The Beaded Pillow

Like a Fox ~ WIP

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:18:00 +0000

I just started working on this today. Isn't he a beauty?

The Cat's Out of the Bag ~ WIP

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:58:00 +0000

As many of you know I am a big fan of Julie Paschkis' art. I just finished beading Orange Octopus #2 and he is available in my Etsy shop.

Over the weekend I started beading this cool cat pillow.

I see the use of many smaller faux pearls on this one. My seed bead collection has recently increased quite dramatically so you'll see my use of new and vibrant colors there, too.

As I post this a gentle snow has begun to fall. Ahhh .... a purrfect day to craft. (Sorry about the pun, but I just couldn't help myself.)

I May Have Fabric Issues...

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:06:00 +0000

...and my mom is thrilled!

Recently I took a road trip with my mom who is a Master Quilter and prone to buying fabric whether she needs it or not. I am so easily influenced and ended up buying a yard here, a 1/4 yard there and a 1/2 yard or two more there.... I probably bought more than I should have, but golly! it was fun.

Here's a quick look at a couple of projects waiting in the wings.

I found the neon flamingo fabric at The Quilt Barn, located just west of Eau Claire, WI. The bright colors caught my eye and I just had to have the odd-sized remnant. As you can see, I've already sewn part of the groovy material into a pillow. I may make some coasters out of the rest. Let me know if you have a cool suggestion for the flamingos.

Also purchased at The Quilt Barn ~ Butterflies and Netting (front and back of something I'll make one day).

When I saw this blue bird fabric I HAD to have me some. I"ve already made part of it into a pillow ~ don't you just love it?! ~ But I'm not quite sure if I've finished the beading. What do you think?

And then I saw this fabric (now a set of very cool coasters).

When I was a little girl the last thing I wanted to do was hang out in a fabric store with my mom. To my amazement ~ and her delight ~ I must say I had one heck of a good time on that road trip!

Sister Elephant: Work-in-Progress

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:12:00 +0000

A very brief time ago I resolved to complete projects before beginning new ones. I've done a pretty good job ~ many little pillow, big pillows, coasters and ornaments have been finished. Some have appeared in my Etsy shop, others have been taken to the "real" shops that sell The Beaded Pillow items ~ (Beelighted in Zumbrota, MN and Scrub Your Butt Soap Co. & Other Parts Too in Rochester, MN).

While I was completing projects I found a fabric swatch in one of my many drapery fabric sample books. On that note I have begun an ambitious new project: Sister Elephant. Sister Elephant had a companion piece, in a different color, that I turned into a beautiful beaded pillow I named Princess Elephant last year. PE became one of my all-time favorite pillows so I am very excited to create Sister Elephant.

Sister Elephant, happily on her way to becoming a cool beaded pillow.

This palm tree was the lower half of the elephant swatch; now an applique sewn onto the back of this new pillow.

Resolution Update

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:48:00 +0000

Over a year ago I started work on Butterflies & Pearls. I knew I wanted to create a set of matching beaded pillows but found the fabric pattern did not support beads well. So the project was scrapped (oh dear...what a pun!) Mindful of my resolution I completed Butterflies & Pearls...leaving the pillow fronts bead-free and beading only the sides of each of the 4 pillows with medium faux pearls. Simply lovely.

Another project left in the closet until this morning was a large pillow made of black fabric with a fruit tree design. I decided it would make a much sweeter beaded hanger so I cut the pillow apart, took the largest fruit (an apple?) and made it an applique on the back of the hanger. I'm in the process of beading the smaller fruit on the front.

I'm happy to report that the floral pillow shown in my last post has been completed. Yay! It'll soon be listed in my Etsy shop.

I Resolve to...

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:34:00 +0000

I made a New Year's resolution: complete one project per week. My approach to creating beautiful beaded things is very time-consuming. Some pillows are very detailed and take "f.o.r.e.v.e.r." When I begin to get bored I begin another project. This is not a good thing as it causes a back-up of partially beaded things all over my craft room. The photo only tells part of that story, the rest of which is in the closet. It's not a happy story but there is an end in sight. I've begun to go through the canvas bins of Projects Never Finished and as the weeks go by (one at a time) you will see pillows, hangers, ornaments, coasters and more finally finished and ready for purchase in my Etsy shop, at Beelighted in Zumbrota, MN and at Scrub Your Butt & Other Parts Too in the Kahler subway, downtown Rochester, MN.

