A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY

BEADED VINTAGE PHOTO HAND MIRROR

2012-03-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

This three-inch hand mirror features the 1940 photo of my parents, Thelma Gay & Howard Smith. I love this photo of my beautiful parents and wanted to create a family heirloom that could be used.

The mirror is of round beveled glass purchased at THE GLASS WAREHOUSE in Englewood, CO.

I beaded around the photo with Native American Couching Technique. Then I glued the mirror on the back I finished by creating a PEYOTE BEZEL that wrapped around the mirror and diminished the size of the seed beads on the mirror side to finish the edge.

I love looking at old photos of my family and by making a hand
held mirror like this I can enjoy the photos without opening the computer or leafing through a photo album. It keeps my family close to me. I helps me stay focused on the fact that LOVE NEVER DIES.

Perhaps this will inspire you to keep your loved ones close to your heart.

By Sharon Kay

Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS & A MOTHER'S JOURNEY

BEADED FASHION RING

2012-02-23T10:25:00.004-08:00

I love finding ways to use beading techniques to create wearable art. This "beaded fashion ring" is light-weight. The black dichroic glass cabochon has only a smattering of dichroic in it which makes it very elegant. I used the following seed beads: Iris 11/0, shiny black 8/0 and bronze 13/0 Charlottes from ORR'S TRADING POST in Englewood, CO to create this ring. Charlottes have one facet on each bead which sparkles in the light. I love them!

I used the Native American Couching Technique to create the ring. I attached the ring form to the back with E-6000 glue after I had fitted on the leather backing. The final row of BRICK STITCH with PICOT attached the leather to the ring front.

I have hundreds of dichroic cabochons IN STOCK if you need them. Prices range from $6 - $20 depending on size and the amount of dichroic in each piece. Call TOLL-FREE 1-888-493-7310 for more information.

Happy Beading!!!

Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS: The Book of Joyous Thoughts &
A MOTHER'S JOURNEY: To Release Sorrow and Reap Joy

Visit my beadwork on my website: www.angelfingerprints.com

BEADED MIRROR with VINTAGE PHOTO

2012-02-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

I just finished this 2 inch beveled glass mirror. The photo is a reduced-size Olin Mills portrait of me and my two brothers, Gerald and John taken in the early 50s. The photo is glued on Pel-Tek. A clear glass cabochon is placed over the photo.

Using a purple matte finish 11/0 seed bead I created a Peyote Bezel to hold the cab in place. By using Bronze size 13/0 Charlotte seed beads, the bezel is very secure. The outside rows are worked using NATIVE AMERICAN COUCHING TECHNIQUE, in 11/0 lavender HEX-CUT seed beads.
Larger accent beads include clear lavender drop beads (upper left) and 5-4 mm Fire- Polished Czech beads (lower left) and 5 clear lavender 4 mm round beads (lower right).
The mirror was glued on the back of the beaded piece before I added a Peyote Bezel of purple matte 11/0 seed beads and 13/0 bronze Charlottes to hold the mirror in place.

This is just another way, to preserve family memories in a practical item you can use every day.

Happy Beading!

Sharon Kay

Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS: The Book of Joyous Thoughts

and

A MOTHER'S JOURNEY: To Release Sorrow and Reap Joy

USE COLOR FOR HEALING

2012-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

More than 15 years ago, I worked with an energy healer. She found that my first and second chakras were closed.

She said that the best way for me to keep them open was to work with color. First chakra is red and second chakra is orange.

"But I really don't the color ORANGE and I am not crazy about RED," I told her.

Find something that you can look at that will help you keep these chakras open she suggested. I decided I could handle looking at an orange & an apple.

About six years ago, I began making dichroic glass cabochons in a kiln I purchased from a friend who was moving. This ORANGE DICHROIC GLASS cabochon reminded me of my need to include orange in my life.

