Shibori Girl: Surprise!

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting on the couch, doing my blog-hopping thing, when I landed on MadDesigns, the blog of Marcia DeCoster: Right Angle Weaver Extraordinaire. I've been a big fan of her work for years, drooling over pictured projects published in bead magazines. Usually I just lurk when I read her blog. But a recent post showing earrings that a student did in Marcia's class caused me to leave a comment. I admired the earrings design, the colors the student chose, and mentioned that someday I would like to take a class from her.

She wrote back to say she'd like to send me a pair of those earrings I'd admired. They arrived in my mailbox yesterday and they are even more beautiful in person.

This was such a sweet thing to do. They arrived on a dark, chilly, dreary day to deliver some much needed sparkle. Whenever I wear them, I'll think of that bright moment.

I just received her book, Beaded Opulence, and can hardly wait to crack it open and start weaving.

Whenever I visit her blog, I find myself lost in the beautiful photographs she posts.

"Sea Urchin"

Her sense of color and the textural quality of her designs are stunning.

"Under the Mast"

"The Rising Sun"

If you get the urge to learn Right Angle Weave (RAW), I hope you'll consider giving Marcia's MadDesigns a try. She sells kits in addition to her books, which you can find on her website.

"Portico"

Please note: The images posted here of Marcia DeCoster's work are her property, used with her permission. Please respect her copyright.

14 comments:

Unknown said...: Great story, Kate!; 10:19 AM, March 10, 2011
beadsandblooms said...: I have this book of Marcia's. Guess now I need to follow her blog! This makes me want to dive into a project asap but alas am stuck at my dayjob a few more hours.; 10:51 AM, March 10, 2011
Callie Mitchell said...: What a terrific story! I also visit her blog from time to time, and have had the book for over a year now. Her work is so inspiring!; 11:08 AM, March 10, 2011
Sandy Spivey said...: Kate, you are a lucky, lucky girl! It is so awesome to hear when people like Marsha (who I am sure is incredibly busy) take time out to do something like that and really light up someone's world. She probably doesn't even realize what that meant to you! And, those earrings are Gorgeous! She did a 3 day bead retreat with our Bead Society this last August. I was unable to attend but all the other gals raved about her. They said she was a wonderful teacher, down to earth and tremendously funny! I really wish I could have been there...; 2:12 PM, March 10, 2011
Pelantura said...: Qué maravillas haces, Under the mast, es impresionante, precioso, enhorabuena!!!; 2:37 PM, March 10, 2011
Unknown said...: You are so lucky...the earrings are beautiful^_^; 2:59 PM, March 10, 2011
Marsha Wiest-Hines said...: Wow. What a cool thing to do! Makes a great blog post as well.; 3:34 PM, March 10, 2011
SewWhatsNew said...: Great gift. I can't wait to see what you will create with the new inspirations.; 5:02 PM, March 10, 2011
Dream Beadweaver said...: What a gracious lady! Her heart is as beautiful as her work :D Thank you for sharing!; 2:33 PM, March 11, 2011
Anonymous said...: Isn't it just wonderful to find soul friends in this blog world.

Beautiful book, I can see this will take you away and possibly off on newly inspired paths.

x..x; 2:34 PM, March 11, 2011
LW said...: What a lovely gift and her bead work is wonderful....

Louise; 4:14 PM, March 11, 2011
Robin said...: Beautiful earrings, and I LOVE the piece on the cover of Marcia's book - wow!

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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!; 9:46 AM, March 12, 2011
rochambeau said...: Her work is beautiful. I like Marcia's color pallet esp on Portico. Her book looks good and your earrings divine!

xox
Constance; 3:22 PM, March 13, 2011
roseworksjewelry said...: Wow! She does incredible work! I'd love to learn to do more RAW :); 4:07 PM, March 14, 2011