Uncategorized
What happens when you’re given a Mirrix Loom?
This spring, three lovely ladies received Mirrix Looms in exchange for blogging about their experiences with it. Following is a list of their amazing blog posts (so far!) following their Mirrix journeys.
We can’t wait to see what they each do next!
Enjoy and thank you to Janna, Christina and Julia!
Janna:
INTRODUCTION TO JANNA MARIA VALLEE
GETTING STARTED ON MY FIRST MIRRIX LOOM
LURCAT’S TAPESTRY REVIVAL, PART ONE
LURCAT’S TAPESTRY REVIVAL, PART TWO
LURCAT’S TAPESTRY REVIVAL, PART THREE
WEAVING FROM THE BACK
A VISIT TO THE CLOISTERS, NYC
OFF THE LOOM
MY FIRST WOVEN BEADS ON A MIRRIX
A CREATIVE EXERCISE
NEW IDEAS
ROCK SERIES: SAMPLE 2
TRYING MY HAND AT BEADCREATOR PRO
ADVENTURES IN EXTREME SHAG
INSPIRATION
FINISHING TAPESTRY ENDS
TAPESTRY CUFF
TYING UP LOOSE ENDS, LITERALLY.
Christina:
CHRISTINA NEIT INTRO
EX LIBRIS AMULET
HELP ME DECIDE
EX LIBRIS BAG
TIDBITS OF BEADED LOOM DESIGN
SPLIT LOOM NECKLACE-WIP
EMBROIDERED SPLIT LOOM NECKLACE
TRIAL & ERROR
RECOVERING
LOOMED BARRETTE
SECRET PROJECT
SMALL PROGRESS
SECRET PROJECT 1ST PANEL
SECRET PROJECT UPDATE
JERRY RIGGED FOR A 16 DENT
Julia:
JULIA’S INTRODUCTION
MY FIRST GO AT THE LOOM
FIRST STEP BRACELET
PLAYING
ENJOYING IMPERFECTION
DECO DIAMONDS
VACATION HAPPENS
BEGINNING EMBELLISHMENT
BIT BY BIT
LEAPS AND BOUNDS!
CUBIST’S DELIGHT
HAPPINESS IN READINESS
FREE FORM EXPERIMENT
Uncategorized
Enjoying Imperfection – Social Market for a Mirrix 2014 – Julia L. Hecht
Almost Aligned
As a “recovering perfectionist” I strive to accept the misalignment of much of my life. I see what isn’t “how it should be” and it bugs me. Of course, this discernment makes it possible to create beautiful, technically advanced, high quality beadwork. But, outside the beading sphere, it threatens my serenity. I am making huge strides towards enjoying the imperfection and mess that makes up most of life. I pray “May I be happy just as I am, May I accept whatever comes…” and such words do offer me peace. On Saturday, I spent the entire day doing yard work in preparation for a Mother’s Day gathering at my home. On Sunday, the winds blew strong, and threatened to undo the order I created, and the party I had planned. It was a perfect opportunity to “Accept whatever comes…”. I love to use my art to bolster and celebrate my own healing and validate my struggles. This pattern is a modification of a square “tile design” I purchased on the internet at beadiefriends.com. What speaks to me is the load of colors and how they come at each other in beautiful misalignment – not quite right. I separated the “units” with geometric “order” in black and white, both to contrast the beautiful chaos, and to pull it all together. I do believe in a mysterious “order” that I may never fully perceive or understand. But I am learning to live (and thrive) in the colorful mess that makes this life truly worthwhile.
Julia L. Hecht
poppybeads.com
Uncategorized
Social Market for a Mirrix 2014 – Julia’s Introduction
Greetings Weavers! I am thrilled to be participating in this weaving adventure and I hope you’ll enjoy following my Mirrix Loom Journey. As Elena pointed out in an earlier post about the participants, beadwork and creating beauty is my touchstone for self-healing. I had a career in medicine as a pediatrician. Although I loved this work, my need for a healthier lifestyle for myself led to me leave my medical career. I eventually found my way to a bead store that was closing. I scooped it up and made it my own. Since 2011, I have been serving the beading community at my shop, the Poppyfield Bead Company, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am originally from New York City and the surrounding area. I began beading in 2002, while I was on maternity leave. I suffered a health crisis, and during that time I discovered that beadwork was helping me to heal my spirit. Since then, I have learned all the off loom weaving techniques. I am mostly self-taught, but I’ve also benefitted from the occasional class with amazing bead artists, such as Laura McCabe, Lisa Niven Kelly, and Margo Field. Honestly, I had shied away from the loom after one negative experience struggling with an inexpensive ‘starter’ loom. So, I am looking forward to seeing what’s possible for me with a Mirrix. I will be using the Big Sister Loom…and you can check in for my next post to see how that goes.
