Snippets from a bead artist.

1.17.2015

Freeform Beading ROCKS!!

And so does this book by Karen Williams, Explorations in Freeform Peyote Beading!  Karen asked me to take part in the book, an honor and a joy!  Everyone who knows me, knows that I adore freeform work.  Karen has given some of us in the book a chance to blow our own whistles and to share some of the terrific work you can find in there, here on this Book Blogging Tour.   Please read through my post, because there is info at the end about two giveaways, in case you're interested...  ;)


Let me tell you, Explorations is totally wonderful!  And perfect for those of you who have been hesitant to try your hand at freeform, but really love the look.  Karen has created an album of work and instruction that is fabulous on the eyes, easy to follow and just SO inspiring!  As a teaser of what you would have in store if you go and buy the book, here's an excerpt from Karen's blog:

"All told, Exploration's 174 pages includes images of ninety three pieces by twenty two artists (including myself) from three continents and four countries.  Detailed photo essays give a closer look at the construction and/or design process for twenty nine of the pieces, ranging from earrings and brooches to bracelets, necklaces, beaded bottles and even three-dimensional beaded fish."  

And some mind blowing work from artists included in here, starting with Karen herself, who explains how she created this gorgeous Poppy Brooch in one of my favorite chapters:

Karen Williams - Poppy Hat Brooch

And showcasing this stunning peyote draped bottle by Cortney Phillips (and she has another one in there, too!);

 Cortney Williams - Untitled

And this most awesome ring by Lisa Jones;
 Lisa Jones - Emerald City Ring

And this beauty of a necklace by the wonderful Saturday Sequins;

Sarah Meadows - Ocean

And, one of my personal favorites (this color combination just speaks to me) from Wendy Hatton, a necklace and earring set that I would just die for;

 Wendy Hatton - Homage to Amphritite



My piece in the book is one of my beaded rocks (which I called Froggie Knoll), where Karen let me explain how I wrap these little stones and turn them into mini landscapes. :)


After seeing all that, you MUST want to check out more!! There are eight chances available to be part of Karen's Giveaway from this blog tour - make sure to check out the rules and what the fabulous prizes are on her post HERE!  :)  Cynthia Machata of Antiquity Travelers has already made her post, so don't forget to hop there, too.  Should you now want your own copy of this marvel, you can buy one on Amazon, or from Karen herself, and both a Kindle edition and an eBook are in the works for those of you who prefer a digital format.

On my post here, I am going to give away a little bead soup, so that one of you can start your freeform journey right away.  Leave me a comment, and I'll put your name in the hat!!  I have some lovely little soups just hanging around in my stash...  ;)

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Karen, I am so honored to be a part of your fantastic book!  (I hope we all manage to turn some beaders into freeformers!!)


Blog Tour List:
January 15th: Karen Williams - Baublicious
January 16th: Cynthia Machata - Antiquity Travelers
January 17th: Me!!
January 18th: Bobbie Rafferty - Beadsong Jewelry
January 19th: Natalia Malysheva - Aqvatali 
                       Sarah Meadows - Saturday Sequins
January 20th: Ibolya Barkoczi -Ibolya-gyöngyei
                       Mandi Ainsworth - Bead Circle 

29 comments:

  1. Nancy your post ROCKS! as does your Froggie Knoll :D This was such a fun post full of beady eye candy that I just wanted it to go on, and on .... but then that is what is reading through this book is like! I can't count how many times I've flipped through the book, and each time I find something new, a little detail that catches my eye. What an amazing group of artists to be a part of - I am honored and having so much fun!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cynthia! I loved seeing your gorgeous work in the book, and I am really hoping we've 'turned' some people, lol!! ;) It's so amazing to have been a part of this!!

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  2. This is a great review and I'm excited to check it out. I loved Karen's fish and her instructions were great - so I can only imagine this is going to be awesome too! Love this great round up of photos too!