The pink flower pillow is one of my f.o.r.e.v.e.r. projects. It is next on my list to complete.

Beaded Pillow Sale

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Happy Holidays to you all!

Grandpuppy Lexus waiting patiently to open her gift.

I am currently offering a sale in my Etsy shop. Right now you can save 30% on any beaded item (excluding Beaded Art) ~ caps, coasters, ornaments, pillows...all are 30% off. This is the time to purchase that beaded treasure you've had your eye on. Stop by my Etsy shop http://www.thebeadedpillow.etsy.com choose your item(s) and enter coupon code Pillow to save 30%.

Thank you for making 2011 a fantastic year ~ I look forward to our continued friendship in 2012.

He's Baaaack W-I-P

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:27:00 +0000

Orange Octopus! (Another wonderful design from artist Julie Paschkis.)After much surfing of the seven seas of the 'net I found him. Soon he'll be a lovely beaded pillow. My first Orange Octopus was quite popular, but alas he traveled to a new home. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to find another O.O. fabric block. I was so excited when I did I ordered two. That may be the end of this tentacled wonder so if you'd like to add him to your life, let me know.

That New Little Shop with the Funny Name

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:41:00 +0000

Those of you familiar with downtown Rochester, MN know that there is a world of shopping down below. For those of you who've never been ~ there is a maze of walking subways under the Mayo Clinic, Kahler Hotel, Marriott and Gonda: Restaurants, banks, boutiques, candy shops, clothing and luggage stores, souvenir shops and Scrub Your Butt Soap Co. Uh huh...You read that correctly.

I am so pleased The Beaded Pillow is part of this unique store. Owner, Crystal Merkel, says there is no other shop like it in Rochester.

SYBS Co. features a variety of line of hand-made products from soaps and lotions to jewelry, bags, linens, toys, clothing and beaded pillows.

Pillows and tea towels and bags, oh my!

It may be tiny, just 165 square feet, but this little subway shop is packed with a wonderful array of inspired products, many from local Etsians.

People from around the world are discovering that quality versus quantity is defined at SYBS Co. On the day I took these photos I met customers from Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.

Whether you live in the area or are planning a visit, make sure you come down below and check out the subway's newest little shop with the funny name.

Body wash anyone?

The shelves afre brimming at SYBS Co.

The Beaded Pillow shares space with locally made pottery and mosaics.

Open for business!

WIP: Earl & Pearl Squirrel

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:05:00 +0000

It's time to share another work-in-progress.

Some of my beaded pillows have an extra-special feature: they've been quilted by Marno (my mom).

Photos don't always show the quilting with all the pattern and color so here is the reverse side.

Earl and Pearl have already had their tails embellished with white seed beads.

The tree will feature green seed beads.

I chose a beautiful mottled dark apricot for the back.

Earl and Pearl will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop soon.

To Top it Off

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:50:00 +0000

Melody's Cap

After beading my friend, Melody's, favorite cap a few people asked if I would bead a cap for them. Here you see the results.

I would love to know if you think I should include beaded caps in my Etsy shop. Please leave me a comment. Of course, feel free to suggest other items you'd like to see available from The Beaded Pillow!

Khaki Ribbon

Carnival

Work-in-Progress

And the Winner is ...

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:38:00 +0000

Thank you to each of you who suggested a name for my current work-in-progress.

I have chosen Della's idea: Paradise Wild. This pillow is a joy to bead but also a little bit wild because of all the detail. Paradise Wild seems very fitting. Della will receive a set of 4 beaded snowman coasters.

The orange bird needs to be finished as well as the leaves.

Paradise Wild will be in my Etsy shop very soon!

Congratulations, Della!

Name this Pillow ~ WIP ~ Win a Beaded GIFT

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:30:00 +0000

This quilt block has been on the shelf in my craftroom's closet for a long time. Everytime I saw it I pretended I didn't. "That one looks too intricate to bead." (The conversations we manage to have with ourselves can be pretty incredible.) "Which is the top?" "That one will take me forever so why even start?!"

The other day I took a step and opened the closet door with the sole purpose of retrieving "the quilt block." Then I took another step... beading has begun. It may take me a long time but I'm going to end up with one very special pillow.

It just won't have a name.

I'm hoping you can help.

First: Follow my blog. Then: Leave a comment with a suggestion or two.