I used a "root beer" colored seed bead to form a bezel around the orange cab to hold it in place. A BEZEL is created by stringing on the exact number of 11/0 seed beads that will encircle the outside of your cab. Then, using circular PEYOTE STITCH, continue around the circle until you have made a collar that is the depth of the edge of the cab. The best way to make the back of the BEZEL is to choose a smaller seed bead (13/0) and continue beading for 4-6 rows. Now set the cabochon inside the BEZEL and used the size 13/0 seed beads to continue PEYOTE STITCH around the top edge. After 4-6 rows your cab will not fall out. In this piece I used only 11/0 seed beads but did decreases on every row to make the BEZEL. Then I wove my thread to the back of the bezel and tied off and cut the thread.

I attached a new thread and continued using CIRCULAR PEYOTE around the BEZEL in a FREE-FORM style adding larger beads in groupings and groupins of hot pink and lime green.

This brooch is completely FREE-FORM CIRCULAR PEYOTE and has not backing or leather on it.

I find that if you LOVE something or HATE something..... BOTH are things that you NEED MOST for your healing. So dare to heal yourself by using color through beading.

ONWARD!

By Sharon Kay, Bead Artist & Author
of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY (both available on AMAZON)

BEADED TAPESTRY SOFT CUFF

2012-01-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

Have you ever set out to create something and IT decides it wants to be something else? That is when you know you are living on the "leading edge of Creation !"

This gorgeous white dichroic glass cabochon started out to be the focal point of a brooch as I was teaching the Native American Couching Technique to one of my classes.

Then one day as I was asked to help a needlepoint artist to finish her beautiful tapestry cuffs. I was guided to attach my beaded UN-finished cab on
to a tapestry-type upholstery fabric to see if after

it was beaded if I could glue the cuff on a 2-inch wide
brass cuff.

But this cuff wanted to be a "big girl" and before I knew it, it had grown to 3 inches wide. I was loving how beautiful it was becoming. To finish "her" I used BRICK STITCH ( also called COMANCHE or NAVAJO STITCH) to attach the royal blue leather to the back.

When I "asked her" how she wanted to be attached to a wrist.... she took a very long time to tell me..... BUTTONS. I went to my VINTAGE BUTTONS which were gifted to me by my school friend & cousin, Bobbi Roche from her mother, Vera Roche's, button collection. Vera's vintage buttons compliment my work so well. Thank you Bobbi!

Stay IN THE FLOW whenever you are CREATING! No matter your art medium is: watercolors, acrylics, clay, fabric, oils, paper, metals, food, or beads ..... when you allow Spirit to move through youm you will bring forth the most amazing CREATIONS which will "MAKE YOUR HEART SING!"

Watch BEADED TAPESTRY CUFF Slideshow on YouTube

By Sharon Kay, Bead Artist &

Author of A MOTHER'S JOURNEY and ANGEL FINGERPRINTS, both available on Amazon.com

PEYOTE FREE-FORM AMULET BAG

2012-01-13T17:17:00.000-08:00

Using the PEYOTE STITCH I created this black and white amulet bag.

By changing the sizes and colors of seed beads (11/0 to 8/0) I was able to get this beautiful patchwork pattern.

I used an essential oils shipping tube this time to make the bag smaller. The toilet paper tube was too big for my liking. However, you can take a toilet paper tube, slit it down the side. Re-adjust the tube so it has a diameter of approximately 1 3/8 inches. Then, tape the tube into the desired size.

This will give you a bag that is about 2 inches wide. Adjust your tube for a smaller or larger amulet bag.

DUCK TAPE makes a nice covering for the tube to bead around.

Next, put enough 11/0 seed beads ( an ODD number of seed beads) on your thread to go around the tube with no gaps. I use 6# FIRELINE because it is stronger. Then, tie your thread (or Fireline) in a double knot.

Then begin your Peyote Stitch periodically changing colors of your seed beads. Your first two or three rows should utilize only 11/0 seed beads for the top edge. Then you can add sections of size 10/0 or 8/0 seed beads but the bulk of your bead row should be 11/0.

When you have made the amulet bag as deep as you like, take the bead tube off the cardboard tube and ZIP UP the bottom of the bag. I added a beaded strap using BEADALON. Then I added the fringe at the bottom. Most bead magazines will show you how to do PEYOTE STITCH and to make FRINGES. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through the comments section of this blog.

