Eclectic or as I would like to say E "collect" ic

Any one that knows me or has been to my house knows that I have somewhat of an eclectic style.  I do not care about fashion designers or brand names.  Most things in my house carry fond memories or have a since of comfort.  Yes, I do have a child's Windsor chair on my bath surround and a table leg as a candle stick.  I am also not a throw away person...I would like to say" re-purpose" whenever possible!

So in saying that, my latest piece was fun...kind of like scavenger hunt.  I have been wanting to create a piece with a Steampunk theme.  I began the hunt, tearing apart old watches, digging through drawers, tearing apart old jewelry, and yes, made a few purchases. I threw all the pieces out on my working table and began. I never like a piece when  the first anchor cabs go down....but when I start filling in, the piece becomes to life and by the time I am down to the last few pieces I get really excited and get the shakes.  This piece I am particularly excited about because it is so me! Here is my eclectic, Steampunk piece...or as I would like to say....

E "collect" ic

The Asian Crane Visits Historical Springboro

Hello,

Let me start by telling you a bit about myself.  I am a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas.  I moved to the mid-west 15 years ago because of my husbands job transfer.  I love the four seasons of the mid-west but I do miss my barbeque and Tex-Mex!!  I am a self  taught beader and I have been beading seriously now for about 2 years.

I have always dabbled in arts and crafts; be it wood working, folk art painting, sewing,  quilting, or crocheting. When I started playing with the beads....well what girl could turn away from all that sparkle.  I have to say Bead Embroidery is my favorite because it ties in with my love of sewing. 

I received the Asian Crane from my dear and talented friend, Nancy Dale, of NEDbeads. This bracelet travels the world, picking up amazing stories from fellow beaders along the way and  I was so excited, and a little nervous, to be chosen as a host.  The company this bracelet has been keeping is amazing, I feel honored to be among such talented people!  The bracelet is gorgeous and fit perfectly! 

~  To follow the traveling bracelets and their amazing stories you can check out the blog http://travelingbracelets.blogspot.com ~

My daughter and I took the bracelet on a little field trip to downtown Historical Springboro, lunch and some shopping.  Springboro is a small town between Dayton and Cincinnati.  It was once part of the Underground Railroad.

Later in the week I took the Crane to my beading group.  I meet with a small number of women on Tuesday evenings and we bead and chat throughout the evening.  I shared the story of the bracelet and it's adventures and they obliged to pose (hands only) with the Crane.

My time has come with the Crane but it is off to Salisbury England to spend time with the lovely Rebecca Dean of Beads By Becs.  I have no doubt the Crane is going to have fun with Rebecca and her fiance! One thing that I can say is that the Asian Crane has brought to me its courage.  I have never had the courage to blog about my work or thoughts.  This has in a way forced me to step out of my comfort zone and I am hoping it brings new friendships and for heavens sake MORE BEADNESS!!


So until next time....dance, love, sing, and live my friends!

                                                                                      Julie