"You really can do anything!" This exclamation, from a student in a bead embroidery class, I think sums up quite nicely what I like about it so much. When my co-worker Philonese describes beading as "painting with beads," I feel that bead embroidery is the ultimate expression of that concept.

​As someone who designs "on the go" (which I don't actually recommend), bead embroidery allows me the luxury of watching a design evolve. I like being surprised (usually) with the results. If the final piece is less than satisfying, I can always take it apart and re-use the beads -- they never go bad.

Introducing guest blogger Cassie Steele who edits a stitching and sewing website, stitchandsew.net. She noticed the connection between embroidery and bead embroidery, and has shared this article with me. If you're new to sewing in general, check out her site -- it has great information especially for beginners.

It's so much fun working with people who discover new and creative designs that are also simple! Laurel found this one for ornament hangers (you kind of get two ornaments in one, huh?).  Besides being so cute, they can be used as package toppers, or give a set as a hostess gift!  Here's the easy how-to.

Need a macrame refresher? Half knots and square knots are the most basic elements of macrame, and once you get in a rhythm you hardly have to think about how to do them. (At that point, thinking usually gets in the way, as so often happens when someone asks how to spell a word that you usually know how to spell until someone asks.)

Probably not.  Sure, we both see blue, but there's a good chance we don't see the same blue.  I think the way vision works is both weird and amazing and complicated when you add in color.

Hence, my advice: don't get too bent out of shape over color choices.  Choose colors you like, take your time to think about your selection and be sure it works for you, but don't lose sleep over it.

TOTALLY off topic here, but my daughter was telling me about two different ice cream trucks near where she lives, and wondering if they have "ice cream truck wars" because they never seem to cross certain boundaries. (This was her intro explaining that the one she hears ALL the time plays a tune that drives her nuts.)

Here in the Oak Park Arts District, we're excited about hosting Oak Park's 6th Annual Sculpture Walk, to be installed in early May. With that in mind, I came across these bead embroidered sculptures by Betsy Youngquist. They are AMAZING.

​On her website she says "I have always been fascinated with the intersection of humans, animals and mythology. My creative pursuits are centered on exploring those connections. Beads form the backbone of the materials I use."

Aquamarine is in fact a color variety of the mineral beryl (emerald is another).  Like many beryls, aquamarine forms large crystals suitable for sizable fashioned gems and carvings.  It’s preferred color is a moderately strong dark blue to slightly greenish blue.  (Another plus: it has been said that the mineral beryl gives the wearer protection against foes in battle or litigation. It makes the wearer unconquerable and amiable, and also quickens the intellect.)

Continuing with my Beads & Nature theme, I was recently reminded of local artist and occasional customer Sandra Wilcoxon and her beaded skulls.

Yep, real skulls. This isn't new though.  Especially in the southwest and native American traditions there is a long history of decorating bovine remains.