tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28786027353601587402012-02-16T20:48:03.283-01:00Thoughts and photos on Needleweaving—how Nature inspires my work.Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-30555462503912859152011-03-30T00:26:00.000-01:002011-03-30T00:26:41.244-01:00

Are you your own worst critic? Should you be? I have friends who burn paintings they’re not satisfied with. This shocked me initially, but I’m beginning to understand the impulse. After staring at two unfinished (and perhaps unfinishable) canvases for a few years, I’m ready for drastic measures. "Selma's Garden", my unfinished entry in a spring PaintOut at T.C. Steele State Historic Site.

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-12157533045872302022011-03-13T20:56:00.000-01:002011-03-13T20:56:35.484-01:00

Pastel Painting of Apalachicola Bay, Florida Nature study can easily become a lifelong interest, and needn’t diminish over time. Identifying plants or birds may seem overwhelming to the beginning birder or botanist, but even experts in these fields face challenges. My knowledge of flowers, trees and birds is at a level somewhere past beginner, but a long way from expert. At first, learning

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-56060722087350870512011-03-12T19:03:00.001-01:002011-03-13T20:43:15.836-01:00

Around 50 years ago when I learned how to make handmade beads, green wasn’t a buzzword—it was just the way things were done. It was not a throw-away society. The Great Depression was still fresh in our parents’ minds. These beads, though made from common materials, are uncommonly beautiful, and very easy to make. Handmade Paper Beads Paper is the main ingredient. Cutting up National Geographic

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-43785259915900300492011-02-07T10:38:00.003-01:002011-02-07T10:49:17.496-01:00

A procraftintor doesn't have a To Do List, rather a To Finish List. The necklace I began in October is finally done! (See my previous post, "What's the Rush?") Bronze Glow was my first attempt at using lark's head knots to finish the warp ends. This is the same knot that sales tags are fastened with. Bronze Glow Perhaps finish isn't the right term to use, since the coin dangles on the warp

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-6938341282077345882011-01-25T02:12:00.000-01:002011-01-25T02:12:36.208-01:00

When I first began needleweaving, my designs were inspired by fibers, beads and different techniques I wanted to try out. When I began selling my work, I needed to consider marketing seasons as well. Seasonally appropriate necklaces are more likely to sell. As any gardener knows, the U.S. has many different climates zones, so seasonal impressions and representations will vary with geography.

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-25127894825284371992011-01-10T00:13:00.001-01:002011-01-29T16:09:31.409-01:00

Some projects can’t be rushed. Others can’t be finished—or so it feels. This necklace was started in October and went well for a while. Ironically, it started out to be a lesson-a-week tutorial. I soon realized that what I thought was a simple design, wasn’t quite. Necklace progression, from bottom to top. Usually I design the neckstraps after the body of the necklace is completed, but on

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-61415000267028366932010-12-23T11:54:00.001-01:002011-01-01T06:40:08.063-01:00

Here is the nearly finished needlewoven necklace—Clementines and Sage. Bamboo yarn was used for the majority of the weaving. Its thicker weight made the weaving go quickly, but I had some trouble along the edges. The threads outlining the bottom edge are the warp tails. To create a rounded edge along the bottom of the necklace, I took the long warp ends (tails) from each side and wrapped

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-7495400232423270742010-12-04T22:54:00.000-01:002010-12-04T22:54:30.490-01:00

Often it’s hard to tell what influences what (the chicken or the egg dilemma). I started my latest necklace between two major holidays—Thanksgiving (my favorite) and Christmas. Did this influence my color choices? The pale sage colored yarn was a gift. (How did my sister know my favorite color?) Made from bamboo, it‘s stretchy, soft and luxurious. Looking for beads to complement it, I chose a

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-22595756501293456342010-11-08T22:03:00.001-01:002010-11-09T08:34:07.837-01:00

Our first light snowfall of the year fell during the night this weekend—barely measurable—in inches. And immeasurable as a wonder of nature. I've been reading up on the subject for an upcoming  workshop, and was captivated by images taken with a photomicroscope. Snowflakes are truly one of a kind. The November 20th Holiday Ornament Mini-Workshop at Ferrer Gallery will feature this snowflake

