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Bead Embroidery -- Awesome Artists

marytafoya by marytafoya

Do ya love beadwork?

Do you like to stitch with beads? Make art quilts, wall hangings, cloth dolls and jewelry?

In this lens, I focus on my favorite technique -- BEAD EMBROIDERY, the art of sewing beads to a backing. I profile some of the best bead embroidery artists around today. Come back again as I add more artists and resources to this lens!

Robin Atkins

http://robinatkins.com

Robin Atkins has written several project-oriented books on bead embroidery. She describes most of her own work as "improvisational," meaning that she starts with no particular final project in mind. She tends to use a variety of beads and a cozy, intermediate color palette. She creates a variety of objects including journals and dolls, among other items.

Amy Clarke Moore

http://www.amyclarkemoore.com

undefinedAmy Clarke Moore is editor of Spinning magazine, but her heart is in her photorealistic beadwork. She often creates designs over images, using concentric circles (rosettes) and a complex array of sparkling colors. Amy's themes tend to revolve around fairy tales and family.

Heidi Kummli

http://www.freespiritcollection.com

Heidi Kummli's work evolved in the Colorado mountains, where she maintains a close connection to nature. She is probably best known for combining bead embroidery with exquisite stones and metal objects, and then creating elaborate fringed collars around the beaded centerpiece.

Cyndi Lavin

http://www.why-not-art.com/beadart.html

Cyndi Lavin works in various media to create a vast range of projects but her bead embroidery work is extensive. In addition to her bead embroidered neck pieces, Cyndi completed a series of trading card-sized calendar moon-themed pieces while participating in the year-long 2007 Bead Journal Project, sponsored by Robin Atkins.

Colleen O'Rourke

http://www.corourke.com

Colleen O'Rourke's work ranges from small scale, highly detailed bead embroidered wall pieces to 3D sculptures, but her imagery remains constant, with a childlike quality often combined with poignant themes and a stellar execution. Her colors are vivid and expressionistic.

Sherry Serafini

http://www.serafinibeadedjewelry.com/

Sherry Serafini's Body Adornment is elegant, complex and sophisticated. Best of all, it always looks comfortable and wearable. Using top quality cabochons and color coordinated seed beads, she pushes the boundaries of bead embroidered adornment. See Sherry's books (one authored with Heidi Kummli) on Amazon.

Dustin Wedekind, Bedesman

http://www.bedesman.com

Dustin Wedekind creates richly colored graphic designs using seed beads on cloth. His website showcases his sculptural works, men's ties, and wall pieces those themes revolve around mythology and storytelling.

Jo Wood

http://www.jowoodbeads.com

Jo Wood describes her work as "painting with beads," using needle and thread as her brushes. Her work reflects her intimate relationship with nature; in particular, the subtle atmospheric and environmental conditions of her life, year-round, along the lakes and woodland trails of Northern Minnesota, USA.

Qualities of Great Bead Embroidery

What to Look For in Quality Bead Embroidery

Each bead artist develops their unique, recognizable style over the years. But there are common elements and principles to look for to help us understand what makes the best of the best stand out. Most of these principles apply to other artists, too, and not just people who embroider with beads. Knowing what these principles are will help us develop them in our own work! Here is a short list of the ones I think are most important.
  • COLOR: A wise use of color that is suitable to the content of the project is one mark of an artist. A careful orchestration of hue, saturation, bead finishes, and, especially, contrast. Good use of color makes a work readable, even from across the room.
  • ORIGINALITY: Good artists don't copy other people's work, because they have something of their own to say. Sometimes the work is about technique, or form, or an abstract concept. Sometimes the work tells a story, or represents something in the real world. And sure, artists are always influenced and inspired by others, but they integrate what they adopt from others until it's transformed into a unified vision of their own. This takes time and patience.
  • TECHNIQUE: There's a wide range of bead embroidery techniques, from traditional applique work to crazy quilt and embroidery stitches adapted to beads. Advanced techniques, such as layering, mixing media, or combining off-loom stitches onto cloth, don't necessarily make a work of art -- a lot depends on skill and appropriateness. Simple techniques can be very effective in conveying an artistic message. Good bead artists are concerned about durability -- are the knots sturdy? Is the weight of the pieces sufficiently supported? Is the thread appropriate to the beads? And, one of my main concerns -- is the beaded surface smooth and secure?

