I continued to work on this piece layer by layer. Next I added more stone chips to the piece. Now it was time to add what Wayne calls my sea weed ( the fringing with seed beads and pearls that come out of the openings in 3 of the larger shells.At this point it was time to add the KEY to the piece. If you read the posts for my July piece with it's gate with lock, I said that I expected that somewhere during the year a key to that gate would show up. The actual key came from Marti (my mother-in-law) when I visited in November. This page seemed to me to be the one calling for the key. Now I can open my gate and go on the journey. I have already grown so much in the last year with this project that I can't wait to see how it all ends up.
The piece was now ready for a sprinkling of sand. I used 15/0 seed beads in several shades of creams and topazes for the sand and also used some small MOP (mother of Pearl) heishi beads and some small pearls. The sand was almost as easy to add as if I had indeed just grabbed a handful and sprinkled it on, it felt right.
The last addition to the page was the border. I decided to go with a cord made with Kumihimo braiding. This is a Japanese braiding technique that I have played with but this is the first time it is actually being used on a piece. I used 12 cords of hemps and waxed cotton. The nice thing is with the new foam kumihimo "looms" you can do the braiding anywhere including on car trips up to DC to look at new seats for the car. After sewing the cord onto the front and back I added a band of peyote to cover up the ends and Viola! another page I am thrilled with. Very me.
8 comments:
I like this even more than I thought I would. Makes you feel like taking your shoes off and walking in the sand.
Arline
I really like this, it looks just like a photograph. I love the braid. I have heard of Kumihimo and fancy trying it sometime. I did do a workshop on making twisted cords with someone who also teaches Kumihimo and makes amazing braids on it.
I'm really intreged about your key and hope we learn more about it.
CA
Thanks so much. The page was fun to do and just came together so easily that it was surprising.
I really recommend that if you like working with yarns, cords or ribbons that you give Kumihimo a try. With the foam loom it is pretty reasonable especially if you are like me and have tons of yarns. It is a great way to use of pieces that are 3-10 yards long. It is very mediative if you do some of the easier patterns.
Although I have loved all of your pages, I think this has to be my absolute favorite!
Kathy V in NM
It is one of my favorite. It looks so real. You did a very nice job. I hope to stop at the beach soon when I go biking around the lake.
It is one of my favorite. It looks so real. You did a very nice job. I hope to stop at the beach soon when I go biking around the lake.
Angela, this one looks very peaceful and it's the beach walk where you found the key to your gate! Hooray! You are ready to take the trip through that gate to see what is on the other side. I have really loved your pieces, but this one may be my favorite.
Took me a while to find the key... inconspicuous and small, a precious thing hidden in the beach wrack. I'm so glad it surfaced and you found it! Now for the courage to open the gate... You will when you're ready.
Beyond that, this may be my favorite of your BJP pieces... I love how with thread and beads you have completely captured the sense of beach combing. Wayne's sea weed must give it a wonderful textural feel that's not obvious in a 2-dimensional photo. Wish I could see all of them in person.
May I encourage you to send your images to our BJP website for a member page? Can't wait to see them there!!!
Robin A.
Post a Comment