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-53639614463461724502010-11-05T00:08:00.000-01:002010-11-05T00:08:26.343-01:00

Ever hear of Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs? Similar in size to Baseball Trading Cards, these handmade miniature works of art aren’t for sale—they’re (almost) free. By exchanging a handmade card of your own in a trade or swap, you can build a mini-art-collection. Selma in the Garden Here’s a card I made recently for an online fiber art Artist Trading Card group. Their monthly swap sets a theme

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-78834586207641522702010-11-02T18:26:00.001-01:002010-11-02T18:34:10.765-01:00

This view looking east into Brown County State Park has been photographed, painted and simply enjoyed by tourists, locals, and artists—for over 100 years. Each change of season brings artful possibilities. Redbud and Dogwood blossoms in the spring, freshly baled hay in summer, amazing fall color, and bare hillsides blanketed with snow. It was a rare day this October when I didn’t see

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-79137919159502701072010-10-25T01:08:00.044-01:002010-10-25T02:02:19.491-01:00

Indiana boasts over 100 species of trees native to the Hoosier state, each with uniquely shaped leaves. Sassafras and Mulberry have leaves with two or more different shapes. I've always had an interest in leaves and even looked forward to the often-dreaded school leaf collection. You can incorporate leaf shapes in many ways, and the variety of buttons and beads using this motif makes it easy

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-33876612812142081112010-10-23T11:36:00.003-01:002010-10-25T01:13:01.099-01:00

As fall approached, bringing respite from the summer heat, and newly-opened windows let in night breezes, I was rewarded with the far-off sound of Whip-poor-wills. I’d missed them by caving in to comfort. As I worked on my needleweaving projects in a ‘perfect’ 72° environment, I looked forward to a cooler time when I could once again sit on the porch, weaving to the sounds of birds, squirrels,

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-10774644998392663552010-08-24T00:38:00.003-01:002010-10-24T14:26:27.865-01:00

This summer, the Cicada's summer serenade has penetrated my awareness. They're probably annual cicadas*—not the 13 or 17 year variety—but they're certainly doing a good impersonation, if decibel level is an indication. When something seems to be increasing, I often wonder if the numbers are really on the rise, or just my awareness. I don't remember the annual cicadas so overpowering their

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-29119229007281030822010-08-13T18:31:00.001-01:002010-08-13T18:51:01.642-01:00

Yesterday I attended the first half of a two-part mini-tapestry workshop at Yarns Unlimited, a local treasure on the square in Bloomington Indiana. Surrounded by beautiful fibers and examples of completed projects was a bit distracting, as beautiful items caught my eye—but so inspiring! The course description sounded much like needleweaving, so I signed up, hoping to learn more about weaving and

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-77720014326905288672010-08-05T02:37:00.001-01:002010-08-15T09:30:27.473-01:00

On August 21, I'll be leading a Beginning Needleweaving Workshop. The day long class will include basic needleweaving techniques, color theory and loom set-up. Leave with a one-of-a-kind necklace and a new skill. The Traditional Arts Building at 46 E. Gould Street in Nashville, Indiana will be the location of the workshop. The class will last 7 hours, from 10am til 5 pm with a one hour break for

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-66944841910365373772010-08-05T02:16:00.000-01:002010-08-05T02:16:27.889-01:00

Free-form macremé (statement) necklace So that’s what they are! I’ve been making necklaces for a few years and just learned that in the fashion world, they're known as Statement Necklaces. Names and labels can affect our perceptions, even about things we’re already familiar with. These thoughts came to mind when I realized my handmade jewelry fell into a category I’d never heard of. What if I

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-52181190103380105792010-07-05T21:12:00.000-01:002010-07-05T21:12:13.663-01:00

Beads provide sparkle and color in your fiber jewelry, but charms can serve the same purpose and add meaning as well. If you're no longer wearing that old charm bracelet from your childhood, why not try repurposing it? Your next needleweaving project can incorporate memories and meaning as you weave the objects into a charming necklace. I once collected charms for a favorite bracelet, but now I

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-61369625914466008102010-07-03T13:59:00.001-01:002010-07-03T14:03:28.914-01:00