If I choose your idea, I'll send you a set of 4 Snowman Beaded Coasters, similar to these, as my thanks.

Along with your name suggestion, please let others know about The Beaded Pillow by sharing the link to this blog post on Twitter and Facebook.

Good luck and thanks for helping to name the next Beaded Pillow!

WIP: Mermaid

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:39:00 +0000

From the imagination of Julie Paschkis ~ http://www.juliepaschkis.com/ ~ my work-in-progress is Mermaid from Oceanica.

I have completed panels from this story line in the past. The Frog Prince and Turtle Man is available in my Etsy shop.

It is a joy for me to work with each and every one of these; the colors are so vibrant and the characters are so unique.

Mermaid is progressing nicely. I have finished her lovely hair and gotten a good start on her guitar.

Some of the colors planned for this pillow: gold pearls, black seed beads, orange seeds, red iris, pine green, grass green and sea blue.

It's About the Journey

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:09:00 +0000

Three years ago a good friend of mine bought an old RV. And each summer, for about 4 days, I go on a road trip with her. Our first trip was in honor of my "milestone" birthday and we visited House on the Rock and Frank Lloyd Wright's beautiful Taliesen in Wisconsin. Last year she took me to Galena, IL and her hometown in Iowa. This year, we headed east again to Door County, WI.

What we learned 3 trips ago was that it wasn't about the destination at all; it was about the journey. Rarely is that old RV on a 4-lane highway. We take the backroads and we see amazing things. We meet amazing people and we have amazingly glorious adventures. I never knew there were so many curious sights (and citizens) in my own "backyard."

This year I took a turn behind the wheel. Since I'd never driven anything larger than a Toyota 4-Runner before, there was a slight learning curve, but the dishes stayed in the cupboards and no one got hurt. One of my favorite times during these trips is bedtime. After quiet time around the campfire, a couple glasses of good wine, some snacks and heart-to-hearts I head to my sofa bed to cover up with a quilt my mom restored, a miniature Schnauzer named Maddy to keep my feet warm and a chance to catch up on my reading. My friend sleeps over the cab. We're cozy and have great chats and lots of laughs. We plan future trips and talk about working on our crafting the next day (my beading, her crocheting)...we talk about it but never do it. We're too busy!

One of the most interesting things I've discovered on these journeys is that I'm still Me. I'm still "in there." Yes, I'm a wife and a mom and I have grown-up responsiblities, but I've found me again. And I like me. That old RV may not have a lot of miles left in her (she's Maxine, by the way), but as long as she's willing to make the journey, I'll be going along....at least for a few days each year.

Blessed!

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:33:00 +0000

Although I did not attend church today (and I have no good excuse; the church is practically next-door) I recognize that I am blessed. Blessed to the max. I am sitting in my favorite spot on my golden-tan leather sectional. I have Grandma Dagmar's blue Fiesta-ware cup next to me with piping hot white tea. I have just baked cookies and cheese-filled bread sticks. A kettle of wild rice corn chowder is simmering on the stove. My hubby's in his recliner a foot away and the Vikings are on the big flat screen in front of us. Did I mention I AM BLESSED? Let me add: I am healthy. I am happy. My family is healthy and happy. And the topper? The sun is shining and the leaves in the woods by my house are turning brilliant shades of gold, red and orange. I didn't go to church today but I am reminded and surrounded by the wonders of my Maker no matter where I am.

Blessings to you!

How Much is That Doggie?

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:06:00 +0000

A few months ago my friend, artist Melody Lea Lamb, worked her magic for me and painted a portrait of my little dog, Nikky ~ Very special and meaningful as Nick passed away in 2006. The photo I had sent to Melody is one of my favorites; it captured the very essence of Nick...a happy little dog who was quite content to doze while I worked on the computer, follow me around the house, fetch a toy or just enjoy lay next to me on the sofa during a movie (enjoyed even more if I shared the popcorn).

I wanted to share the happiness of Nikky and decided to create a little of my own magic with what I know....beaded pillows. Here is the first.

This pillow is now available in my Etsy shop. Click on the link to find out more details.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82107069/white-beaded-maltese-dog-with-blue

A Prince Among Frogs

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:27:00 +0000

Well, another very challenging beaded pillow is completed ~ Meet The Frog Prince....

