Inspired Beader: Red Tulip Design

Some artists do such amazing things with their materials, it almost seems as if those things were invented just for them. Such is the feeling of awe one gets when seeing the designs by Hungary’s Angie Mézes, of Red Tulip Design. Her combinations of beads, cabochons and ribbon are exquisite, with beautiful colors and organic flowing shapes.

Inspirational Beading: When did you first get started with jewelry design?

Angie: I've always been a creative person, creating new things is very important for me. Before I started with beading I had decorated my home, boxes, mirrors, candlesticks etc. with different techniques. Five years ago I felt in love with beaded beads. I found information on the internet about how-to-do-it and I was very proud of my first (not so perfect) ones. I made a lot of jewels with beaded beads and peyote techniques. Then two years ago I fell in love with bead embroidery and it became my main and the most beloved technique.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first piece? Where is it today?

Angie: My first jewels were beaded earrings. Some of them were sold, some of them were Christmas gift for my friends.

Inspirational Beading: What kinds of beads and materials do you like to use the most?

Angie: I'm a big fan of gemstone cabochons and beads (and I collect gemstone elephants). I often use gold Japanese seed beads, carved bone cabochons, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, metal buttons. My new passion is the shibori silk ribbon.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you look for your favorite inspiration?

Angie: Nature is the most important inspiration and as I have two little sons, we paint funny things and we play a lot with polymer clays or with my bigger beads and gemstones. While playing I see the shapes and colors and they start to form new jewels in my mind. They're just like a movie in my brain. The hardest part is to wait patiently till I can sit down to my desk and start to materialize them. Although I'd gave up being a teacher for History and German, I still love different cultures, fine arts and my favorites are the ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, the art of Gustav Klimt.

Inspirational Beading: What’s the most interesting or unique thing about your design process?

Angie: I don't make plans about my jewels, I let my instincts to guide my needle. My mind is full of beading themes, I often dream about beads and jewels. I'm fascinated by colors and textures, they are the most interesting aspects for me. The life with two little children is never simple and never boring but I think I'm a person with inner harmony and I hope you can see this harmony in my jewels which are parts of me.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite color to work with?

Angie: Gold, fuchsia, turquoise, purple and orange are my favorite colors, but I love the color palette of the forest in autumn.

Inspirational Beading: What are some of your other favorite materials?

Angie: I love to find new ways for myself, I'm looking for new challenges. Creating soutache jewels is a great adventure for me and I have a lot of plans with polymer clay for the future.

Inspirational Beading: What is the most exciting design in your shop right now? What makes it special?

Angie: My bracelets made with shibori silk ribbons became the most popular items. I also offer shibori bracelet beading patterns and DIY kits in my shop. They are unique because of their color palettes and the exciting design. „Perfection in wearable art” is one of the customers' feedbacks for my shibori bracelets.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Angie: I started to offer the DIY kits to share the feeling of creating those bracelets with the ones who fall in love with my beadwork. I would like to make people happy with my jewels: I hope my jewels become little treasures in the life of my customers. Positive feedbacks and comments from beading pals and artists are super.

You can see more of Angie’s gorgeous work in her Etsy shop, or purchase her hand-picked materials at Red Tulip Beads. For even more embroidered treats, follow Red Tulip Design on Facebook and Pinterest.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Red Tulip Design
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Throwback Thursday: Elizabeth’s Pearls

Nobody does lavish jewelry quite like royalty, and Queen Elizabeth in particular took personal adornment and fashion to a whole new level. Her many portraits provide an amazing look at jewelry trends of the time, which included an awful lot of pearls.

The love of pearls likely comes from the recently thriving freshwater pearl industry of the area. Scottish pearls were abundant and a valuable commodity at the time. Even in her youth, Princess Elizabeth is seen in portraits wearing her mother’s pearls – Anne Boleyn’s famous initial pendants.

What’s your favorite type of pearl bead?


Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Crystal Phylactery

At last I have a project in progress that isn’t too secret to share! This week I’m taking a quick break from my big project to make a necklace for this year’s Halloween costume, and it’s going to be awesome.

I picked up one of the new Swarovski Elements crystal skulls a while back, mostly just so that I could see one up close. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, and it’s been sitting in my glass bead box for ages, not being inspiring. So it was very exciting when I decided to go as a lich for Halloween this year, and needed something spooky to make a pendant with. What better jewel to hold a sorcerer’s soul than a crystal skull?

I’m making a short chain with red-trimmed St. Petersburg stitch. I want the necklace to fit like a choker, so it’ll be very quick to whip up. So far I’m loving the look of the ruby beads along the edge. They’ll definitely stand out!

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Spotlight: Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild

Bead embroidery is one of the most exciting mediums available to bead lovers, simply because it has no limits. Nearly anything that can be sewn or glued is fair game for bead embroidery: from sequins and cabochons, to ribbon and thrift store treasures. Bead embroidery is also one of the only techniques that moves seamlessly from jewelry to non-wearable designs, décor and sculpture. It is the technique for imaginative beaders.

One group that doesn’t shy away from the challenge is the Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild. This team of shop owners is small – with a maximum membership of 50 at any time – yet their designs are anything but. Many members have been honored with awards from some prestigious competitions, and been featured in popular beading magazines. Here are just a few of their recent creations.

The Guild currently has 37 very talented members. Search for EBEG on Etsy to see hundreds of gorgeous designs. You can see more finished pieces and collages on the EBEG team Facebook page, or find shops on the Bead Embroidery guild page. For a serious dose of inspiration, check out their regular Bead Fest group challenges on the EBEG Blog.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and EBEG Members
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Autumn Color Inspiration

Another bead giveaway has come to a close. Thank you so much to everyone who entered to win the fall treasures bead mix!

This month I asked about your favorite fall colors. Our winner, Estra, chose the combination of brown, orange and yellow. These colors definitely bring to mind the beautiful colors of autumn foliage, fall harvests, and cozy sweaters.

What do these colors say to you?

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