Rypan Designs

"Vertep" Nativity at St. Demetrius, Weston, ON

2012-01-06T17:25:00.001-05:00

"Vertep" at St Demetrius the Great Martyr Ukrainian Catholic Church

Two years ago this life-sized Nativity set was installed outside St Demetrius the Great Martyr Church on LaRose Avenue in Weston (Toronto), ON. The figures were written (painted) in the Byzantine iconographic style in Ukraine.

The Holy Family

Each one was cut out and masterfully placed on the straw-strewn floor of the manger. The cradle of hay between the Wise Men and Mary convinces you this truly is the creche. The illuminated star woven from wheat shines on the Baby Jesus.

"Христос Раждається - Christ is Born" in lights

I'm very fortunate to drive past this "Vertep" every day. It's a blessing as this Nativity is a daily reminder of why we're celebrating Christmas.

"God is with us!"

"З Нами Бог!"

Miss December - Fan Wheel Snowflakes

2011-12-08T10:18:00.001-05:00

Fan Wheel Snowflakes by Maria Rypan
December 2011 - Toronto Bead Society Calendar

Hard to believe December is here and folks with 2011 TBS calendars are now viewing a flurry of my Fan Wheel Snowflakes! There are a lot of ways to make a few of your own: beadwork kit choices galore; get a pattern for your own creativity;

Snowflakes by Jo-Ann Woolverton, ON

Order a Ukrainian PDF with illustrated instructions;

Intro of Ukrainian PDF

Get the Russian language Oct 2011 (#10) issue of "Модьній" Bead Fashion magazine, Kyiv. The Fan Wheel Snowflake project is on pgs. 39-41;

“Модньій” Bead Fashion, pg. 39

Follow the English directions on pgs. 90-91 of Kalmbach’s Beaded Ornament for the Holidays and Beyond from Bead & Button; BeadStyle Magazines.

Beaded Ornament for the Holidays, pg. 90

In the spirit of the season, enjoy snowflakes big & small, beaded or real kind. What a wonder! No two are every alike... Happy Holidays!

T&T Road Trip

2011-11-12T22:01:00.007-05:00

For my Summer project for ANPT, I was on a mission to visit T&T Trading, Inc. where I imagined I should find some really neat beads.

We travelled to Detroit; then 100 more miles to Grand Ledge outside Lansing, the capital of MI. Sooooo how could we miss it??

BEADS trailer parked on grass

Proper signage in a rural setting

BEADS spelt on the roof. Driver stretching legs after a long haul

A quizzical call from down the road determined we needed to turn back to find these landmarks. Moral of the story: Peal open your eyes for BEADS signs in all shapes and sizes.

Found the treasures I came for.

Have you heard of French seed beads? How about millefiore mosaic and drawn chevrons?

Beadwoven color placement experiment

More variations... Which will it be?

What's new at the Vernissage, Lviv

2011-09-28T11:13:00.000-04:00

Beaded pysanky eggs by Luba Frankevych

It's been a long while since I've shown beadwork, so it's appropriate to follow up the ANPT 'pysanky' article with new sources of beaded eggs. In my short visit to the Vernissage on Aug 26th, I found a lot of fresh new directions for gerdany beadwork. A few craftspeople had beaded pysanky.

I liked Luba Frankevych's display because she meticulously beadweaves intricately-patterned nets around wooden eggs. She's holding the largest egg whose detail can seen in the top left corner above. I purchased the next size down and one more for a keepsake.

Luba shows her largest pysanka

There were several new stands with beadwork. The new trend was three-dimensional florals or mosaic (Peyote) leaves formed into 'kalyna' bunches. The beaded flowers were added onto netted collars, bracelets or used for pendants and brooches. They came in all shapes and sizes with the poppy as the most favorite flower. I purchased the "Kalyna" creation in red on a matte black net in the center of the display board.

Display of Gerdany by Nadia Emelyanova

Poppy brooches by Valentyna Konkolowskaya

"Gerdany Tour" & Snowflakes in Ivano Frankivsk

2011-09-27T13:02:00.001-04:00

Ivano-Frankivsk Region embroidered by Lubov Drohomyretska, 2011

In between visits and further research about beadwork, I had the opportunity to show the "Tour of Gerdany Regions of Ukraine" at the Regional Educational Methodological Center (ОНМЦ) on Aug 30th.

