Interview: Melissa Broadwater BusyBeeBeadwork

INTERVIEW: Melissa Broadwater - BusyBeeBeadwork

Beadweaving artist, Melissa Broadwater, owner/designer of BusyBeeBeadwork creates beautiful, wearable art. I had the opportunity to interview her about her work and creative process. Here is Melissa's response to my many questions:

Melissa: " I have been an avid beadweaver for the past four years. I got introduced to the art of beadweaving by a dear friend. She would bring her jewelry in now and then,and I thought it was some of the most beautiful jewelry that I had ever seen. I couldn't believe how detailed it was, and how long it must have taken her to make. She encouraged me to start weaving my own jewelry. I went down to the local craft store and bought supplies, slowly learning the technique.

 Since then I have held jewelry parties and attended local art fairs. Customers asked whether I sold on Etsy. I've heard so much good about Etsy so I opened a store. I really love selling my creations on a site that is host to so many talented artists. I am constantly working on my latest creation, often til the wee hours of night,not knowing the end result and loving the surprise of it!

 Interested in beadweaving? purchase a book  on basic techniques or check for classes at local bead stores.

Melissa's work can be seen at her Etsy store:http://www.BusyBeeBeadwork.etsy.com

Southwest Colors and Red Jasper

I think that the Southwest is beautiful. The colors are unbelievable! So I couldn't help myself, I had to create a necklace that had that spectacular turquoise, that reddish brown, that tan brown. Of course, the colors and the thought of the southwest simply called for all natural materials. So, here's the result.....hope you like it.

The necklace can be found on my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/designingparrotjewel

How To Use Your PackRat Cached Jewelry

If you're like me, you have, at the very least, a drawer full of jewelry that you've had for years, are unwilling to throw out, don't wear anymore and won't try to give away as presents. It sits there collecting dust and tarnish.

So what to do with it?  Why not give it a new purpose as jewelry? Take it apart and use pieces of it such as beads, rhinestones, etc. to make a new piece that you will want to wear. If you can't bear to take it apart then incorporate it into a new necklace or bracelet.  All it takes it a bit of bead stringing wire, findings and basic jewelry tools and the key ingredient....imagination! You'll be surprised at the results!

Rhinestone Glass bead Necklace Dancing by DesigningParrotJewel

Rhinestone Glass bead Necklace Dancing by DesigningParrotJewel:

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Emphatic Fall Flowering

This lovely plant lives in the backyard against the "shed" here in North Central Florida.
Once a year and only once, it blooms. Always in the Fall when the leaves are starting to turn and fall off the trees, as if it "knows" that a brilliant spot of color is just the thing to brighten the time of year.

Isn't nature great?!

Peace One Step At A Time

September 21, 2011 is the International Day of Peace worldwide. It is a day that was established in 1981 by United Nations resolution for strengthening the ideals of peace in the world.  A day of peace in the world - both personal and political.
  Peace Within - Observe a minute of silence at noon.
  Peace Without - Do an act of service that benefits the greater community.
  And perhaps, a commitment to a daily peace practice in all relationships. Joining with others to build a culture of and for Peace.

To me, Albert Einstein said it beautifully: "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."

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