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Dare to Bead With No Pattern
“Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition of the ttern.” - Alfred North Whitehead ©2012, Mary Ellen Merrigan,“Gone Fishing” Beadweaving Necklace In...
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Say YES to Choker-style Statement Necklaces
These things intrigue me: Real gemstones Beadweavings Multi-strand necklaces Combine them, and I’m over the top with delight. Choker necklaces fit snugly around the neck. Yet, each presentation looks...
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Pick Any Item and Begin a Beadweaving
©2012, Mary Ellen Merrigan, pewter buttons These three buttons caught my eye. Because of their interesting pattern, I’d kept them for months. Before I could change my mind, I clipped the shank off...
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The Luck of Perfect Timing
How fun to repurpose found objects into works of art. How lucky when everything comes together seamlessly. My star beadweaving offers one such story, although the repurposing timeline covers a couple...
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Bead a Freeform Necklace Theme
A friend challenged me to produce something related to the theme, “Inner Spirit.” I immediately laid out six or seven cabochon ideas. Why not? Freeform beadweaving indulges your inner spirit. I planned...
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Musing on a Drusy and Various UFOs
Earlier this week I cut the pellon (supportive material similar to interfacing) away from my beautiful black drusies. As I began to affix the leather, I realized something else was needed. ©2013, Mary...
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So Not Your Mother’s Pearls
©2013, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Ammonite Beadweaving This lovely ammonite prompted a bead weaving that lived next to my workbench for several weeks. My ammonite possesses deep charcoal and shades of gold...
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The Power of Completion Encourages Experimentation
I completed Black Drusy last week. © 2013, Mary Ellen Merrigan Black Drusy Beadweaving Focal I belted out the resounding and positive phrase: “Yes!” and then added: “Wow! It feels good.” © 2013, Mary...
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Beads are the Vehicle
People! BEADS! Fun! …Tucson 2014. Did you participate? “Amazing!” The phrase may seem trite and overused, but it’s perfect to describe my experience. One of my favorite To Bead True Blue vendors,...
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Choosing Creativity Through Discomfort
“You cannot pursue great work and comfort simultaneously.” – Todd Henry This quote sticks in my brain. In anal moments, I see and can identify the dangerous “comfortable” zone. I know, if I pause to...
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Behind Every Beadweaving is a Story
©2013, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Lapis & Turquoise Cabochon This cabochon began its life during a road trip. I stitched it as the miles fell away, fondly thinking about the steel delicas and bronze...
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Bead Embroider Name Tag Jewelry
©2015 Mary Ellen Merrigan Name Tags Name tags. Nearly every meeting or major event has a sign in. It’s expected. Most name tags are ordinary in appearance. Members of the Bead Society of New Mexico...
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Heidi Kummli Shares Thoughts on Creativity
“Feel of the Earth and the air; be guided by good thoughts. Absorb all that is around you. Beauty is what you see and feel. Let our creations spark you, but create from your heart.” ©2015, Mary Ellen...
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Bead Embroidery Cuff Ushers in Druzzy Drama
Between resin pours, I’m excited to work on bead embroidery projects. My creative penchant causes me to look everywhere (literally)for inspiration. Translate: “This is a great reason to visit bead...
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Beaded Talking Stick Commands Attention
The artist in me frequently spends time in the studio calmly producing amazing pieces of jewelry. At other times, it’s a struggle to add one new article, let alone build something with a WOW factor...
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Nautilus Beadweaving Stirs Seaside Story
Rhythmic pounding. Wave after wave smashing against the pier. Continuous noise, louder, then fading. The powerful sound of water is unfamiliar for me, land-locked as I am in the Southwest desert....
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How a Simple Beadweaving Renews Spirit and Structure
©2012, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Blue Beadweaving Imagine my horror as this necklace slid from my grasp and shattered on the cement floor. ©2012, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Blue Beadweaving, focal before accident...
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Completion is Rocket Fuel for Creativity
My brain wrestles with completion. In fact, it mangled this quote to imply some art projects were meant to be abandoned. “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” –Leonardo Da Vinci I found myself...
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Choosing Creativity Through Discomfort
“You cannot pursue great work and comfort simultaneously.” – Todd Henry This quote sticks in my brain. In anal moments, I see and can identify the dangerous “comfortable” zone. I know, if I pause to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Behind Every Beadweaving is a Story
©2013, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Lapis & Turquoise Cabochon This cabochon began its life during a road trip. I stitched it as the miles fell away, fondly thinking about the steel delicas and bronze...
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