Yesterday I went to what I consider the best bead show held in our area each year, the Northwest Bead Society Bead Bazaar. I just don't say that because in the past my Polymer Clay Guild has had a table there, but because it features local artists. It is a joy to purchase a OOAK bead from the maker ... I get a thrill from talking to them, finding common ground, comparing notes, delving into their thought processes and feeding a little off their energy and love for their art (in a good way, like a root beer float on a warm day).
I work mostly in polymer, but that doesn't mean that I don't like, and to be truthful, some what crave other medias, esp. glass. I was just starting to learn glasswork beads when I had what the Dr referred to as a venous occlusion in my right eye (in other words, a mini stroke). That blew my depth perception as now I have a "bumpy" retina and I can no longer focus well enough to see where to add stringers, etc to the glass. Big Bummer..... as I LOVED working in glass, and so I am reduced to admiring the work of others and bringing it home with me whenever I find anything I can't live without.
And so it comes to the title of today's blog .... While at the NWBS show I found the table set up by Fire and Rain, a local glass bead group. There were 17 artists represented and I spent quite some time talking and ohhing at all the pretties. I bought a few but I totally SPACED on getting names or business cards of any of the artists. All I have is their initials on the tags attached to the beads. I went to their website hoping to find names to match the initials, but no luck there. Here is what I brought home, with apologies to the makers for not being able to give them credit
 |
This reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night, even if.the
color's aren't the same. Bead by D.P. |
 |
The color of this glass is called Krytonite. Reminds me of
Jade. Beads by E.H. |
 |
| These guys are just too cute for words. By C.M, |
But my favorite bead was by F.W. I fell in love with the color, the texture and flow of the design. After purchasing it, I had to find coordinating beads as I wanted to string it right away. That was another delightful hour going from table to table (like I really needed an excuse! ya, right). I found the lovely Vera Wieland of
Cave Dweller Beads who helped me pick the colors for the companion beads (this time I got a name ... still don't know why I spaced at Fire and Rain). Vera specializes in making well priced beads to compliment focals and does a great job at it.
 |
| I wish I knew who F.W. is. I love her work. |
 |
Temporary stringing job, just to see how they play out.
Don't Vera's beads go great, like they were made for it.
|