Although I mainly work with seed beads, I had some fun adding a faux pearl here and there on this pillow (the butterfly and the turtle). I also included some facet-cut glass beads (butterfly and turtle's eye). There are a few other surprises on this special One-Of-A-Kind pillow, too.

Stop by my Etsy shop to see more views and get more details on this whimsically sweet pillow.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebeadedpillow?ref=si_shop

Lovely Blue Sailboat

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:51:00 +0000

This little sailboat was out on the water near my house recently. I do not know the people in the boat, but thought it was such a pretty site I had to snap the picture and share it with you.

The scene is so tranquil...a quaint red cabin nestled in the pines on the penninsula. Puffy white clouds in a pale blue sky. Puffy white sails in a gentle breeze. Two friends in a pale blue boat, spending time during a gorgeous summer afternoon. Floppy hats to shade from the sun. Calm waters. For a moment we can believe the world is at peace and all is well.

A Beaded Frog Prince ~ WIP

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:58:00 +0000

I've been back in my craft room working on a pillow that has been calling my name for months ~ The Frog Prince on his Trusty Tortoise. This pillow has been so fun to bead and I love how it's coming along. What do you think?

My Current WIP

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:54:00 +0000

On a recent road trip to Hayward, WI, I picked up some very vibrant fabric from the Quilt Loft. My first thought was to make a couple sets of beaded mug mats. Then I thought about year-round ornaments. A hanger? Hm. Finally I decided to make one large and cushy pillow ~ the better to show off all the Painted Ponies. The fabric on the back is a remnant from the Hayward Salvation Army.

As of now I have beaded each side of this large pillow with fuschia and light aqua seed beads (this took a long time, my friend!). I've also beaded the mane of the largest pony. I have a long way to go before these ponies are ready to roam but this unique pillow will trot into my Etsy shop eventually.

Off the Beaded Path

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:39:00 +0000

With this post I venture into different territory; promoting a new book, The Night of Many Lights, by Christine Lindemer.

A couple years ago I shared a photo on this blog of the weathervane planted firmly in my back rock garden. I’ve wondered at times if it wouldn’t rather be on a rooftop somewhere with a better view. Do weathervane’s care about such things? Perhaps. About a year ago, atop an old barn in New England, I saw the weathervane featured in The Night of Many Lights. This delightful book is a treat for the imagination and I encourage you to give it a look, especially if you have children. They’ll adore the clever narrative, endearing characters and beautiful illustrations by Laura Redmond…

Ne-Pah-Win, a Native American weather vane, is magically awoken from 100 years of sleep and is freed and transformed for a nighttime flying adventure. New friends are found on other barn rooftops, and together they fly far and wide in all four weather vane directions.

http://amzn.to/ra9PDS

C.R. (Christine) Lindemer grew up in the Midwest - on a dairy farm an hour west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

She has authored two children's picture books published by Shapato Publishing. http://bit.ly/qZw4MZ

WIP: Little Zebra Door Hanger

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:16:00 +0000

Last weekend's newspaper supplement included an article about home decor and what the current trend is ~ zebra print. The author went on to say that zebra print fabrics from drapes to furniture to pillows is more than just the current trend but, perhaps, a lasting addition to a room since it is fairly neutral. A wheel turned in my head. I have zebra print....sort of...just a little bit. A Little Zebra.

My work in progress

This darling door hanger will be available soon in my Etsy shop.

THANK YOU FOLLOWERS (and meet the Frog Prince)

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:17:00 +0000

THANK YOU FRIENDS!

I love when you leave comments & compliments about my craft.

In turn, I have learned and discovered

many wonderful things through your blogs.

You guys are amazing!

You're invited to save a bit of $$$ in my Etsy shop.

Use coupon code

BLOGBUDDY

at check out and save 15%.

www.thebeadedpillow.etsy.com

One of my next pillow projects ~~

The Swan ~ A Work in Progress

noreply@blogger.com (The Beaded Pillow) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:32:00 +0000

My current pillow project has a little something extra; my mom, Quilting Goddess, free-motion quilted the water and lanterns. At first I had an idea that I'd like her to quilt the swan, but upon further discussion we decided the swan should be beaded with ceylon pearl seed beads. I did highlight the quilted pond with green faux pearls.

I plan to bead the swan's beak, the lanterns, butterfly, branch and blossoms. Also I am looking for just the right gem for the center of the swan's eye, which has already been outlined with gray and teal seed beads.

Let me know what you think of this one; I love to read your comments.