Is there a hierarchy to the powers of amulet-like objects? Having only a vague idea of what they are led me to research definitions and put them in some kind of order (following that human need to order/classify). Here are my guesses—before research—rated from least to most powerful. Charm: a small object that serves as a reminder of places visited, or represents an interest or hobby—often '

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-40207625375013852832010-06-18T22:48:00.002-01:002010-07-03T14:05:17.713-01:00

While making this little bag I had lots of time to ponder the subject of amulets. What started as an attempt to speed up the necklace making process became a lot more complicated. My knowledge of amulets is very sketchy, but I like the small pouches created to hold them. Thinking it might take less time to complete than my other necklaces and appeal to more people, I decided to document each

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-77432111051416083022010-06-12T11:09:00.005-01:002010-06-12T11:19:41.119-01:00

As a child, I looked forward to visiting our weekend neighbor, Mrs. Hale. Her little cabin was filled with unusual things—wooden bowls, an ornate woodburning stove  and games my sisters and I didn't own. We would play Kooties,  explore in the barn and pick grape hyacinths. I once found an old horseshoe under a shrub and felt like an archeologist. What I anticipated most was seeing her latest

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-39059662777987801142010-05-30T05:15:00.003-01:002010-05-30T05:24:26.418-01:00

I enjoy both weeding and needleweaving, but they don't play well together. Each lays claim to my time and energy, and when weeding season begins my needlework suffers. At the end of a day of weeding, pins and needles in my hand and shoulder make intricate tasks difficult. Often the pins and needles I use in weaving just drop from my hands. Jewelrymaking seems better suited to the winter months

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-48795415971445605682010-05-27T09:03:00.004-01:002010-05-29T12:44:33.328-01:00

Even with only 5 posts so far, you may have begun to suspect that I'm all talk but no action. It's true! Where is my needlewoven bluebird that I wrote so optimistically about in my first post? Still on the drawing board. Ideas have always seemed to come to me when I don't have time to begin work on them (as in the middle of the night). That glimmer of an idea may fade away before I get around to

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-33668729922667799002010-05-25T23:30:00.002-01:002010-05-25T23:35:40.165-01:00

Have you ever wondered when people first begin using and creating decorative objects? Items valued not for practical reasons but simply for their beauty. Helen Banes' book, Fiber & Bead Jewelry, picures amazingly intricate Phoenician glass beads dated 900 BC. Although it's hard to imagine those times, the appeal of beads spans the centuries. I couldn't begin to know how to discover or create

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-56294588618297766682010-05-10T20:29:00.009-01:002010-05-29T13:11:44.880-01:00

I received this beautiful dragonfly pin for Mother's Day which I will likely wear as intended, on a lapel or on the front of a dress or blouse. But another way pins can be used is by incorporating them into your needlewoven necklace designs. When positioned over an unbeaded area of a necklace body, your cherished pin serves the same function as a large ornate bead—it becomes the focal point. And

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-30218517526703046902010-05-04T09:17:00.004-01:002010-05-10T20:45:00.399-01:00

This recently completed necklace was inspired by the color of Ironweed, a native autumn bloomer. I always enjoy seeing this wildflower in fields and along roadsides, often accompanied by Joe-Pye-Weed, another fall favorite of mine. Ironweed isn’t a flower I usually think about this time of year, with all the spring ephemerals grabbing my attention, but completing the necklace took me back to

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-19001658558234634162010-04-30T09:06:00.000-01:002010-04-30T09:53:03.937-01:00

After finishing the straps of a necklace I'd been working on for some time, I was in search of a button to use as a clasp. Button clasps are one of the simplest connectors for needlewoven necklaces, but I often macramé the straps instead when making loops on toggle clasps. At a place in BeanBlossom, Indiana—boasting both antiques and charm—I spotted a basket of buttons marked 10 cents apiece.

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2878602735360158740.post-29108797647781633532010-04-02T13:12:00.004-01:002010-04-30T11:38:07.402-01:00

It's easy to be inspired by nature, but hard to surpass it. For the past few weeks I've been enjoying the sound of Bluebirds singing, and today they outdid themselves—a regular Babble of Bluebirds. I'll try to capture their colors and sounds on camera and translate an image into necklace form. If successful, I'll post the results here. I enjoy using fiber, beads and found objects to make jewelry—

Dayidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686524264068809603noreply@blogger.com0