Attentive audience listens to the Gerdany intro, ОНМЦ

This was followed by a Master Class on making my famous Fan Wheel Snowflakes. I translated the instructions into Ukrainian with an overview sheet and brought the necessary materials.

Сніжинки – кришталеві віяла, автор дизайну Марія Рипан, м. Торонто, 2011

It was nice to to have young students and esteemed bead artists in the Master Class.

Maria threads SoftTouch .010 by Softflex on a fine needle

My cultural liaison, ethnomusicologist Oleksandra Turyanska, checks progress by professionals Oksana Belehaj and Maria M. Chulak

Success! Going home with a finished Snowflake!

Lubov Drohomyrecka, Maria, Halyna Drohomyrecka of Liubava, Maria M. Chulak pleased with the afternoon's Gerdany presentation and class

"Tour of Gerdany Regions" started at UM-A, Ohio

2011-09-26T18:00:00.000-04:00

These presentations premiered at the Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland on Aug 12th. Luckily for me, The Hnatiuk Collection was on exhibit in the Gallery where I was to hold my Gerdany Workshops on Saturday.

The Hnatiuk Collection Exhibit with a gerdany workshop setup

Kilims and 'Keptar' vests from The Hnatiuk Collection

I attended the opening of the Hnatiuk Museum in Livonia, MI in the late 1990s. So many artifacts and treasures crammed into a walkout home basement was an unforgettable sight! I was just getting into beadwork and fascinated by a showcase with shelves full of gerdany. These photos start off my Beadwork Photo Album.

'Sorochka', The Hnatiuk Collection

Kudos to UM-A Curator, Aniza Kraus, for the dramatic display of a selection of embroidered 'sorochky, keptari and kilims'. By focusing on the production of the fibers and materials, the exhibit was educational. The UM-A published a book using The Hnatiuk Collection as the basis for scholarly articles on textiles from the XIX & XXth centuries with 400 great photos for reference.

Friday night at the Rypan "Movies", UM-A

My PowerPoint presentation was held in the Museum main room on Friday night. The "Ethnographic Region Tour" was a hit for the North American viewer. It was a great intro to the "Gerdany Regions" of western Ukraine. Here the viewers saw an ethnographic region map introducing multiple slides of gerdany beading from different regions. They could get an appreciation for the various styles of beading, colors and motifs.

Learning different styles of gerdany-making at UM-A

There were two contemporary beadwork Gerdany Workshops on Saturday.

Maria helps Jennie Bochar learn how to bead

Best treat for me was the collection of beadwork Jennie brought for Show & Tell. Among the gerdany, there were her Baba's pieces brought over when she was 16 years old. I never say such a tiny Lemko 'kryza'!

100+ year old 'kryza', J. Bochar Collection

'Kryza' details, J. Bochar Collection

More Ukraine Travels

2011-09-25T18:26:00.014-04:00

Trident ('Tryzyb') in lights, Kyiv, Independence Day 2011

I had an opportunity to visit Ukraine again immediately after Bead Fest in Philadelphia. Traveling through different time zones via Paris made it possible to arrive in Kyiv on Aug 24th, Independence Day. This was the 20th anniversary, an important milestone, but a strain was felt after a tumultuous day of celebrations.

20th Anniversary of Independence commemorative stamps

The timing of this trip was perfect because it gave me another opportunity to personally photograph new regions of Ukraine for my ongoing photo essays. While preparing a new "Tour of Gerdany Regions in Ukraine" PowerPoint, I thought it would be nice for viewers to tour all of the country to better appreciate the regional differences. "Ethnographic Regions of Ukraine" came together quickly using most of my own photos from various visits to half of Ukraine.

Premiered together with "Ethnographic Regions", Aug 2011

Here was my chance to add Crimea and the Black Sea, as well as the scenes along the drive back to Kyiv.

Beaded "Pysanky" Eggs

2011-02-27T07:42:00.017-05:00

Article by Maria Rypan, Spring 2011

Hot off the press! In time for Easter! My article about "Beaded "Pysanky Eggs" has just been published in the Canadian needle arts magazine, A Needle Pulling Thread, Spring 2011, pgs. 90-93.

