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Mystical, Magical Beadwork

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Spiritual Beadwork, Powerful Imagery

Presented here is an array of some of my favorite web resources on beadwork that dig deep into myth, spirit, and magic to create strong, personal and culturally relevant works. All of the work in this lens is beaded -- that is, the artists use needle and thread (or alternate ways of getting the beads together) as the primary medium to painstakingly create pieces that transcend everyday reality.

La Llorona 

Artists with Spirit

Bead artists who work from the depths...

A short list of contemporary beadworkers who draw from myth, spirit and personal experience to create rich works. I regret that I cannot name some of the artists here who work primarily from their indigenous traditions.

Stop by again as I add more artists to this list!
Melanie L. Doerman, The Magpie
Vessels (including the Tarot series that mixes ceramics with freeform beadwork), along with her jewelry. Melanie also sells kits to recreate some of her jewelry pieces.
Pat Savu, New Kingdom Beadwork
Pat has created original Egyptian and Tarot-themed work for many years now. Her website also features free patterns and tutorials.
Robin Atkins
Robin Atkins has written several books, including one on making beaded spirit dolls. In 2007-08 she is sponsoring the Bead Journal Project, a worldwide, online affair where bead artists create a personal beaded image each month. She refers to her approach as "improvisational bead embroidery."
Indonesian Baby Carrier
From Mark A. Johnson Asian & Tribal Arts. An amazing example of beadwork created for protection.
African Beadwork, Hamill Gallery
Quite possibly the best online resource for images of African beadwork, sorted by tribe. You MUST see the ritual dolls.
Sarah Frazier
Check out Sarah's "Mushroom Man," beaded in micro-tiny seed beads. The image is based upon an ancient rock art image. And cruise through the rest of her gallery while you're at it!

New Flickr Photos

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Mystical, Magical Beadwork Books on Amazon

A few choice books that convey the power of highly personal beadwork

Check out these titles for galleries of masterful work, as well as projects you can create for yourself. Starting points. Inspiration. Amazons and goddesses. Medicine bags and mandalas.
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Making Amulets and Talismans

Books on how to make your own protective jewelry and other adornment

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Prayer Beads and Sacred Strands

Project books on making your own sacred and beaded objects

Prayer beads have been used across cultures and religions for centuries as a way of focusing one's attention, keeping count, and easing stress. Below are just a few books on creating your own prayer beads out of a variety of beaded materials. There is also one selection on mandalas, for bead embroidery fans who want to stitch their own.
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Mary Tafoya's Seriousbeadin'

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

Feel free to contact me for custom orders.
Mary Tafoya's Seriousbeadin'
My Etsy Store. Beadwork, jewelry, and vintage embellishment supplies -- unique, vintage and handcrafted items for the discerning craft fanatic!
Mary Tafoya: Beadwork
A portfolio of my work, resume, and contact info.
Aunt Molly's Bead Street
Free beadwork patterns, tutorials, and a gallery of work.
Mary Tafoya's Blog
My foolish bloggishness.
My Flickr Photos
New work, sold work, odds and ends

Visitor comments

Do ya like beadwork? Do you want to share a resource I missed? Let me know!

  • BeadBrain Mar 18, 2008 @ 11:18 pm | delete
    This is a great len. I enjoyed it immensely.
  • obrn93 Jan 1, 2008 @ 11:51 am | delete
    thanks for sharing the info on squidoo love the pics
  • List member since 2005 Dec 28, 2007 @ 12:52 am | delete
    Good jog so far! I hope you will add more pictures. Thanks for letting us know!
  • beadnik Dec 26, 2007 @ 11:26 pm | delete
    Excellent lens, Mary. I love that you posted a pic of La Llorona, and the eerie eyes of Medusa. Keep up the good 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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