HAPPY BEADING!
Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY both available on AMAZON.COM

"LURE" PENDANT

2012-01-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

I found this old wooden fish lure at a garage sale. I cut off the hooks from the bottom.

I wrapped 6# Fireline around the neck just below the eyes and tied a knot.

Using Brick Stitch I added the first row of 11/0 black matte Delicas. The entire piece except for the fringe is done in Brick Stitch. I use turquoise Czech 11/0 for the second row and lime 8/0 Czech seed beads for the third row. For the fourth rown I started my triangle patterns by adding 2 11/0 lavendar seed beads then one bright silver lined deep turquoise seed bead.

Using Brick Stitch it is easier to INCREASE as the lure gets bigger and DECREASE as it gets smaller. By either adding bigger beads or MORE 11/0 seed beads in a row you can INCREASE or using smaller beads or fewer beads in a row to DECREASE.

I wire-wrapped a beaded link at the top and then added a couple of links to dangle from the Sterling ring which is the bail.

The bottom was embellished with a fringe accented by turquoices chips and 8 mm Fire-polished beads.

The entire pendant from bail to the bottom of the fringe is 6 `1/4 inches long. I like to wear it on a long leather cord.

Garage sales and rummage sales are wonderful places to find unique items to recycle by beading around them to make stunning pendants.

By Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY , both available on AMAZON.COM

COLLABORATION

2012-01-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

When I lived in Midland, Michigan a few years ago, I was gifted this wonderful clay mask created by talented, Kathy Space, co-owner with her husband Steve, of Space Studios where I enjoyed many hours in her clay classes.

Kathy creates these miniature masks on the back of a large table spoon. When she gifted this piece to me, she said, "I am sure you will create something beautiful with it!"

This is a framed piece. I attached the clay mask to a piece of PelTek covered with turquoise velvet. I used the colors Kathy had used in the mask for my bead color palate.

The eyes of the mask were cut out so I stuffed a blue metallic fabric behind the mask and stitched an 11/0 seed bead to the fabric for each eye. I hung a copper "Goddess" over his crown to denote the balance of Male and Female ( Yin & Yang) in the piece.

I love Kathy Space's work and am grateful for her loving way with everyone she meets.

Check out their SPACE STUDIOS website. Their Studio is an amazing place to be creative!

This piece is titled "PAUL"

in honor of my Ascended Master Guide, Paul - The Venetian.

By Sharon Kay

Author of Angel Fingerprints

and

A Mother's Journey

BEADED EARRINGS

2011-12-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

These earrings were created with the NATIVE AMERICAN COUCHING TECHNIQUE which I teach. They match the LUNA AGATE BROOCH.

The centers 3-dImensional cabochons that look like carved flowers.

After the leather was attached to the back of each beaded disk I added the fringe before adding the picot to make the edges lacy.

The fringe is matching except for the bottom beads. I used Czech 11/0 seed beads.

I wire-wrapped a beaded connection to the top of each earring before adding the lever back earring findings to make them longer.

I hope this will inspire you to create one-of-a-kind earrings for yourself.

By Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY both available at AMAZON.COM

LUNA AGATE BROOCH

2011-12-07T10:04:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorite pieces. The oval, relatively rare, LUNA AGATE, from Mexico, cabochon was fashion Ron C, my favorite "rock guy" in Midland, Michigan.

I so enjoy finding such beautiful stones created by Nature to use as the focal point for my bead work. This brooch employs the Native American Couching Technique which I have been teaching for more than 11 years.

I chose Czech 11/0 seed beads to match the various colors in the LUNA AGATE stone. The white fresh-water pearls repeat the orbicular patterns in the LUNA AGATE. The three hematite beads on the right match the dark gray streaks in the lower part of the cab.

This 3 1/2 inch by 3 inch brooch has a 1 1/4 inch fringe which enhances and mirrors the colors in the LUNA AGATE cabochon.

I love wearing it. You, too, can create beautiful, wearable, art to wear or give as an exquisite gift!

Happy Beading!!

