I guess my bead work (if it could talk) would say it was Lisa Peters kind of holiday.
First up is a star raku shank button in festive blue and gold. My only wish is that the colors would show up as brilliantly on your monitor as they do in person. With the addition of the vintage sequins and Swarovski crystals, it truly sparkles. Make sure you click on the photo for the full impact of colors in the enlarged version.
Here's the back - I attached the Ultrasuede backing with a beaded whip stitch. It measures almost 2 1/2 inches around.
It is just not Christmas without some kind of tree. This little pin was my only Christmas tree in 2009. And while small in size - it is perfect for me! The tree is a 2 hole, sew through raku button by Lisa. The little star on top is some kind of dyed stone or maybe it's glass? I'm not sure. I have a bunch of them in various colors.
It is backed with dark green Ultrasuede which is attached with a beaded whip stitch. It measures just over 2 inches tall and is about 1 1/4 inch at it's widest point.
Last is probably my favorite tree this year. Lisa sent this big cab to me not long ago and I could not decide if I thought it looked more like a bush or a pineapple - that is until I glued it down, and prepared to bead it. Then all I saw was a tree.
Even as I started beading, I knew it had to go back to Lisa as an ornament.
It was way to big for a brooch. It measures a whopping 3 3/4 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide - BIG.
I glued Swarovski crystal flat backs to the surface of the 'tree' where there were little ditches, added a few bugle beads for the tree trunk and a pearlized star for the top.
There is also a beaded hanger attached at the top. Dark green Ultrasuede completes the back with a beaded whip stitch.
Now - a little break from the beads to show off our Persian cats. Both are rescues and the sweetest cats. The gray one is female and is named Katrina, but we call her mama.
The white one is male and is named Jerry Lee, he goes by J.L.
It almost 2 years since we adopted them from Animal Care and Control. Both were left in a night drop at the pound on a cold winter night. We did not know it at the time, but the Katrina was pregnant. They really are two of the best cats ever. If you thinking about adopting, please consider checking with your local animal shelter - you might just rescue a wonderful companion.
11 comments:
Of course, you pins are beautiful.
Wow, the cats are gorgeous. My dogs are "rescue" blessings. In my opinion, there is a special bond with rescue animals. I'm sure your cats were left by people too desperate to keep them and probably embarassed and sad to give them up.
Grace, thank u for all the blog love this morning! The ornament was absolutely beautiful! and I will cherish it always. It was the only Christmas item I had in my newly renovated kitchen this year and it looked great! I love that you saw a bush or a pinneapple..how do I come up with these things?? Your brooches are beautiful, they always bring a BIG smile to my face whenever I see them & thank you for using them as often as you do!
xoxo Have a fabulous 2010 & much love to the beautiful kitties too!
lisa
Grace, I came over to leave you a note to go read my blog, but was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw your post! My heavens those brooches and ornament are spectacular!
Now, go see my message to you over at beadingheartart.blogspot.com
Hugs! Lynn
Those pins are gorgeous as is the ornament. You did a super job. The cats are cute too.
As always, you have created wonderful pieces!
and your work is so neat -- so orderly!
Love the kitties and am so glad you adopted!!
Share the love!
Nice work! I really like the star!! :)
You are an exquisite bead artist!!
What beautiful things you make! WOW! ♥
curious.. did your blog get hijacked by spammers too?
thus.. your reason for moderating comments. just checking.
I wonder if blogger being free and all has caused LESS protection for its users??
Viagra ads kept POPPING up. heh.
Hi Grace!
I knew I was behind by a few, but not SIX posts worth! *sigh* Trying to really get around and catch up today.
I love all the brooches...the blue star is gorgeous and the trees are beautiful. You are so sweet to stitch an ornament for Lisa, I'm sure she loves and treasures it. Her buttons and cabochons are so pretty!!
Katrina and J.L. look so happy and healthy. Their eyes and coats are beautiful! Good for you to adopt your kitties...it is the best! The are all lucky to have you.
XO ~Lisa
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