Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Beaded Hearts. . .



First, I want to thank you all for your support and lovely comments on my last post. I really appreciate your encouragement and the support you share with me!

I wanted to share the squares that I sent to Jeanette, this past week, for the 2009 Bead-It-Forward Quilt. These squares are small and stitched to 1-1/2". Jeanette stitches the squares into quilts and then donates them to Bead Artists Against Breast Cancer for their annual auction. This years theme was "bead artists have the heart to take on breast cancer." 

It was getting so close to the deadline, I really thought that I might not be able to contribute. However, when I found out that a dear friend's breast cancer had returned...a mutual friend to us all, Bobbi,...I knew in my heart that I wanted and needed to make the time and stitch some squares. I have participated for three years and always for the sake of all, however, this year I wanted to stitch some in her honor. I did not have time to encrust my squares this year.  But, all my squares were stitched on wool felt except for one that I did on Ultrasuede. The beads and sequins are vintage and the seed beads I used were 11/0, 16/0, and 18/0's. I used a vintage Guilloche 'Heart and Roses' Enamel Cabochon, vintage tan heart shaped nailheads, and a vintage red sew-on heart on the nude. The only new pieces were the hope and bird charm and the tiny red heart beads.



















The beach image didn't turn out quite like I had hoped. As you can see, I about mutilated the Pellon. I really wanted to do this square by needle felting and then adding beads, but I didn't have the right colors of roving...so I improvised.  I really need to buy a variety pack of colors to have on hand. I also tried stitching the seagulls with 18/0 beads and it just wasn't right. The beads needed to be smaller. I do have 20/0 and 22/0's, but I *absolutely* refused to suffer like that!!! I don't know where my brain was when I purchased those beads or the size 16 needles either!!!  SERIOUSLY!!!!! 

I also wanted to share a beautiful stitched 'Peace' sign that I received from a new blogging friend, Elizabeth, that lives in Denmark. Grace kindly shared her wonderful blog named Landanna. Thank you, Grace!  She embroidered the french knots on felt with raffia!  Raffia is such an great idea to embroider with...it stitches up beautifully!  It is a lovely piece of embroidery and I will always treasure it always!  Thank you so much Elizabeth, for your wishes of *peace*!  I hope you will take the time to visit her. She is a very talented and stitches from her heart with a lot of symbolism! 

I stitched another sketchbook bag recently for a gift. The first bag I made, I made for me because I sketch a lot.  I made this pouch with black Ultrasuede. It has a picot edge done in black 8/0 seed beads and vintage bronze seed beads. It is stitched with vintage black nailhead, bronze nailheads, and black heart nailheads. It comfortably holds a Moleskin sketchbook and pencil. It is a great size to put in your purse and, hopefully, it will be loved.

I have a couple small pieces in the works, but my biggest priority right now is getting up-to-date with the bead journal project. The two pictures of fabric and thread are favorites of mine that I picked out that are waiting for some attention!  As soon as I post my bead journal pages...I am going to begin cutting some fabric and I'll share that with you soon.

Awhile back, Bobbi, had suggested a wonderful movie on her blog. Mark and I watched it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wanted to mention it because I thought maybe you'd enjoy it also. It is a documentary about an artist and is called...The Cats of Mirikitani. It is a fascinating and heart-warming story of injustice, pride, tragedy, beautiful art, compassion and acceptance. You'll be enriched by his art, but even more so by his spirit! I hope that maybe you would enjoy it too. I told Bobbi, I know who to contact when I want to see a good movie!

Since it has been awhile since I have posted...I included some photos that I have taken recently in the post below. And, Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! I am off to finish up an Irish feast for my family...Corned beef, new potatoes, carrots, and cabbage and hoping there will be enough leftover for corned beef sandwiches! Take care and I'll talk to you soon...~Lisa ;-)

11 comments:

KV said...

Ah, these squares are really wonderful, Lisa! I am sure that Bobbi will be amazed to see them.

And I cannot even imagine using a size 16 needle and those teeny, tiny 20 or 22 beads, either . . .


Kathy V in NM

beadbabe49 said...

I am so totally honored, lisa, by all the beautiful squares you've beaded, felted and sewn! I bet jeannette will just turn pink with delight when she sees them all!
I'm also so glad you liked the film I recommended enough to pass the recommendation on! Now, why didn't I think of that?

*~tabby~* crooked heart art said...

hey girl
wonderful wonderful job!!
and they are done in love and hope :)
i will be emailing you soon
hope all is well your way
x's & o's

Elizabeth said...

Lisa you did an amazing job. I love the squares, each so unique and different.

Thank you for your comments on my recent posts. I just love to read them and a BIG THANK YOU for including me in your post today. It felt so good to see the peace-sign again. I'm glad it found a good home.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you soon.

Elizabeth

Cathie said...

These are gorgeous! I love them all - but my favorite, "hope." I'd like Jeanette's blog address so I can go and see the quilts she's making out of these delicious little squares. Amazing!

The Lone Beader® said...

All those little squares are just too cute! I love the tree! :D

girlgonethreadwild said...

oh wow! Where to start?

The nekkid square... my favorite!!!!

Your bead art just FABULOUS! Soaking it all in on this glorious sunny day..

had to check in before I hit the highway and shop for new spring clothes!

Care to join me? *wink*

Art on you incredible woman you!

xo, monica :)

Dot said...

You have a very generous and loving heart Lisa. I love the squares you have created and know they will look beautiful in the quilt.

Sending much love to you!

Dot xx

Cathie said...

I still love that Hope Heart!
I wanted to wish you and Marc a Happy Easter. Do hope the weather feels like spring for you waaaaay over and up there in Oregon. I know how much you love flowers!
XO Happy Easter Dear Lisa.

Camilla La Mer-Soul Art Dolls said...

Thank you, Lisa for your kind comments on my life mask making experience!

I love your quilt squares! They are exquisite...so much detail and wonderful beads!

I am glad that you mentioned Bobbi's movie once again. I tried to find it before without success. You have inspired me to try again!

I have been a little out of touch with my blogging and my fabulous friends during my recovery challenges...I am hoping that I will be up to speed soon. So good to hear from you!

Much love,

Camilla

Cathie said...

Not to rush you dearie - but I am sooooo waiting for two things:
1. to see your BJP pages; and
2. even more so - I'm waiting to see what you're going to do with that pretty purple and green batik fabric with that pretty floss.

I have been clicking and enlarging these squares again - I just realized - HOPE was my favorite, but now I think I like the oceanliner and the white birdie squares the best. Your talent is really something Lisa - I love what you do with beads and color and these little tiny squares with roving and beads are just amazing.
Please post more soon! I miss you!
XO