Homework Done

I am so happy to be done with my pincushion class homework. Definitely NOT my favorite project. This is a black and white copy of the picture we were given along with our velvet and calico.



Its an odd layout. I just don't get the leaves stuffed in the corner. We were instructed to put the leaves wherever we wanted and in the center we could put the year "2009" or an initial. One woman who always takes classes and never finishes anything, jokingly asked if she could put 2010 on hers!










First step was to place the outline rows along the perimeter which is a 5 x 7 rectangle. Then a foundation row of size 8 beads in an oval shape which was then covered with size 11 making a very tight raised rope effect.

The center oval is two rows of 'chase me around' stitch which is then outlined with a straight row, all in size 11s.

I hunted through my bead stash and came across this very large cabachon, so I put it in the center of the oval and surrounded it with peyote stitch to hold it in place. LOVE IT!

The paper leaf is tacked down with a spot or two of glue and then four size 6 beads are placed in the middle of the leaf. After adding some foundation rows to make it nice and firm, the tip of the leaf is worked first and you work your way to the bottom. I alternate side to side so I can keep the center point more centered.

I put on five leaves to represent my family of 3 daughters, my husband and myself.

It still looks plain to me. I want to add some vines or something. Our instructor didn't have hers finished beyond that top photo, so maybe in the next class we will embellish it some more. She did bring a sample piece that she based the pattern from, and it had lots of beading along the pillow edge and fringe at the corners. Maybe once all that is put on the simple-ness of the top will balance it off. Next class isn't until the 26th. Bummer.

With my homework out of the way, I have started on the Beader's Muse challenge. It is so much fun to be given some beads and only told to make wearable art. I'm sworn to secrecy until the big reveal, so my lips are sealed on what is taking shape.

Tomorrow I am spending the day with my friends Cindy and Diane exploring a few of the many art galleries Buffalo has to offer. We are hoping to make this a regular event, as there are dozens of galleries around the City. We are meeting at Diane's place for breakfast and to map out our route for the day. And after we have taken in as much as our eyes can stand, we will finish the day over dinner somewhere. I just hope the weather cooperates........