Sharon Kay

Author of A MOTHER'S JOURNEY and ANGEL FINGERPRINTS

Beaded Family Heirloom Pendant "My Dad"

2011-11-23T19:57:00.001-08:00

I recently finished this beaded pendant in honor of my Dad, Howard A. Smith, who taught me so much. The photo was taken almost 70 years ago. It is protected behind a dichroic glass cabochon that I made in my kiln.

I chose shiny and matte seed beads of various sizes to frame the photo. A Peyote stitch bezel hugs the cabochon.

I made a 5 simple loops of 11/0 seed beads for the bale.

The picot edge is done in 11/0 clear/iris seed beads.

I have so many people comment on it every time I wear it. I love having my Dad close to my heart

Daddy transitioned on August 16, 1995 at 77.

I am grateful for my Dad and know I will see him again one day.

By Sharon Kay
Author of A MOTHER'S JOURNEY and ANGEL FINGERPRINTS

FREE-FORM BRICK STITCH BRACELET

2011-11-21T13:59:00.001-08:00

Brick Stitch is also known by the Native American names of Comanche Stitch, Navajo Stitch and Cherokee Stitch.

In this Free-Form bracelet, the center "lampwork" bead, which turns, is the focal point. I used 6# Fireline to go through the bead many times so that there was a substantial loop on each side of the long bead. Then I tied the Fireline to the beginning tail in a knot.

I used 11/0 turquoise color-lined seed beads to work the Brick Stitch on each side of the large bead.

I chose a pallet of colors of different sizes of seed beads & fresh-water pearls that would complement the "lampwork" bead......working free-form Brick Stitch and 3-drop netting until the bracelet fit around my wrist.

I added a Peyote loop on one end and stitched on another "lampwork" bead on the other end for a clasp. Free-Form beadwork is very exciting to do because you never know what it "wants" to be until it is finished.

By Sharon Kay, author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY ( both available on Amazon.com) They make great holiday, "get-well" and birthday gifts.

BEAD EMBROIDERED TAPESTRY BAG

2011-11-15T15:41:00.001-08:00

This small beaded bag is handy and stylish. Most of the time I find I only need a little bag to hold a debit card, drivers license, a credit card, some cash, my cell phone and a lipstick.

I made it from a piece of tapestry that looks like needlepoint. I glued on the blue dichroic cabochon that I fused before adding the bead embroidery stitches with 11/0 Czech seed beads and bugles. The leaf stitch ( upper right) frames the cab nicely. The little bag is lined and has a cord for the strap.

The stitch below on the left is LAZY STITCH (my favorite). I used lavender seed beads to create this BRANCH STITCH in the photo to the lower right. The square crystal is a vintage Swarovski earring which I cut the post off and glued on to the bag. After all the beading was finished, I stitched the bag and lining together and turned right-side out. I put a brick stitch edging around the top after I attached the cord.

By Sharon Kay, Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY: To Release Sorrow and Reap Joy

HEIRLOOM PENDANT HONORING GRANDPARENTS

2011-11-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

In 1914 my paternal grandparents, Ira & Murle (Stillwagon) Smith were married. Grandma was only 16 and Grandpa was 19.

I scanned, reduced and printed this old photo on photo paper. I placed it behind an iridescent and dichroic glass rectangle that I fused in my kiln. I glued the bottom half onto a piece of Pel-Tek, beaded around the cab and then created a Peyote Bezel around the cab to hold it in place. I chose an iridescent 11/0 seed bead to match the blue. dichroic glass.

I enjoy capturing memorable family images in my beadwork so that I can wear them.

Mom and I lived with Grandma and Grandpa Smith while Dad was serving in France during WWII. Daddy didn't meet me until I was four months old. In 1948 Mom and Dad built our house on one acre of my Grandparent's 40 acre farm just three miles north of Freeland, MI where I lived , except for my college semesters at Central Michigan University) until I was married in 1966.

My Grandparents have always been very important to me and still are. I love having their wedding picture over my heart.

By Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY, both available at Amazon.com

BEADED BAG

2011-10-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Beading is such a wonderful way to make practical and unique items that enhance your life. This beaded bag was fashioned from a piece of upholstery fabric.

