Beauty and the Bead

Exceptional Lampwork bracelet - $60.00
Measures 7 ½” without the clasp. The bracelet includes one sterling silver prayer charm and another sterling charm with kanji on it.

Judy Richards of Cat’s Paw Artifacts is a lampworker and she also does bead-weaving and incorporates her own handcrafted beads into her jewelry. She belongs to the Portland (Oregon) Bead Society, and the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.

Probably one of her best figurative pieces yet, the shape of the horse bead above reminds me of the elegant prancing glass horse in the movie the Glass Menagerie. In addition to its flowing and regal movement, it is also a glowing transparent amber color! This will make an impressive focal piece for a necklace.

Lampwork horse Pendant- $20.00
38 by 38 mm - stands up on its own, but made to hang as a pendant with Swarovski crystals. Carefully kiln annealed.

This bracelet filled with dotty, textured lampwork beads looks like the supple segments of a caterpillar with its variations on a theme transitioning from bead to bead while the composition works together as a cohesive unit.

Below is a tribal design using a variety of materials and combining stamping, beadwork, lampwork, and PMC to create a very rich but earthy feeling. The disk is quite substantial and contrasts well against the blue-green and the brown of the stones.

Mayan Look Pendant with Jasper necklace - $40.00
This necklace has a 19 inch strand with Jasper, Turquoise, and a smaller lampwork bead with precious metal clay (fine silver) detail.

I have always been partial to Ocean Jasper and this necklace combines that with a lovely circular peyote stitch cord, bead-woven setting, and bail; a lovely combination of texture, color, and techniques. I know from experience just how long it takes to create a tube of mesh this length. You are getting quite a bargain at this price!

Ocean Jasper Cabochon Bead-woven Necklace - $65.00
21 inch bead-woven rope with a lovely bead encased ocean jasper cabochon.

If you will be in the Portland area don’t miss the STUDIO SALE at the artist’s homeDecember 8 - 2 to 5 p.m. Please convo her on Etsy for directions and her address, or you can also call 503-621-4942. There will be refreshments. (Let her know if you saw her feature in one of these 90 Day Challenge blog posts).

To see what else this artist has available online keep an eye glued to her shop:
http://catldy99.etsy.com

To learn more about her and what she’s doing, read her blog:

http://www.catldy99.wordpress.com

Full of Surprises!

Southwest Heirloom Santa - $25.00
Santa sculpture doll measures approximately 18" tall including the stand to which he is permanently attached. Instead of a traditional Christmas tree he has with him a stuffed felt cactus! Embellished with bugle beads, a variety of fabrics, tiny lights, and faux fur.

Won't your holiday guests be surprised and thrilled when they walk in and see Santa greeting them just inside the front door! Quite a conversation piece, your parties will be THE latest hotspot once the word spreads about your clever home decor.

Debbie, owner of Craftymoose is a self-taught mixed-media artist who makes a wide variety of things but specializes in French beading and mixed-media art dolls most of which include beads and wire. The work has a folk-art feel to it, and all pieces are one-of-a-kind. I just love her beaded french flowers! Absolutely gorgeous work!

French Beaded Ring of Beaded Roses - $40.00
Made with Czech glass seed beads, some of which are vintage, about 60 years old. Each component was completed and then attached to a 7 inch ring. There is a loop attached to the back of the ring so this may be hung on a wall or in a window.

This hummingbird is also very pretty and would be splendid to hang in the window or above your bed or over your desk. This piece caught my eye because I am currently exploring creative ways of filling in wire frames. She has done a great job here of rendering this little creature and even has the markings and shading down!

Beaded Hummingbird Suncatcher – 14.00
Hummingbird hand-formed with 20 gauge black wire. His wingspan is 5" and he is a little over 5" long. Czech glass seed and bugle beads in different finishes were used to bead the body & wings. The head is beaded in metallic green & ruby transparent and the chest in peach with a pearl finish. The wings are done in crystal clear, topaz & copper.

Go check out her Etsy store. You never know what you might find...or what you might miss if you don't.

To see more by this artist go to:
http://craftymoose.etsy.com/

To read more about her and her activities, read her blog:
http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/