Beadwork

Here is a couple pictures of my beadwork. I will share my finished beadwork occasionally since it was requested. (Thank you Constance!).

This is my very first amulet bag. The bag is done in peyote stitch, or gourd stitch. For those new to beading, peyote stitching was used by Native Americans for decorationg their ceremonial objects. Some Native American's believe it should only be referred to as the gourd stitch if it is not being used on anything ceremonial, yet most beaders have learned to refer to it as peyote stitch.

This bag is done in even count peyote. Someday I want to do a tubular amulet bag. No seams except for the bottom where it gets zipped together.

I added a double strand strap and fringe when I was done. The most fun part of beading is the finishing.

Before beginning this hobby, I had no desire to bead. One day I stopped by my sister Kotya's apartment. We visited as she beaded. Soon she pulled out some beads sat down beside me and showed me square stitching then she said, "Try it." I said, "No, I don't want to bead!" "Go ahead! Just try it first!" she pushed it in front of me. So I said, "Okayyyy! ....Ai yi yah", I leaned over, squinted and began to bead.

While I learned square stitching she found a little project pattern (so she thought) and she laid it in front of me. Then she chose some very pretty, irresistable beads and said, "You want to try to make this?" I shook my head and said, "No." She said, "Just go ahead! Try it!"

She had to start it for me as the first few rows of peyote are the hardest for the beginner and she gave me an uneven count peyote pattern to start with! If she did not start it I don't think I would have had the interest to continue on as soon as I had trouble with the beginning rows.

With lots of time I saw the pattern beginning to take shape. I leaned back and I said, "Cool." When it was time to go home she quickly bagged up the beads, pattern and a beading needle, "Just take these," she said. I got home, sat down and my beady little eyes grew overnight!

After a lot of tangles, bent needles, lots of encouragement and a bit of frustration this finished set was actually my first encounter with beadwork!

Kotya's daughter, Jenni Creasey designs and beads extremely well and she has been featured in Bead and Button Magazine. The latest Bead & Button has her "Daisies and Lace" bracelet and also "Angels" amulet bag designs.

Jenni has a website where you can see her creations. Polar Beads. She has graciously posted some of my work in her Beadwork Gallery.

Praying for the families of the West Virginia coal miners. May God grant peace and comfort.

Once again I am reminded of this quote: "Life is a journey, not a home."