I found my latest inspiration while reading Bead & Button's special issue on Right Angle Weave. David Chatt - incredible bead artist - writes about his first encounter with RAW. He says he was determined to discover how a little orange beaded purse had been made, and eventually developed the single needle version of crossweave stitching that so many of us love today.
As I pictured what the little purse must have been like, I recalled that there were two little make-up bags in my beading cupboard, just waiting to be made into something more. I purchased them at a clearance sale years ago, with the intention of embroidering some beads to them, but never got around to it. I'm glad that I still have them to work with, for I have something much better in mind.
There would still be the question of what colors to use, but Mr. Chatt answered that for me as well. In his article, a stunning collection of beaded sculpture is pictured, called "Breakfast Set". I was quite taken with the entire scene, but most especially the beaded orange slices. That was all the inspiration I needed. Citrus will be my palette!
The Beads:
These delicous opaque seed beads will be the new colors for a bead jacketed handbag: lemon yellow, cherry red, banana yellow, bright orange.
The Beadwork:
Using a combination of basic and interlocking right angle weave, I was able to jacket the make-up bag with seed beads to create a charming little clutch bag. The simple design will be easy to embellish further - I'm thinking of daisy fringes and loops. This first attempt at 3D bead weaving was a great experience, and I'm very glad that I have one more bag to work with in a future project.
Your Turn:
Visit the gallery of David K. Chatt and get inspired by the amazing use of beads! Create a sculptural masterpiece or beaded fashion in bold colors, and post it to the Beading Challenge Forum!