Here are some samples of my published bead work from Lark Publishing’s 500 Judaica, and Bead and Button Magazine.
Magic Carpet Bracelet (Diamond Odyssey in B&B)
Eden’s Delight Prayer Vessel
Light of the Soul Necklace
Events
Mirrix Looms Social Market for a Mirrix Share-Sponsors 2014
Learn more about our amazing share-sponsors for Social Market for a Mirrix 2014! Don’t know about #SMFAM2014? Click here!
[etheme_tabs][etheme_tab title=”Good Quill Hunting”]
“Seed Bead, Quill & Horsehair Jewelry”
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”American Tapestry Alliance”]
The mission of the American Tapestry Alliance is to share and preserve the knowledge and practice of tapestry art by supporting, promoting and educating audiences about contemporary hand woven tapestry. Tapestry’s rich history and its unique ability to render images in the tactile medium of cloth offer contemporary artists a powerful vehicle for expressing both aesthetic and conceptual concerns. ATA supports this creative endeavour through a diverse range of services and programs: professional exhibitions present the vital field of contemporary tapestry to a broad audience, including critics, curators and art historians; educational programs assist artists in individual career development;
American Tapestry Alliance publishes a newsletter, Tapestry Topics, which is available on-line for its members; ATA’s monthly e-NEWS blast keeps its members informed of current events and news; the ATA website is a valuable resource for anyone interested in tapestry; ATA supports an extensive Award program; On-line forums and Distance Learning Programs are also available to the membership.
ATA was founded in 1982 by artist/weavers Hal Painter and Jim Brown to foster communication and collaboration among isolated tapestry weavers across the country. In its thirty two year history, ATA has served over 800 members. Today, ATA has over 650 active members representing artists from twenty nations worldwide in addition to artists living in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The American Tapestry Alliance is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization supported by grants, memberships, contributions, and a broad base of volunteers.
http://americantapestryalliance.org
http://americantapestryalliance.org/2014-raffle-2/
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”BeadCreator”]
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”SoftFlex”]
Soft Flex Website – www.SoftFlexCompany.com
Soft Flex Free Project Ideas – https://www.softflexcompany.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Project.htmlSoft Flex Blog – https://softflexgirl.blogspot.com
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”Beading Daily”]
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”NOA Gallery”]
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”Valorie Clifton Artisan Originals”]
VC Artisan Originals is a great resource for off-loom beadweaving instruction tutorials for beaders of all skill levels. Specializing in Super Duo and contemporary bead designs, the range of styles is eclectic, from traditional to modern designs. Valorie brings innovation to a time-honored art form, combining traditional stitches with modern beads.
http://www.vcartisanoriginals.com
http://www.facebook.com/artisan.originals
http://www.vcartisanoriginals.etsy.com
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”Digital Beading Magazine”]
[/etheme_tab][etheme_tab title=”Caravan Beads”]
[/etheme_tab][/etheme_tabs]
Uncategorized
Cheerio and tootle pip!
Four hectic and busy months have passed since I signed on for the ‘Social Networking’ summer 2012 campaign, and now my time here ends.
Hmmmm…. wrapping up….. well…. I’ve been mulling over what I would say to sum up my 4 month long adventure exploring the possibilities of the Mirrix looms.
I’ve made 25 video tutorials, and posted 35 blog posts about the things I have discovered while working with my Mirrix looms.
I’ve figured out some new ways of working with the looms ( ‘s’ hooks for the no warp ends techniques) and enjoyed trying out as many ways as I could think of to use the looms in innovative and creative ways.
One of the loveliest things has been connecting with other Mirrix aficionados and making friends with dear people.
So, even though I won’t be posting here or on Elena’s blog anymore (where all the Weave Along posts are), I will continue to share my love of weaving and my pleasure in using Mirrix looms on my blog: www.tottietalkscrafts.com
Cheerio my friends, tootle pip, and fare thee well!
Happy weaving, go gently, and be well!
Uncategorized
Soumak Pouch Weave Along # 8 Part 6- Edging Cords
copyright Noreen Crone-Findlay
Part Six of the Soumak Pouch Weave Along is all about the edging cords for the pouches.