I drew the bag pattern I designed onto brown paper from a grocery bag then cut out two - one for the outside and one for the lining. The lining is 1/2 inch shorter than the outside so that the lining doesn't show.

Then I backed the upholstery fabrics with a medium weight interfacing by basting it on the back.... 1/2 inch from the outside edge. The contrasting basting thread gave me a frame within which to bead so I had a seam left to sew the pieces together when the beading was finished.

I glued on the dichroic glass cabochon and using Native American couching technique I continued to bead the lower half of the bag. I used Bead Embroidery techniques and leave beads to embellish the top half of the front of the bag. When the beading was finished, I stitched the bag together on the sewing machine and tucked the finished lining inside. Lastly I added fringe to the bottom. Then I made a long tube out of the upholstery fabric and attached it to the bag along with strands of satin cord, and fancy yarns and added beads too.

You can add your beadwork to clothing, boxes, quilts, and fabrics before you make an item like this bag that holds my checkbook, change purse, credit cards and cell phone.

I hope this inspires you to make something special just for you! You deserve it!

Blessings,
Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY ( all available at Amazon)

SEE more of my beadwork, books and music on

MY WEBSITE : ANGELFINGERPRINTS.COM

Bead Embroidery Soft Cuff by Sharon

2011-10-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Just posted my newest Beadwork Video to YouTube. You can click here to see it.

I love this soft cuff which is beaded on a batik fabric covered piece of Pel-Tek which is available at JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby. The black and purple batik was purchased from the Batik Butik. I lend itself nicely to the beautiful bead embroidery stitches.

I created the fused dichroic glass cabochon in my kiln (which I haven't seen since I packed the motor home a year ago... Ha!... It will show up when I need it again... or another one will come to me as magically as this kiln did...Thanks Cheryl)

When you watch the short video slide show you will see the stitches "UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL"

I hope you enjoy it and please share this with your beading/creative friends.

By Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS
and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: FREE-FORM MALACHITE NECKL...

2011-10-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: FREE-FORM MALACHITE NECKL...: A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: FREE-FORM MALACHITE NECKLACE : I fell in love with Malachite, the beautiful, green, semi-precious stone many, many ...

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: FREE-FORM MALACHITE NECKLACE

2011-10-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: FREE-FORM MALACHITE NECKLACE: I fell in love with Malachite, the beautiful, green, semi-precious stone many, many years ago. At that time I could not find one seed bead...

FREE-FORM MALACHITE NECKLACE

2011-10-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with Malachite, the beautiful, green, semi-precious stone many, many years ago. At that time I could not find one seed bead that matched the exquisite stone. I had been begging our favorite Midland "rock-guy", Ron Chemlewski to fashion more "organic", minimally processed cabochons for our creative beading endeavors.

Ron's wife Mary Jane always got "first pick".... the blessing of being married to a lapidary genius! She had rejected the "nearly" raw malachite cab that caught my heart and became the focal point to my malachite masterpiece to the left. Thank you Mary Jane!

I created the following video for those who wish an "up close and personal" look at my creation. I hope it will inspire you to create something "out-of-this-world-beautiful" to wear and enjoy.

HAPPY BEADING!
Sharon Kay, Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and
A MOTHER'S JOURNEY (Both available on Amazon.com)

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: AN ARTIST'S DATE FOR 2

2011-10-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: AN ARTIST'S DATE FOR 2: The best way to STIMULATE CREATIVITY is an "Artist's Date". Yesterday, my friend Heidi and I met at Starbucks in Englewood before heading o...

AN ARTIST'S DATE FOR 2

2011-10-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

The best way to STIMULATE CREATIVITY is an "Artist's Date". Yesterday, my friend Heidi and I met at Starbucks in Englewood before heading off to explore local bead stores. Our first stop was my favorite shop ORR'S TRADING COMPANY at 3422 S. Broadway. Heidi is a new beader so I wanted to share more of my love of beads and beading with her. ORR's was the perfect place for a newly "addicted" bead artist to "get high"! The colors and variety of seed beads, semi-prescious beads and Native American Art at Orr's is breath-taking.

