New Mavens!

Though we've been a little quiet of late things have been going on behind the scenes and now we're happy to introduce two New Mavens :)

Heather Collin of DreamWeaversStudio on Artfire

and

Callie Mitchel of PeregrineBeader on Artfire

We are all so thrilled that these two fabulous beaders accepted our invitation and know you will love their work and them.  I'll let them each tell you about themselves.

HEATHER COLLIN

I'm just like you, I LOVE TO BEAD! It is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the creative process, that somehow takes over your life.

   I started beading stringing in March 2007 and it was not long before I realized that I wanted, no, needed a far greater challenge. I put the internet to good use, scouring the sites for tutorials on how to do it. My first stitch was Peyote - and I battled (I did not even realize I was working with 15'o seed beads), unpicked, persisted and finally got it right. I was so proud of that little sampler AND, I knew I had found what I was looking for. A PASSION WAS BORN!

   I entered my first local competition later that year and actually came in first! I was over the moon about it and had to then write the pattern for that piece for our local beading magazine....not that easy for a newbie on the beading block. But, I did it. Then I entered a National competition and came THIRD over all. I was equally ecstatic - I was competing against accomplished beaders and it was a huge boost to my confidence.

   I've subsequently had 6 patterns published in the Bead Book and have also, along with 2 other talented beaders, had a special edition Bead Weaving Patterns book published.

CALLIE MITCHELL

I am a lifelong artisan/craftsman and began learning the art of beadweaving five years ago.  My youngest daughter introduced me to beadwork.  She lived near a wonderful LBS and began bringing home gorgeous crystals, beads and findings.  As I watched her work, I became increasingly interested in this (then) mystifying craft.  She had a copy of Beadwork Creates Bracelets, and one evening I sat down and struggled to learn flat odd-count peyote stitch.  Though the learning curve was steep at first, I was truly hooked! I find it profoundly challenging and creative. I delight in using little bits of glass to recreate the forms and colors of the natural world and find inspiration for my designs in nature's wild and beautiful places. I think of my beadwork pieces as souvenirs - concrete reminders of joyful visits - but also as little road maps to new discoveries within the techniques and disciplines of beadwork.

   I bead mostly at home in Houston, Texas, but as my husband and I travel a good bit, I carry a little “portable studio” along with me wherever I go.  After all, inspiration is everywhere!

Now....head on over to their shops and see all their beautiful beadery :)

Our next post will be Friday when we will announce a special treat!

And I ain't April Foolin'!