You can use purchased braid like the Kreinik cord on the edges of this pouch:
The edging is 3/8 ” trim: # 170 Natural Pewter
http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/product.php?productid=17023&cat=0&page=1
copyright Noreen Crone-Findlay
Or you can make your own edging cord:
copyright Noreen Crone-Findlay
Starting at the left hand side, the cords are:
Square cord spool knitted with 2 colors on 4 pegs,
Cord Spool knitted with 3 pegs
Kumihimo cords – the directions for how to braid the round cords come with the Kumihimo kit from Mirrix
Tubular Peyote stitch cord- instructions are available in beading books and when you google ‘tubular peyote stitch’.
And last, but certainly NOT least, and definitely the fastest, easiest cord of all to make is the Simple Twisted cord, using the method that I have developed, using a spool and a crochet hook.
You will need a cord that is about 15 inches (37.5 cm) long to go around the sides and upper edge of your pouch.
The instructions for how to attach them to your pouch will be in the final installment of the Weave Along: Finishing Techniques.
Here are some videos that I have made to help you make your decorative edging cords:
How to spool knit a cord with just 3 of the 4 pegs on the spool knitter:
youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjL1O7kjV0
Sorry! couldn’t get the video to upload, so you’ll have to click the link… hopefully it will work.
How to spool knit a square cord with 2 colors on a 4 peg spool knitter:
How to make a twisted cord with a spool and crochet hook:
Hope your pouches are coming along nicely!
Bead Weaving, Uncategorized
Onto a good thing!
The Mirrix had not been posted yet, so I suggested going to collect it from the affiliated London shop – The Hand Weavers Studio! David handed me my loom, and showed me a 12″ with a tapestry in progress. He also introduced me to the owner, Wendy, who wished me well and offered to link to my blog on their Facebook page. The first thing I like is that the loom comes already assembled. All you need to add is the warping bar and spring bar, and the shedding device if you are using it (after you warp the loom). There are printed instructions that come with the loom. You can also find PDFs on the Mirrix site with pictures of warping step by step, for each setup – bead weaving with/without the shedding device, and tapestry weaving.
Armed with these two, I warped for my first looming – a bracelet. It was not as difficult as I (for some reason) expected. Once I remembered which way to go round the warp bar and the bottom/top ends, it went quickly. The only issue I had (on my part because I’m spoilt!) was counting the warps. On my other looms, I marked the threaded rod in groups of 10 so I have to do minimal counting. I think I’ll find a way to do the same with this.
I usually loom standing up, even with small pieces such as bracelets. The looms I have also need propping up, even when I, standing, so I don’t strain myself leaning over etc. This loom has legs!! It is a great thing because it stands on its’ own without the need for additional ‘equipment’ to prop it up. That’s a big box ticked for me. I actually tried it sitting. It was ok, but I still prefer to stand. I believe I work faster that way. Anyway with all that rambling, here is what I managed to loom yesterday. It was a late finish but worth it 🙂
Events, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Social Market for a Mirrix
Today, June 1st, marks day one of our four month Social Market for a Mirrix Project. Congratulations to Noreen Crone-Findlay and Brenda Kigozi. Each participant was given a loom in exchange for blogging (as well as posting on social media, making videos and more) about their experience with the loom.
Follow along and learn with them! You’ll see new projects, new tutorials and a great fresh perspective!
Keep up with all the blog posts on our Social Market for a Mirrix blog. You can also follow along on several social media sites and on Noreen and Brenda’s blogs.
Social Media Sites:
Twitter
Facebook Page
Facebook Group
Ravelry
Weavolution
Pinterest
YouTube
Follow their blogs:
Noreen: http://tottietalkscrafts.com/
Brenda: http://brendakbeading.blogspot.com/
Follow them on Twitter:
Noreen @NCroneFindlay
Brenda: @BKHandcrafted!
Tapestry Weaving, Uncategorized
Social Market for a Mirrix Video #18
If you would like to continue to follow me on my journey through life exploring collage, fiber and textile art, marketing for artists, the art scene in Santa Fe, etc. you can connect with me at…
Tapestry Weaving, Uncategorized
Social Market for a Mirrix
One of my loves is mask making… the use of masks by indigenous cultures, the symbolism of masks, the masks we hide behind every day as we journey through our lives. So, for some reason, it seemed appropriate to end “Social Market for a Mirrix” with one of my mask collages utilizing one of the weavings completed during the campaign.
This collage / assemblage isn’t finished yet but it will be completed in time for the final video on Monday. Once the paint is dry, I’ll be able to pull the pieces together relatively quickly.
