ThenI took the copy of the picture sent to me (a cat sitting on a box) and had a local copy shop expand it to fill a 20″ X 16″ sheet of paper. I took this paper home and put a tracing paper over it and traced the image I needed. First hurdle completed…a picture that looked like a cat.
Next I drew my beaded design on the tracing. I colored in all the beads I would use. The cat sits on a box so I started decorating that.
After all the work I had done, I CHANGED my mind.
The box became a barge that the cat sits on.
I have posted a picture of my rendering. I’ll also let you know if I was asked to be a part of the show. Any way this goes…invited…not invited…I have learned a great deal and will pass all my knowledge on to you.

Jill

I looked at the theme of the flamingo and envisioned where flamingos lived.  From there I was able to develop a color palette.  With color as my jumping off point I could now concentrate on the fabric and beads to use.  I drafted a purse pattern and used turquoise velvet as the purse body. I placed the flamingo, sans napkin holder, to the left of center on the front of the purse piece.  I sewed this on.  Once I had my focal point in place I could add details.  I gave the flamingo clouds in the sky using white silk flowers and white beads.  To simulate a hot sun I added a yellow plastic flower shaped button in the sky.  To finish the clouds I tacked white cording in swirling patterns to simulate movement.

Of course flamingos need a place to stand and what better than in a sweet bed of flowers and leaves.  I used large green plastic leafs and hot pink plastic beads.  I sprinkled in a few off white beads for interest and added brown cording as a type of shoreline.

For the purse handle I braided turquoise and coral #2 rattail cording.  The colors matched the color of the velvet and the flamingo which draws the whole piece together.

All my purses are finished at the seam line with beading.  I used crystal beads (6° size)for the bottom and the same size for the top changing the color to purple.  If confused about the different color my rational is this:  My work is an art piece.  The purple acts as a “frame”.  The different color is also in keeping with a tropical theme.

This piece took about 40 hours.  It has a hidden zipper in the top, it is lined, it has an inside and outside pocket.

I gave this to my friend for her birthday.  She was stunned.

Flamingo Purse

Here is a tour of my studio. I finally got all my beads in one place! No small task. In the past I had beads in trays under the table, in file cabinets, in plastic tubs and in fishing tackle boxes. I now can find what I am looking for. I set the beads against the wall because I don’t want too much light hitting them. It is harder to see the color of the beads when there is too much light on them. To the left of the beads are my 4 sewing machines. A woman can’t have too many machines. The table in the center picture (on the right) is where I keep my glass to be fired into jewelry and buttons. I leave it out because although I am not currently working in glass I am very visual and need the visual stimulation to help with what I am working on. The table under the window in the back is my cutting, design, painting, do all table. The last picture is where I have all my silversmith tools in the back left corner. I have good light and shelving under the table to store what I am not working on. I am looking forward to combining silver and beads and cabochons. The pictures of the beaded cabochons are my first work using cabs and beads. The hardest part was choosing the right colors for the beads. I finished the work with light green pearl luster beads and little gold beads. It really set the brown/cream stones off. I love working in my studio. It feels warm and safe and I get to do whatever I want in that space. Although I find that most of my ideas come to me during that time just before sleep, in my studio I get to put those ideas down with needle, thread, fabric, etc. I wish I had more time for all the ideas I have!
The previous picture of my cabochons showed work in progress. This is the finished necklace. I added loops to the back of the two cabs on the top and added 15 lb. wire to string my pearls. The necklace is finished with a sterling silver toggle. I hope you like it. My next piece will also use cabochons but they are a lace agate in off white, gray and burgundy. Wait ’till you see it.

Cabochons Before

Beads are organzied!

Lots of Natural Light

A girl can never have too many machines!

The final piece!

As that project comes to a close I have been thinking about cabochons. You know, those oval, smooth, domed shaped stones? A friend gave me some lovely ones his father had made years ago. I have been thinking, for about 8 months, about what to do with them. The plans are now starting to take shape, new ideas popping into my head regularly. Cabochons must be a summer thing. I have come up with unusual necklaces, using them on purses (of course) and combining them with silver in a very special way. You will have to stay tuned.

Spring has departed and Summer has come into my backyard. I can see it from the windows and glass door in my studio. It allows me to daydream for a few minutes, a much needed meditation of sorts. It helps me to “see” my ideas before I pick up needle and beads. What gives you motivation to reach your full potential?

Designing Bags for VSA Arts

Summer in my backyard

The centerpiece is hand carved wood backed with leather.  The braided satin cord is embellished with glass beads, natural black pearls, leather discs and metal findings.

Glass beads, centerpiece by Susie Goodwin backed with suede, which has been beaded.

Glass beads, pearls, plastic sewn on a satin cord.

This piece was featured on the back cover of “Beadwork Magazine”

Natural turquoise, glass beads and suede sewn on a satin cord.

Woo Hoo…rock out and party down.

Clay centerpiece, hand beaded with glass beads, and plastic beads on a satin cord.