1st piece... youve definitly got the hang of it. very pretty!

Shirley Cook - Jumping Jack Glass said...

Holy smokes - your first attempt?! Well I have to say, this is fabulous!

Thanks for your advice about starting with a path. I don't know if my first piece will have a path in it, but I will definitely keep this in mind!

Magpie Sue said...

Wow, that's a lovely piece, embroidery and bead embroidery both. Are they mounted together? (It sounds like they are.) If so, how big is the overall piece? Did you paint the button? You are one multi-talented lady!