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    1. Thanks so much, Amy! I hope you get a chance to peruse it - it's really fab! (And I'm not saying that cause I'm in it - I love pretty much every project in there!) :)

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  3. There's some awesome pieces in the book! So inspiring! Love your beaded rocks! They're on my list of things I want to try!

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    1. OOoo, I hope you do!! Will you come share a pic if you make one?!?! Pretty please?!?! :) :) :)

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    2. I will Nancy! I need to find a rock after the ground thaws.

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  4. Nancy - anyone who looks at your photo essay for Froggie Knoll will know why your patterns and tutorials are sooo popular! Your tutorials truly rock; beautifully easy to follow and filled with detailed tips and techniques. I did such a happy dance when you said you were in!

    Oh, and Cortney's blue bottle? It was a last minute addition - I was working on her section in the last chapter when I happened to see a photo of the bottle on her Facebook page. I immediately wrote and asked if I could use it in my book. Not only did she say yes, but she had her boyfriend take new photos for me to use!

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    1. Thank you so much!! :D And I love EVERYTHING in your book!! :D

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  5. Thank you for so many pics and looks at what it is this great sounding book. Please enter me for a chance to win one of these fab prizes!!

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    1. You're welcome, Mary - I hop you get a chance to win a copy! :)

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  6. I have Karen first freeform peyote book and have been waiting somewhat impatiently for her new one and got it as soon as I could. It is absolutely the very best freeform information out there. And the colors, just WOW! Everybody really needs this book in their library..I have gotten several of my friends hooked..thanks ya'll!

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  7. Froggie knoll is great! I never thought about freeform for a rock, but what you came up with is spectacular! The color combination is absolutely perfect :-)

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    1. Thanks so much, Liz!! Maybe you'll try one??!?!? :)

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  8. I love the look of freeform peyote. Every time you look, you can see different things.
    I have never been on the road of freeform peyote but I think this book will be aan great guide. It is on my wishlist for my birthday.
    Like your soup!

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    1. I hope you get your copy for your birthday - it would make a most excellent present!! I'm glad you like my soup, too! ;)

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  9. Nancy, your beadwork always ROCKS! :-) I love the book, and would LOVE to have one of your terrific bead soups....AND a signed copy of the book, so I'll run to the other blogs as well. :-)

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    1. Thank you!! And I'm so glad you're interested, too! :D Freeform is so much fun!

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  10. You know, I've always said that if it stands still, it can be beaded -- you certainly proved that! Now I just have to wait for the snow to melt so I can find a good rock to use your technique on. Until then, I'll stay warm in my bead room and dream about your gorgeous work!

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    1. Awww thanks, Bobbie! I can't wait to see your rock, whenever you get time to make one. It will blow my mind - your work always does. :D

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  11. Lovely! I must resume my freeform journey now I've been inspired!

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  12. I haven't done a piece of freeform in ages! Years! The photos you've posted are quite inspiring Nancy...I just may get the book and have a look see. Jeanne Evans

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  13. Nancy,

    Enjoyed your post. Would never have thought to cover a rock to make a mini landscape.

    Would love to win a bead soup in order to try my hand at it.

    Carolyn
    Carolynscreations@live.com

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  14. Lovely examples of freeform. The book looks spectacular. Thank you

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  15. Oh, I guess that I missed your little giveaway, but I'm still in for Karen's. Great images, and I can't wait to get started

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  16. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Can't wait 'til I can move the "Explorations..." from my wish list to my bookshelf (actually my hot little hands)
    Cyndi201@msn.com

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  17. Love the pictures and all the variety in this book.

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  18. Dear Nancy, I love looking a freeform work of others, but I do not think it is in my soul to create it. Maybe I have control issues, but I find if things are not neat and orderly and comprehensible I freak out. Lol. You would never know this from the state of my house. I love your rock, and maybe that would be a way for me to participate in this art form, because, since rocks are by nature random, I might stand a chance. This book looks amazing and I will have to check it out for sure!

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