Finished!

It seems like I have been working on it for forever, but then again not! I have kept careful track of hours spent and beads used (of coarse!), and will get that info on here shortly~ I will add it to the bottom of the post after I double check the tally. After making the wooden case, I started the bead work on the 27th of April, 2014~ so just 4 months have passed~ not long at all really

I am very pleased with the results, and may just have to make another one~ I am in love with the padded lid and all the stump work elements~  I had great fun making the King's crown

There are a variety of techniques used on the case, all of which are executed in antique glass beads on a dutchess silk satin ground

I had thought to perhaps bead the frieze underneath...husband says absolutely not~ "just be done " he said today....but I am still mulling the thought~ it wouldn't take long, and I already have decided on putting my motto there....but I need to measure the remaining antique silver trim I used to see if I have enough of it left, that will be the deciding factor

The lid could tilt back a little bit more to my liking, but I overstuffed the lid so that brought it forward a bit~  its really heavy too, weighing it is on my list!

I used all antique beads in all different sizes and materials~ from tiny glass beads less than half millimeter in diameter, to real pearls, tourmaline, 14K & 18K gold, silver and bone

The King must have real bling of coarse! His scepter and crown are made with 14k & 18k gold, real pearls, and green tourmaline

Ladye holds a red rose he has just given her

Hiding little clues to the maker is always fun~ there are several little things hidden through out  the panel, my Diamond K Trademark of coarse, and here on Ladye's skirt, my initials and the year. Pictures just don't capture the feel of it though~ so I made a little video of it~ hope you enjoy!

A Handsome Beaded Stumpwork King

 Sans Crown And Scepter ....

 I have been plugging along on the lid for my reproduction 17th c padded mirror case and thought you all would enjoy saying 'Hello' to the King, who is nearly complete, minus his crown and scepter that will come after I finish his Ladye~ 

 He is fully clothed~ shoes, hose, britches, apron, jacket, robe, collar and falling band all have been carefully stitched from antique glass beads and real seed pearls. There has not been a single person to view him and not pick up different pieces of his costume to see what is underneath. The lace cuffs on the sleeves of his jacket are woven separately, as is his falling band, from the weensiest little opal beads you have ever seen, about a half millimeter in size just!

  If you are interested in learning more about my online class & Padded Mirror Case~ you can find the info here. Along with the case carcass, complete step by step instruction is included from start to finish!

Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly Autumn 2014

 I am speechless~ my beaded basket made the cover of SANQ Autumn 2014 issue! What an honor~ words cannot express my gratitude, no absolutely not.  I can't wait to get my copy and read Tricia's article~ you can purchase a digital copy here .  This is so exciting for me to be able to help bring this lost and forgotten form of art back into circulation!  I have been really surprised at the reaction & feedback people have given me when they see my basket~ I would say 90% or more of them had never seen anything like it or know it existed and they were all intrigued and wanted to know how I made it. I am pondering a new online class if there is enough interest~ the twilling technique can be used for so many different things~ not just presentation baskets...think small projects~ can you imagine a beaded corsage and boutinir for a wedding...ones that will never wilt and can be saved....brooches, picture & mirror frames....a chandelier or candle sconce~ there is not limit to ones imagination~ the beads will not melt or be damaged by water or dust...their color does not fade over time, and most of all, its just plain fun! So run out and get your copy of the current issue of SANQ today!

Dressing a King

 I am making good progress on the lid for my Padded Mirror Case.  I have completed all the flatwork and the stumpwork elements of both the King & Queen's trees, and am now well into the figures themselves. I finished up King's shoes this morning and had to share a little picture with you~ I love how they came out!  King is quadrupley more involved costume wise than the Queen~ he has so many layers to his wardrobe!  The ermine lining to his robe had to be completed first before I could start his legs with hose and shoes. He has breeches, an apron, doublett, robe, collar and falling band all to do  before I can even give him hair poor fellow...I don't think he minds that as much now tho, being as blazing hot as its been here lately~ I bet those wigs got rather hot in the summers......

New Dollye on eBay this week!

Ladye Grace~ Loyalty, c1834

 The second in my new series of virtues becoming a Ladye~ she would love to say hello. I think she is my most beautiful doll to date~ you can see her on eBay by following the link on the sidebar to my eBay specials, or click here

What! A Summer!

I have never been so busy!

  This summer is just flying by, and tho it 'seems' like I get things accomplished each day, it doesn't at the same time. Every spare moment i am working on my Padded Mirror Case, or making them for others just as excited about them as I am. In between I squeeze in dollys and painting and washing clothes and making supper.... Above is a picture of  a pinball I knit earlier this spring/summer ~ it has Cabinet of Curiosities and the date on the front, and the recipients name on the back with the class logo. It kind of looks pink in the picture, but its on a gorgeous blue background with burgundy lettering

 Every now and then, the family will drag me away on a little vacation~ I didnt complain to much this last time, they let me bring my laptop along so I was able to keep up with my For The Lsdye blog :). We went to a wonderful fireworks show, and spent the day before at Bishop's Castle just west of Colorado City~

 A magnificent stone and iron castle built by a single man all by hand~ its so very HIGH, and all the iron work is see thru straight down tot he ground~ not for anyone afraid of heights to be sure. One can walk and crawl over the entire thing, up to the very tip tip top~ and it is privately owned and has no guardrails~ a total enter at your own risk adventure!

 I was right at home inside, ohh yes, I could live here most happily to be sure

 On the way home, two mama big horn sheep walked across the road in front of us....and just look what they had stashed up on the side of the hill~ three wee ones~ so precious!

  While we were gone I did take along my beadwork~ I have finished all the flatwork on my padded mirror case and am now working on the trees and the figures~ I cant wait to get it finished and share it with you!  The leaves above are a variation of right angle weave, all wired and ready to go on the King's tree

 A basket has found a new permanent home as well~ stunningly in near mint condition and huge! Also, a new paint pattern I have never seen before of a central vase holding the typical floral arrangement~ you don't even want to know how excited I was to get this~ words cannot even express!

And dollys~ yes I have been working and working on dollys! This one is on the table now nearly finished, I hope to have her on eBay  this Sunday. I really love this one~ I used a piece of early mattress cover for her petticoat~ I thought it was charming and left the button attached :)
  I hope you all are having a wonderful Summer~ before we know it the leaves will be falling & snow  flying again!

Happy & Safe Independence Day Wishes

     May Ye all enjoy the cherished company of friends and beloved family and partake in the Patriotic Merriment of this wonderful occasion celebrating the birth of our Fine Great Nation.