Tuesday, June 01, 2010

I Amaze Myself Sometimes

I mentioned in a previous post that I've grown accustomed to a feeling of dread halfway through a project... that gut reaction that makes me second-guess what I've done up to that point. I step back and wonder if I've just wrecked hours of work.



I've learned to accept this feeling is "part of my process". This need to re-evaluate.



I think there have been maybe two projects that I've really regretted, and those two pieces were ones where I told that Angel on my Shoulder to shut the Hell up. Turned out I should have listened.



This past week, I spent about 30 hours working up a new piece of bead embroidery. These pieces never end up how I envision them at the start. This one is no different.

Several months ago, I bought the central bead, and the 5 little round matching ones. They were so unusual - composite wood and resin. Lightweight. Beautiful.



At that time, I'd planned to do something with a tribal feel to it. I purchased seed beads in many graduated colors of golden yellow, tan, black, brown, and cream. This was going to be a color fiesta. On our recent trip, I picked up some fabulous vintage French brass and copper stampings, and a couple of those went into the initial supply tray as well.

I got started. It turned out that this piece didn't want to be a color fiesta after all. It wanted to be an understated neck collar... a contrast between simplicity of color and complexity of design. At the end of each step, I'd pull out some of those specially-bought-for-this-project seed beads. I'd stitch some down, only to hear that Angel tell me to rip it out. This piece only wanted black and tan, with just a HINT of gold.



Once again, I'm so glad I listened. She was right. This turned out to be my best neck collar so far.



I'll have it listed in my shop later today. For now, I just want to stare at it for a while and wonder, "did I really do that?"
~~
June 2, 2010
This collar is now listed for sale in my Etsy shop.


copyright 2010 Shibori Girl

15 comments:

SharDon Exclusives said...

This is the most gorgeous embroidery I have EVER seen! GREAT colors great stitching, great combinations and wonderful piece! You should be very very proud of an excellent job. I am soooo jealous. I want to go make one right now but it is after midnight and no time before work tomorrow...lol
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one!
Sharon

somepinkflowers said...

i know



i look at your work
and think:

''''however
did she SEE to do that?''''

:-)


i have told you before:
you are making amazing pieces
that belong in museums
or

rather

maybe they will end up there someday....

you are such the artist, missy!

Snap said...

Wow, Kate! You just get better and better! Stunning!

Kate said...

Positively stunning. The simple color scheme just emphasizes the complexity of the design and the intricacy of the entire piece. I'd be proud of it too if I were you!

Unknown said...

This is incredible! The central piece looks like something encased in amber which is a direction I seem to be headed these days....the blacks/golds/ambers...

Christie Minchew said...

I wish I could spell "i corumba"! (besides phonetically) Geez Luiz, that is unbelievable. I bet it DID take 30 hours to do. What a fabulous beauty to show for all that "work" :).

DVArtist said...

This turned out perfectly gut sick or not.LOL
Nicole/Beadwright

Fete et Fleur said...

WOW!!!

Words fail me, Kate . . . this is not only extraordinary, but incredibly beautiful!!

Nancy

Faded Plains said...

You are simply amazing...I can't even begin to tell you how talented you are...but here goes...you are a.m.a.z.i.n.g.l.y. talented!

Robin said...

Wow, what an amazing piece! I can't wear anything close to my neck but it sure looks fantastic.

-----------------------------------
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Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning!!! Incredible work...just beautiful!

rochambeau said...

YOU amaze me too!
Hope you make a zillion for it!
Lots of fairy finger time and creativity went into this one!

xox
Constance

Cara Jane (surfingcat) said...

Beautiful! Funny how these things have a life of their own.

So Dark So Cute said...

WOW! This is soooo gordious! Must be a lot of work you put into making these?

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

That is a good inner voice you have, and a gorgeous collar!