Bead Fest 3!! 

Folk tales and fairytales have been in existence since the beginning of time, they have been used to teach with since literacy was only held by the upper class.  Most tales were passed on orally; many times it was used to help explain some of the supernatural occurrences that people in early times did not understand.  Many times they were used to instruct on how to live a good life and what happens to those who don’t, or what the their roles in the family were.  Many fairytales were written for adults rather than children as they are now.  They were sometimes gruesome, involved sex or sometimes even murder.   

Every culture has a version of the fairytale while many of us are familiar with the stories of western culture.  There are some that have crossed over such as the tales of Baba Yaga who is a primary character in many Russian tales.  In 1697 Charles Perrault a French writer of the time wrote several tales based on oral tradition in his Histoires ou Contes du temps passé, in English we know them as the Mother Goose Tales.  This greatly influenced and increased the popularity of the fairy tale of the time it was also about this time and earlier that most of these tales were starting to appear in print. 

In the 20^th century a large resurgence of the fairy tale appeared with moving pictures and the advent of cartoons.  A large influence is a man by the name of Walt Disney when he took on the task of bringing a very popular fairy tale to life.  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to critical acclaim it was influential to the modern day tales we enjoy today.  Many other tales have since followed, and the popularity of them has increased as children and adults enjoy their favorite tales brought to life.

Our next featured artist from our filigree bead fest is Amy of ovenfriedbeads she made this piece which was inspired by the sea and the life that lives in it. Its main focal piece is a sea urchin button.

She says that " "The centerpiece is a sea urchin button with a filigree base. Beads that I used to surround it are Czech and Japanese glass seed beads, abalone, and Czech faceted beads. The disks are backed with a complementary brown spotted fabric. "
To see more of her amazing jewelry you can go to : ovenfriedbeads

Our next featured artist is Karen from TropicalKaren she made her own filigree pattern on her entry. This bead embroidered hamsa measures 2 1/2" high and 2" wide. It is done with 11/0 black and shades of aqua seed beads and is backed with dove grey Ultrasuede.

Hamsa, also romanized khamsa, is an Arabic word that literally means "five", but also "the five fingers of the hand“.
Its exact origins are unknown but it is an almost universal sign of protection which was used to ward off the evil eye.

With the advent of Islam, the khamsa came to be known as the hand of Fatima to commemorate Fatima Zharsa, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

The hamsa's path into Jewish culture, and its popularity particularly in Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish communities, can be traced through its use in Islam. This "favorite Muslim talisman" became a part of Jewish tradition in North African and Middle Eastern Jewish communities.

The khamsa holds recognition as a bearer of good fortune among Christians in the region as well. Levantine Christians call it the hand of Mary.

Used to protect against evil eye, a malicious stare believed to be able to cause illness, death, or just general unluckiness, hamsas often contain an eye symbol.

To see more of her work you can find her at:tropicalkaren

Our next featured artist is Mickey of MPBeadworks Mickey created her own filigree. It is bead embroidered with a filigree pattern using seed beads and the cuff is asymmetrical with a symmetrical feel to it. Satin ribbon was used to tie the cuff on with beaded ends. One end of the ribbon has a beaded 8mm pearl attached. Perfect for any occasion


To see more of designs you can go to: MPBeadworks

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BEADFEST SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone the guild is going to hold its first ever guild sale at our Etsy stores. Those who are participating are going to post their links to their store under this thread. Everyone has amazing work and who knows you might find that Easter present you were looking for.

So it will start today and go till Easter Sunday the coupon code you will enter will be BEADFEST2 and the discount amount will be 10%

4uidzne

MPBeadworks

jewelrytaylormade

JirikiDesigns

heathershaven 

josjewels1
ovenfriedbeads
marynikydesigns
Pieces of me by LissC 

This "Statement" collar surprisingly contains 8 different filigree pieces artistically hidden throughout. Sharayah of 4UIDZNE, was inspired by the English Rose Gardens.

Using those images, she mapped out the placement of 7 small filigree curves , 1 square filigree and the 5 rivolis so that a free-flowing path existed throughout the piece. Small freshwater pearls were the "stepping stones: taking us to another rose, flower or hedge.

To view more of Sharayah's work visit her shop at: 4uidzne

As we continue to feature our artists who participated in the BEAD FEST, Heather of heathershaven created an artistically designed necklace. It features and Ivory cameo surround by pearls of various shapes, colors, and make. including freshwater, glass and acrylic. Teardrop pearls hugged by brass filigree bead cones are suspended in the three cutouts. 
On either side is an antique brass medallion with pearl teardrops hanging. The necklace is finished with an antique brass chain and S hook clasp. Bead work is back with a romantic dusty rose Ultrasuede.
It measures about 17 inches total.



To see more of Heather's wonderful designs go to Heathershaven

After much labor of love, gardens are in full bloom during the summer months. Annette of JirikiDesigns design captures the summer gardens; with a garden path in ...the middle, red and orange flowers on one side of the path, and green plants and bushes on the other side.

To see more of Annette's work, visit her shop at JirikiDesigns

Today EBEG begins celebrating our 2nd BEAD FEST!!!!!

~~~Description~~~

EBEG Bead Fest is a seasonal event to encourage our members to create masterpieces inspired by a commonly chosen Theme. We organize Bead Fests in every season - which enables our Members to work on their piece nearly 3 months. This is a non-challenge event, when everyone can challenge themselves to create more professional bead work. There is no prize, no title, no competition - only the fun and inspirational beading. Participating on Bead Fests for our members are optional. This provides full attention and perfection of the entries.

All entries are posted in EBEG Treasuries at ETSY, Our FB Fan Page and here on the Blog.

~~~The Theme~~~
Romantic, ancient and sometimes steam punkish, filigree has adorned women and men both throughout the ages. A costume or hairstyle that needed a bit of added beauty would be complimented with a swirl of metal, gemstone, wood or beaded glory in the form of filigree adornment. Pendants, brooches, necklaces, hair combs, barrettes, even swords and shields have sported filigree. I thought that this component would be a wonderful theme for bead embroidery. No matter what the filigree is made of, it can be surrounded by beads in any way the artist sees fit, or even made up of beads itself. There are glorious works out there that have beaded 'filigree' used as the focal for a necklace or bracelet that have inspired me. So, anything goes, bead your own filigree, or use a metal or wooden component - or a pierced piece of faux ivory or gemstone - just include filigree as your main focal element for your piece and have FUN!!! (The main focal would also be considered to be multiples, as in a bracelet made of many small components which each included filigree.)

Throughout the week I will highlight an artist who participated in the bead fest, so you know who did each work.  This is such an amazing group with a lot of talent.  It is a pleasure to be part of this guild.