Check out the new additions from Orr's to my bead stash!!

Orr's has a huge Native American clientele who make their ceremonial costumes from Orr's huge selection of leather, feathers, beads and more. For beaders from beginners to experienced bead artists, Orr's Trading Company has more Czech seed beads than any shop I have ever visited.....they must have tens of thousands of "hanks"! Sizes range from Size 6/0 to size 15/0 and more colors than an one can imagine. Don't miss visiting Orr's Trading Company if you are ever in Denver. For the best prices on Czech seed beads.... BUY ONLINE at ORR's Trading Co. The owner, Bill Orr and staff are always so nice and helpful.

After a lovely lunch at RICO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, only two blocks to the south of Orr's, where I had the best CALZONE I have eaten in 20 years... for only $4. Then Heidi and I headed to LET IT BEAD on Englewood Parkway near the city center across from iHop. Owner, Karen, greeted us warmly. Heidi was introduced to another beautiful place to shop for beads.... Czech Fire-polished, Chinese and Swarovski Crystal beads, pearls, Japanese seed beads sold by the gram, semi-precious beads and findings galore.

Treat yourself to an "artist's date" anytime you feel down or stuck!

Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY both available at Amazon.com

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: BEADED COLORWAYS - A Stunning Bead Book

2011-09-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: BEADED COLORWAYS - A Stunning Bead Book: If you are a beginner or seasoned bead artist, you will want to snap up this book - BEADED COLORWAYS by Beverly Ash Gilbert available on...

BEADED COLORWAYS - A Stunning Bead Book

2011-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a beginner or seasoned bead artist, you will want to snap up this book - BEADED COLORWAYS by Beverly Ash Gilbert available on Amazon.com for less than $10.

I have been beading for 17 years and am so pleased with this book. Beverly teaches Color Theory and just a couple of simple bead techniques - NETTING and PEYOTE. but INSPIRES you to just tap into your own CREATIVITY.... and use these basic stitches to create FREE-FORM wearable art.

I highly recommend this book.

By Sharon Kay, Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY also available on AMAZON.

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: BEADING TO HEAL YOURSELF

2011-09-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

A BEAD ARTIST'S JOURNEY: BEADING TO HEAL YOURSELF: I have never liked the color GREEN (unless it was green leaves or green grass). My aversion to GREEN had prevented me from using green b...

BEADING TO HEAL YOURSELF

2011-09-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

I have never liked the color GREEN (unless it was green leaves or green grass). My aversion to GREEN had prevented me from using green beads in any of my beadwork.... silly, but true!

Several years ago our local beading guild gave all members a small bag of beads to those who wanted to participate in the year's Bead Challenge. In the bag was a GREEN glass frog and a few lavender and GREEN beads! I was horrified but wanted to participate.

Sometime earlier that year, a friend who owned an Estate Sale business had so appreciated my beadwork I was wearing when I visited her estate sales. I was searching for china that I could break up and use as a cabochon.

One day, she said, "I have a box of chipped china plates I can't sell... Do you want them for your beadwork?" I was thrilled for in the box were a couple of Bavarian china plates with delicate violets and green leaves on them. I took the box home and took the hammer after the small saucers. Then with my class cutters I fashioned small cabochons from the broken pieces.

I chose one of the Bavarian china cabs for my Bead Challenge Project and focused on the GREEN leaves of the violet, because I loved the design so much. As I added matching GREEN seed beads and that "awful" GREEN frog, I began to overcome my "AVERSION-TO-GREEN". By the time I finished this brooch, I no longer hated GREEN. In fact, I had learned to LOVE green.

GREEN is a color that denotes... ABUNDANCE.... LIFE.... RENEWAL....and LOVE! The HEART Chakra is denoted by the color GREEN. So, I guess I needed to "open up my heart" by focusing on green.... and I did it!

Do you have an aversion to a color? If so, it probably means that it is a color you need to focus on to heal yourself. Creating a bead project using that color could be the answer. Let the healing begin!!!

By Sharon Kay
Author of ANGEL FINGERPRINTS
and A MOTHER'S JOURNEY