Bead Embroidery Books

A few select, must-have titles on bead embroidery art & techniques

For inspiration, technique, and/or a bit of both, these titles feature stunning bead embroidered jewelry, sculpture, and other art. Some titles also feature other techniques.

Buy bead books while you can -- trust me! They tend to go out of print, and tend not to be reprinted by their publishers.
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Bead embroidery, like other handwork, connects us with our ancient roots. It is a patient craft. Choose projects that allow you to dream along the way.

As the gentle power of our hands transforms the work from a little pile of beads, the beads transform US, too. Choose projects that challenge, deepen and elevate you.

Mary Tafoya's Work on the Web

Here's where you can see (and buy) my beadwork and mixed media art

Feel free to contact me for custom orders.
Blog: Mary Tafoya's Seriousbeadin'
My (Seriousbeader's) foolish bloggishness. Lots of eye candy and cool resources! The occasional rant...a bit of journalling, and new work. See also my bio and portfolio here.
Seriousbeader's Etsy Supplies Shop
Mostly vintage. My Etsy supplies shop, featuring unique, vintage and handcrafted supplies for the discerning craft fanatic! Specializing in vintage nailheads, sequins, jewelry stampings and other unique finds for crafters.
Mary Tafoya's Etsy Shop
Handmade by moi. Repurposed and recycled beadwork, jewelry, and mixed media adornment. Gifts, one of a kind creations that are everyday wearable, durable and unique.
Mary Tafoya Beadwork Mailing List
This is my Yahoo Announcement list. You can sign up to receive very occasional announcements about special deals, freebies, news, and whatever else is happening in Aunt Mollyland. Get the inside scoop!
Bead-patterns.com
My beading patterns and tutorials for sale at bead-patterns.com

Do ya love bead embroidery?

I'd love to hear from you!

Do you know of an artist who should be added to this list? Do you just want to say hi? Feel free to comment.

  • Judy Godin Jan 22, 2012 @ 11:01 am | delete
    Jennifer Wells, Kate Boyan, Susan Aniskett, Niio Perkins are all very talented and rarely featured or given their due credit for extraordinary bead embroidery styles.
  • marytafoya Jan 22, 2012 @ 12:17 pm | delete
    Hi Judy -- did you mean Kate Boylan? Thanks for the other suggestions.
  • shonette daniels May 4, 2011 @ 3:48 pm | delete
    just saying hi from one etsian to another!, I too love the art of bead embroidery .
  • marytafoya Jul 19, 2011 @ 12:30 am | delete
    Hi Shonette! Thanks for stopping by. :-)
  • Anahid Apr 15, 2011 @ 6:01 pm | delete
    Hi Great work, beautiful, I wish you a happy Easter. Anna
  • TrainYourDogHere Feb 18, 2011 @ 1:02 am | delete
    Yes!
  • d-artist Apr 25, 2010 @ 9:22 am | delete
    Oh, I would LOVE to see the beautiful images better, maybe by using the large image text module...nicely done lens...5*
  • Denise S. Aug 14, 2008 @ 6:36 am | delete
    What a great Squidoo! A wonderful inspiration. Thanks for putting it together. I found it on facebook!
    Cheers, Denise
  • BeadBrain Mar 5, 2008 @ 1:40 pm | delete
    I'm rapidly developing a deep affection for Bead Embroidery, but it's a little early to use the "L" word. Thanks for the great artist links.
  • The_Lone_Beader Feb 17, 2008 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    I love bead embroidery:)
  • marytafoya Feb 1, 2008 @ 6:21 pm | delete
    Hi Arline!!! Isn't her work magically realistic? Did you know Sarah made a Squidoo page for the BJP? Here's the URL:

    http://www.squidoo.com/beadjournalproject
  • Arline L. Feb 1, 2008 @ 3:57 pm | delete
    Jo Woods' work is out of this world. We also have some fantastic beaders in the BJP.
  • Brenda S. Dec 28, 2007 @ 12:53 am | delete
    I love Jo Wood's work!
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marytafoya

I earned my degree in fine arts but they didn't teach me beadwork in school!

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