Transformation From Beads To Textile

Russian Royalty - $100
Just under 19.5" long (approx 49 cm) from end of clasp to end of clasp; woven from purple, clear, pearly white and gold Czech seed beads.

Now this is the kind of work I love to see! What this artist does with beads is refined, extraordinary, and every bit Fine Jewelry. The piece at the top could be in a museum for all its precision, intricacy and sheer artistry!

RegalBeads, an Etsy store out of Thunder Bay, Canada is an apt name for this operation, combining traditional bead-weaving stitches with rich color and pattern reminiscent of old world fine fabrics worn by Kings and Queens. Stately argyles, and lacy almost Victorian details are the signature of this line.

The artist belongs to Etsy Bead Weavers Street Team. The piece, Russian Royalty was her November contest entry. The stitch she uses on the piece above is absolutely gorgeous! It reminds me of tatting and is a different look than most of the other bead-weaving I’ve seen before.

The next piece is woven in a classic Russian pattern know as the Karmen. It is extremely elegant and signifies class and royalty.

Princess Anastasia - $85.00
This lovely necklace was created with Black, Smokey grey and pink Czech seed beads, and is approximately 19.5(approx. 49 cm) in length from end of clasp, to end of clasp.

And this piece is exquisite with its sunburst pattern in bright yellow, tipped with royal blue!

Sunny Skies - $80.00
Made with "African Net" stitch in size 11 bright yellow and blue Czech seed beads. This piece is not quite 19" long (approx 48.5 cm) from end of clasp to end of clasp.

The artist completely encases all her toggles in beaded mesh so if you are allergic to metal you need not worry, none will touch your skin.

For more lovely jewelry, go to;
http://RegalBeads.etsy.com

To learn more about the artist and her activities, read her blog;
http://regalbeads.blogspot.com/

Capturing Play

Alice’s flower - $20.00
Signed and numbered (This is 2/50 (first edition) 6.5” x 9” print of one of artist’s ink illustration done on watercolor paper with digital enhancements, printed on 11” x 8.5” Archival quality paper.

wittyworkshop is owned by Valérie Parizeault, a Canadian Illustrator & designer from Montreal. She also owns Rose Flash, another online store where she sells her “playfully spirited Jewelry”. At wittyworkshop you can find illustrations and prints, greeting cards, buttons, and a little bit of jewelry. Valerie is inspired by whimsical moments, children’s universe and storytelling. As an artist she is living her dream life with her husband and black cat Tokyo by her side. Environmentally conscious with a passionate interest in business, she blogs both in French and English about Eco-friendly causes, Indie designers and her daily life and about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship through her business tip blog called Bite.

The humor and whimsy of her illustration style is uplifting and fun. Valerie effectively captures all that is good about childhood, youth, and play.

If you love her work why not get a print for each month of the year with this calendar?

2008 Witty Calendar - $22.00
Twelve 5” x 5.5” calendar pages of Valerie’s illustrations printed on laser paper and a plastic case that doubles as a desk holder.

Here is a sweet image of a girl holding a bird in a cage that would be great to hang in your kitchen, bedroom or hallway.

Night Bird Print (Very limited edition) - $30.00
6.5” x 9” print of one of the artist’s ink illustrations with digital enhancements printed on 11” x 8.5” Archival quality Hanemüle FineArt paper. This is 1/30.

This one is humorous and has a little wishful thinking for those of you who are having too many rainy days and just wish it would end.

Cutting Rain - $20.00
6.5” x 7” print of one of the artist’s ink illustrations with digital enhancements printed on 11” x 8.5” Archival quality Hanemüle FineArt paper.

To get great gifts, go to:
http://wittyworkshop.etsy.com

or if you’re specifically looking for jewelry:
www.roseflash.ca

Read more about the artist’s activities on her blog:
http://pot-aux-roses.blogspot.com

Read her business tips blog here:
www.bitethebusiness.blogspot.com