Ambrosian Beads

My jewelry is now on display at Artists on the Avenue, a new art and craft gallery in Hyattsville, MD. This area is called the Hyattsville Arts District after being redeveloped from a run-down thoroughfare dotted with used auto lots into a classy, hip and very affordable town center with art galleries, bookstores and cafe's. The owner of Artists on the Avenue, Tina van Pelt, is a fused glass artist. At the grand opening celebration last week, she offered visitors a chance to make a fused glass pendant for free. Of course, I couldn't pass that up, and created a lovely pendant complete with a bird and maple leaf. Now I can add fused glass to my list of glass art attempts, along with my blown glass paperweight and stained glass projects. Next is lampworking, but I'm not sure I want to go down that path. I might never come back to beadweaving !

Recently, I decided to leave the Artists' Undertaking Gallery in Occoquan, VA, where I had been a member for the past four years. I plan to focus on putting more of my beadwork and other fiber artwork in the Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery in the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Just as I was planning to leave Occoquan, a new bead store called Off the Beading Path opened and the owner contacted me about teaching there. I am happy to retain my Occoquan connections as it is a delightful little town with some wonderful people and stores to visit. So, here are my upcoming classes !

Saturday, August 23rd from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Spiral Rope Bracelet and Earrings Set

Sunday, September 7th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm: Glass Gem Ring

Saturday, September 20th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Three Earring Designs with Delica Beads

All the materials are available in the store with a friendly 10% discount on purchases for class participants. My kits will also be available for $20 each.

Recently, I added a new technique to enhance my beadweaving. The technique is "viking knit" which is the precursor to knitting as we know it today. I use sterling silver wire to create bracelets and necklaces, and this month, I am a featured artist at Artists' Undertaking Gallery . I am sharing that honor with colleague, Barbara Henris who works in oils and acrylics. Our new exhibit is entitled "New Directions."

Recently I've been going overboard with the triangle shapes since learning how to make them a couple months ago. I created this pendant which reminds me of an arrowhead. It uses two shades of green Myuki Delica beads.The necklace is a black braided cable choker.

My friend and fellow beader, Zoya Gutina, has featured me this month in her wonderful newsletter. Click here to read it, then make sure to visit her website to see her fabulous beaded creations.