"Pysanky", batik-style Easter eggs, are inherently Ukrainian. Purists shudder at the beaded "pysanka's" very existence. Some artists refer to the traditional motifs and designs for inspiration, but use beads to decorate eggs so the patterns become stylized.

Personally, I think there is a place for beaded eggs in this day and age. They may not have the talismanic powers of the real "pysanky", but they are beautiful and bring joy to the recipients.

This article talks about the different ways of applying beads on eggs in a "pysanka" style. Photos illustrate various methods and give an appreciation of how each and every bead is applied or beadwoven. Since no two eggs are the same, the article gives plenty of guideline for beading your own.

Several artists beaded "pysanky" illustrate the different application (gluing or beeswax) or beadweaving methods. Many photos and tips come from Vira Pavlova Witkovska's work. Vira is holding her butterfly ostrich egg while I show off her trident ("tryzub") egg at my last visit to the Vernisage in Lviv. Ivano Frankivsk teacher Maria Golovan kindly provided me with the step by step beadweaving photos and basket full of "beadwoven" pysanky. There's even a bead embroidered and stuffed one in the basket! There's no end to creativity!

Spring 2011, ISSN 1715-4650

Thank you to editor Carla Comanico for suggesting this article after she receiving my metric carton of beaded "pysanky" card. Get your issue for the maximum appreciation of this art form and other needle art projects.

Beaded Icons & Gerdany Show

2011-02-08T21:53:00.011-05:00

Marianna Savaryn, Oksana Ivanochko & Maria Rypan, St. Demetrius, Toronto

Hard to believe the Beaded Icon Show & Sale came and went on Feb 6th! Marianna, an icon painter from Hamilton, came to see the Oksana's beaded icons. Good thing KONTAKT-TV came at 9 am for an interview because there were many holes on the pegboard by 1 pm! The "Beaded Icons by Oksana Ivanochko" feature will be airing Feb 26th, 1 pm EST on Omni 1 in Toronto. You'll be able to view it on-line at your leisure because programs are archived.

Gerdany by Oksana Ivanochko

Besides icons, Oksana had several different styles of gerdany for sale. The contemporary ones were popular, especially the star-like beadwork necklaces like the one above. Loomwoven medallions also flew.

Best wishes for good health and eyesight. May God grant her many happy years.

Bohorodytsia "Znamennya", 2010, Lviv

Eugene & Maria Rypan Collection, 2011

Beaded Icons by Ivanochko

2011-01-27T23:07:00.018-05:00

Poster for Display/Sale on Feb 6, 2011 in Toronto

Not everyday does one have the privilege of helping their first beading teacher put together an exhibit of their work! My call came mid December.

Oksana Ivanochko of Lviv, Ukraine, was in Toronto with 15 of her beaded icons. Could I help her find the venues to display her work? I've organized an exhibit of her work at my church, St. Demetrius the Great Martyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, on Sunday, Feb 6th, after Liturgies right after I get back from Tucson. KONTAKT-TV will be coming to cover the story.

The beaded icons are beautiful. Oksana has an artist write (paint) the face and hands, while she bead embroiders the garments, background and details. She's had several exhibits in Ukraine and Europe. This is the first of its kind in Canada.

Torontonians, here's a chance to see some very fine bead embroidery. There will also be some beadwork for sale. If you miss it, I can connect you with Oksana. The world is getting smaller all the time.

Oksana Ivanochko and Maria pose with her Christ icon, Jan 23, 2011

Maharaja Exhibit at AGO

2011-01-14T23:59:00.012-05:00

Patiala Necklace by Cartier, 1928, Paris (photo of notecard)

Saw the "Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts" exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Toronto, with Jo-Ann and Dolores. Through Indian paintings from 1700's onwards, we saw royal life in miniature, i.e. processions, events and stories. Such brilliance! The finest details in clothing patterns and jewelry seemed to be painted with a single hair. We marveled, "How did they do that?". There also was furniture, decorative arts, garments and jewelry. Lots of inspiration for beadwork... The Maharaja exhibit continues to April 3rd. Don't miss it!

Maharaja Poster outside AGO

Most of the opulent and lavish jewelry was worn by men, the Maharajas, not the Maharani women! Now that's a switch.

