Jul 23, 2008

Talented Artists are Everywhere






Storm over Atlanta, GA





Last night the rain poured, lighting struck a zillion times. The news channel said to stay home if you didn't have to go out. Homes were burned to the ground after being hit by a lighting bolt. The trees in my backyard were doing their poetic dance with the wind; practically bowing down to the storm. It was beautiful in that frightening kind of way. I could feel the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. The doorbell rang, the dogs barked and I about jumped out of my skin. It was my new friend Elise. We were to go to our first meeting of our newly formed beading circle. We stood in the my kitchen and I received 2 phone calls from my family saying it was really bad out in the storm. Elise and I looked at each other and said, "you ready to go?". And we were off! There's not much that can stop you from doing what you love!

We arrived at our destination 20 minutes late. Neither of us had met our hostess before. We were greeted like we were old friends meeting up again. Within 10 minutes there were 5 of us. Chatting like teenagers and showing off our treasures. Beautiful free form Peyote bracelets. Incredible Sprial necklaces still in progress. Precious Metal pendants, goregous strung necklaces; I was in my own heaven! I can never remember that saying, something about hell or high water, but you know what I mean. There was nothing that could have kept me from missing out on this bead circle.

As we calmed down a bit and decided what we were each going to work on; the chatting continued. We learned a little about each other and set up a meeting for the next 2 months and whose home and what they would teach. Like little children, not wanting it to end, we each slowly headed towards our cars. With long goodbyes and see you soons, we were on our way.

Elise and I were so deep in conversation about how well our first meeting went that she drove right though the light, with someone watching over us, all was safe! I don't know about everyone else but for a few hours last night I felt young again, excited about new friends and basically giddy over being surrounded by some very talented artists. I would highly recommend forming a beading circle in your town. Sharing time with friends is one of the greatest gifts I know.

Take care, Auggie Queen-Parker

Jul 15, 2008

Beaders getting together


Yesterday I talked about our economy, how it is affecting us, and some things we can do about it. Today I want to talk about an alternative to the expensive bead classes at the large bead festivals. Don’t get me wrong; if I had the extra money, I would be there! I love seeing all the beads, the designers, and participating in the classes. They are amazing! But in today’s challenging environment, for some of us who still want to be active and enjoy the company of other beaders, there are some great alternatives out there.

First let me tell you about the Bead Retreat group I belong to. We had our first get together this past June right outside of Gatlinburg, TN. We rented a “Quilters Lodge” with the most beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains. There were 9 ladies and most of us had never met before. You would never know it by the way we all felt immediately connected. Even though most of us live in the Mid Southern States, some traveled from as far away as Florida and Indiana!

Everyone had a part in pulling it together. We prepared a menu and decided who would bring what, as the house was fully equipped for us to cook. There were cocktails and appetizers, candy and cake, and of course we had real food too! Within our group there were many who taught us their specialties

and we even had Jim McIntosh come and teach us Wire Wrapping. He and his lovely wife dined with us on my homemade pork burritos and Texas Margaritas! We didn’t have to leave the house; we didn’t want to leave the house! You got up when you wanted to and went to bed when you were tired. It felt like home and everyone became an instant family. We learned so much that long weekend. It was such a pleasure to meet the folks you are in groups with and leave with new friends. We areplanning another for late October just outside of Nashville.

Another new thing I am getting involved in is a Beading Circle. It’s just like a Quilting Circle but with BEADS!!!!!!! Some members from some groups I belong to tracked me down and we only live like 10-15 minutes from each other. We have even been going to the same Atlanta Bead Society meetings every month and had never met. It is a small world but if you don’t speak up you will never know what you are missing. The next Circle hasn’t been scheduled yet but I will be there for sure.

And I mentioned, we have a Bead Society here as many cities do. The Dues are not much; I only pay $25 for a year and that includes taking a friend or family member with me. We always learn something new and there is much to look at and buy.

Some of us go for pizza afterwards to know each other better. We have 40-50 members present and when you’re learning a new beading technique you don’t take time to chat.

Hopefully I have given you something to think about and you can come up with some ideas of your own to socialize with fellow beaders without using too much gasoline or spending a lot of money and still have a great time!

Here are some pictures from our Bead Retreat. Check out your local area for If you live in TN, GA, AL, NC. SC or Lower KY & IN or are willing to travel, send me an email and I will invite you to our group.

Take care and bead well, Auggie


The Holloway's Quilters Lodge



Susan taught us Viking Knit


Jim McIntosh teaching us Wire Wrapping


Kelly taught us Polymer Clay

Susan showed us the art of Kumihimo


We’re all working on projects and having a great time!

Don’t think we brought enough to eat though!

Genny taught us Flat Cellini, Annette taught us Bead Crochet

And Paula taught us how to do the Colorblock Cuff from:

Bead Daily