Catch BEADWORK, Oct/Nov 2009 on the newstand

It's tricky estimating the exact moment your friendly merchant will get their shipment of this month's BEADWORK. A safer bet may be to order one directly from Interweave Press.

This one's a keeper if you're interested in reading about the different types of beading in a particular corner of the world. Based on my newest Powerpoint "Contemporary Beadwork in Ukraine", read Melaina Juntti's "A Conversation Ukrainian-Style Beadwork with Maria Rypan". (pgs. 60-62) That's Editor Melinda Barta and myself holding the "hot off the press" issue at Bead Fest, PA.

The interview is followed by my project "Scythian Gold", a twist on a contemporary Ukrainian "gerdan". It's a V-shaped netted collar with an embellished diamond-shaped opening. The project's name relates to one of the original inhabitants of Ukraine, the Scythians, and draws inspiration from troves of ancient gold jewelry excavated in the country's royal burial mounds. (pgs. 63-65). If you'd like the novel beads I used, or a full kit with my illustrated instructions and all beads, drop me a line.

Detour yields unexpected treats

A simple ride with friends on the back roads of Ontario turned into a day full of surprises... On the drive up towards the Forks of the Credit, an antique sign beckoned. We turned left instead of going straight. The short ride revealed Beaumont Mill, a historic structure full of antiques and collectibles in Glen Williams. Inside it felt like a treasure hunt with loads of nooks and crannies upstairs, downstairs and in between. All the jewelry was in one room.

I found a pair of white seed bead earrings which I figured would go with an heirloom necklace passed down to me from a relative in Ukraine. From the bald spot near the clasp and few loose beads, the necklace appears to be series of white seed bead loops stitched through a thick cord. The earrings I bought at the Mill feature a seed bead knot with four twisted fringe loops of seed beads. Check out the similarity! Looks like both pieces were made from the same beads. Could they be Czech?

Meanwhile, outside the Mill there was a rally of antique automobiles from 1920-1930's. What a treat! Who would have expected such a welcome? Apparently they meet twice a year at designated spots and this was one! Our timing could not have been better! We followed the vehicles down the road into the village of Glen Williams where the local town folk were dressed in period costumes. They got to drive into the village. We in our modern vehicle had to park and walk across the bridge. Famished, we dropped into the Copper Kettle Pub for a bite. Who would have thought we'd be treated to live music? The musicians sang around a table in the center of the room. They were were great! The entire place was full of character(s). You'd never believe it was 2009!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You never know what you may be missing if you don't turn around the corner.

First reflection

I'm Maria, a beadaholic and designer of Rypan Designs, taking baby steps into the world of blogs to share information about beading, folk art and eye candy.