This was a great start to the Ukrainian New Year (Julian calendar).

Christmas on the Julian Calendar

2011-01-06T00:24:00.020-05:00

Christmas tree at home, MI

Best wishes of a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Creative New Year.

"Embroidered" satin ornaments by Maria

I was on my hands and knees late Monday a week ago photographing my 9 easels for the International One of a Kind Exhibit at JOGS in Tucson. Once I finished the easels, the Christmas tree in the corner of the room caught my eye. It was unique and magical...

It dawned on me the tree decorations were mostly homemade. My mother Martha (1927-2001) made plastic canvas snowflakes with each of her 4 granddaughters and I made all the satin sequins ornaments. She decorated this artificial tree with every one of my "embroidered" balls, mixed in solid colored ones and added silver garland. Now Nina, my step-mother, makes an annual trip up the stairs with the tree all-decorated and puts it into the icon corner. Afterwards she takes it downstairs.

The designs on the satin balls were inspired by Ukrainian embroidery patterns. I had an artistic license and used sequins to render the designs in traditional or contemporary color motifs. The outer circumference of the balls were fairly thin and allowed sequins on tiny head pins to be easily pushed in one at a time. The same was true for the box of satin thread bell and rondelle-shaped ornaments. It was best to steer clear of the thicker plastic near the hanger or bottom. The ornaments were created during my late high school/early college days. Each one was then tied on a ribbed curly ribbon. I'm amazed at the quality of that ribbon! And the satin balls have held up so well 40 years later! May the tradition continue for many more.

"Embroidered" with sequins & pins

Веселих Свят та Щасливого Нового Року!

El Anatsui's ROM Installation

2011-01-02T00:17:00.013-05:00

Fragment of "Straying Continents", 2010

Started off the New Year with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Was blown away by Anatsui's art. First went to see the 4th floor exhibit "When I last Wrote to You about Africa". It was a retrospective of Africa's contemporary artist's forty years of painting, sculpture, woodwork and metal multi-element compositions. No photos allowed... that's okay.... I took mental snapshots.

I really liked the compositions of aluminum and copper wire. They started with a discarded bag of liquor bottle caps. It's amazing how many different ways a cap can be cut, folded, punched and twisted! This alone was a lesson in playing and trying out all kinds of ways to manipulate whatever your medium may be!

Close-up of metal liquor bottle caps

Lucky for me, the ROM commissioned a wall installation called "Straying Continents", 2010. It's installed on entry wall of the 3rd floor ROM Crystal. Thank goodness I had my iPhone to photograph sections of an incredible installation.

Fragment of "Straying Continents" by El Anatsui, ROM, 2010

I found Anatsui's work fresh and inspirational. He plays with color, patterns, textures, negative space, layering. Reminded me of beadwork on a large scale.

Fragment of "Straying Continents", 2010

Connecting with Facebook Friends

2010-12-31T16:35:00.009-05:00

Rypan Designs - "Sedona Kilim", TBS 2000 Bag of Bead Challenge

Rypan Designs now has a page on Facebook. So do I... Thanks to my friend and #1 assistant Jo-Ann, I'm starting to get the hang of connecting with the wide world of Facebook. I never realized how small the world really was until we were just checking out features. There's someone I know, and as I'm clicking on "Add as Friend"... and then there are Mutual Friends.... There is no end... If you're reading this, don't be shy about "Adding me as a friend". Let's keep in touch.

My "Sedona Kilim" is my "face" for Rypan Designs. My "photo" is for my personal page. They're interchangeable because we want to share beadwork ideas and news where ever it's most suitable.

Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Creative New Year!

З Новим Роком, бажаю Вам натхнення та творчих ідей,

Марія

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T13:23:00.020-05:00

Christmas Tree in Toronto

Hard to believe it's Christmas Day already! I had many good intentions and lots of traditions I like to observe. By the time I got around to them all, here we are blogging on Christmas Day in Detroit!

This year's Christmas card mailing was huge! Twice the usual amount because I combined it with thank yous to all the wonderful people I met in Ukraine in my family visits, folk arts and beadwork research quest. How do you stop and print a few photos for keepsakes when you snapped 2,000+? There goes a full week/weekend trying to edit and selectively print "just a few"... Then there's the handwriting of each card. Began to feel like a dinosaur when I mentioned it to folks. Seems like cardwriting has fallen out of favor in today's busy crazy times. I continued on because I believe it's important to personally thank each and everyone and send a token photograph of our good times... they'll get it in time for Ukrainian Christmas on the Jan 7th.

My husband Eugene picked up the tree and decorated it while I continued writing cards. The baking was done in shifts. Pinwheel and honey poppyseed log cookies were sliced and baked on the 23rd morning before packing. The baking pans and ingredients for other favorites were thrown in to finish baking in Detroit once we arrived after a white-knuckled drive down Hwy 401 near Ingersoll, ON.

Yesterday morning I assembled gift cookie plates. Then worked on a few gifts and off to my brother's we drove for a Christmas Eve celebration. Family and friends came from far and wide. Traditions were observed. New twists were added. It was really nice... perfect! Later, we drove down to my parish for Midnight Mass. The church was full of families and classmates because everyone came "home for the holidays". What a wonderful time...

Christmas Eve 2010 in MI - Maria & Eugene

Merry Christmas! Best wishes to all for a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas. May the spirit of the season continue throughout the year.

Snowflake Decorations

2010-12-18T14:22:00.016-05:00

Snowflake ornament on my tree

"Snowflakes", TBS 2011 Calendar, December

It's hard to believe it's time to decorate the tree again.... Luckily, I have some of my snowflakes handy from last year. Glass bugles, seed beads and Swarovski crystals never spoil... Since they're specially interlocked in like a fan around a circle of beads, they keep their shape forever.

This extraordinary snowflake can be made quickly once you get the knack after you've made your first one. A very fine beading wire, .010 SoftTouch by Softflex, is the secret to holding the crystal-tipped long bugle V's in place around the circle of seed beads.

Several ways to get the instructions: See page 90-91 of Beaded Ornament for the holidays and Beyond from Bead and Button and BeadStyle Magazines by Kalmach Publishing Co., 2009.

Order an all-inclusive Snowflake kit with a choice of 15mm, 20mm or 30mm bugles and crystal pearl or silver-shade vitrial finish from Rypan Designs. Or get patterns for use with your own bugles and crystals. The instructions are available in printed pattern with a Supply List or a downloadable .pdf. Shortly it will be available in a Ukrainian .pdf version soon as I get the illustrations matched up to my translations.

Getting ready for Christmas

2010-12-09T21:16:00.025-05:00

Sizing up the tree in Winter wonderland

The season has begun.... The annual drive to Erie, PA, was delayed a day. Buffalo got dumped by 3' of snow and I-90 was closed because of the lake-effect. Luckily, we were able to drive in on Saturday. The pressure was on because it was the only weekend where everyone was coming to search for the perfect tree.

The trip was "picture perfect" with snow on the trees and fields instead of the interstate. Side roads were a different story... especially the one to the tree farm. This year we turned left instead of the usual right and this is the tree that caught our eye. It's pretty perfect all the way around despite its interesting top.

There's something special about going out to the country. I love it when it's snow-covered and peaceful. Such a wonderful change from the crazy pace of the big city... A chance to appreciate beauty and peace with friends. Photographing helps keep the memory alive. Inspiration abounds. What a wonderful world!

Best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Lexi & Don's Wedding "Korovai"

2010-11-27T21:44:00.033-05:00

"Korovai" baked by Rosey Parubchak

I should be beading, but no.... I'm having too much fun putting together a iDVD for Lexi and Don from their wedding in Buffalo, NY on Oct. 9th.

It's a challenge as I took well over 500 photographs. I've been called a "chronicler" by Mary, so this is what I'm about to do. I'm trying out another "new" toy that came with my MAC. Should be very interesting...

As you can see, this was not your average wedding. There were traditions pulled in from all sides. The Ukrainian wedding bread is called a "korovai". It was baked by my sister-in-law Rosey in Toronto. Read all about the "korovai" in the write-up below.

The "korovai" and periwinkle wreaths on a specially embroidered "rushnyk"

Mary, the Mother of the Bride, embroidered an original "rushnyk", a ritual cloth which served functions throughout the wedding day. She incorporated symbolic patterns and motifs from both her and the groom's family into the 'rushnyk'. The wreaths you see on the altar represent the crowns of gold and are a folk custom from Ukraine. It was nice to see them blessed and worn for part of the service.

Don & Lexi Dixon hold the "korovai"

Lexi's family has a unique little ritual and requested a special smaller "korovai" ring be made. During the reception it was tossed and caught by the couple. The one with the larger half is the "boss". Guess who got the bigger half?

Small braided ring to see who's boss

Glamorous Channel Chains

2010-11-20T23:57:00.017-05:00

Chandelier Earring

Perfect for the holidays. All Swarovski-ELEMENTS here... The Chandelier Earrings and Cuff use several lengths of channel chain and have 4mm bicones between the links. Glamorous dangles of a bicone sandwiched between two pearls finish off each bicone stack on the bracelet. There's a lot of versatility and room for creativity in the earrings. Choose to add a bicone dangle or end it with a cup chain. It's also an excellent exercise for working with head and eye pins.

The Channel Chain accessories were created for teaching at Swarovski NA Ltd's beadwork classes in Tucson. I have a few more limited edition kits. The instructions are all color photographs because the components and methodology are unique. There are four variations for finishing of the Chandelier earrings. Patterns are available for your unlimited creativity.

Channel Chain Cuff

You have to admit this is a departure from my usual beadweaving. Working with the channel chain was so much fun. It was very satisfying to step outside the box with such glamor.

"Embellishing Your World" show

2010-11-11T17:31:00.026-05:00

Maria and Naomi Smith with a printout of the opening slide

It was great sharing my "Embellishing Your World: Beading & Surface Designs" with fellow beadmates on Nov 10th at the Toronto Bead Society. This was an inspirational seminar with beadwork examples and stories from around the world.

What was special that evening was that Naomi, a fellow TBS member, brought her collection of First Nations Beadwork. I featured photographs of her collection in the first five slides of my PowerPoint. We combined the best of two worlds for the benefit of our members. I projected images and pointed out interesting details about the unique artifacts of the Mohawk and Tuscarora Nations. Naomi brought the genuine articles so people could then see them up close. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for TBS members.

For my half of the display, I brought my collection of beaded "Pysanky" eggs. Several were beaded by Vira Pavlova Witkovska plus other bead artists from Ukraine. The beaded "Lilacs" were made by Oksana, a young student of an after-school Craft Program in Kolomyya. They're so life-like it's hard to believe they're just beads on twisted wires! Amazing... Love it!

Maria's collection of beaded 'pysanky' eggs, ornaments and bead wire "Lilacs"

I'll be presenting "Embellishing Your World..." to the new West Toronto Beading Guild on Mar 8, 2011 at their regular monthy meeting. We're going to combine it with a hands-on beading workshop on learning how to do the versatile Diagonal Weave. I'm looking forward to inspiring the new beaders!

If you'd like an inspirational program by a passionate speaker, just let me know.... I'll be happy to share this and other beadwork presentations.

Bead Unique - Snowflake Kit

2010-11-03T23:02:00.010-04:00

Snowflake Kit by Rypan Designs on the top left of pg. 16

Hot off the press! Bead Unique offered up a spread of "Cool Kits" in this Winter's edition. My "Snowflake" ornament starts off this feature. They've just listed the basic components for one size. Patterns with instructions for two different lengths of bugles are available in printed version and a new 3-pg PDF.

Truth be told, once you have the pattern, snowflakes can be beaded in a host of colors and sizes. See my Student's Gallery for Jo-Ann's personalized gifts for her collegues. No two snowflakes are alike!

Rypan Designs Kits are available in two series: Swarovski ELEMENTS Crystal AB with pearl seeds and s/l crystal bugles; and Silver Shade with vitrial seeds and twisted s/l crystals bugles. See my Catalogue for all-inclusive beadwork kits with bugles ranging from 15mm, 20mm and 30mm.

Start now to be ready for holiday decor or gift giving. Enjoy!

Winter 2011

Iryna Senyk's 1st Anniversary

2010-10-27T15:51:00.028-04:00

Iryna Senyk 1926-2009

It's hard to believe a year has gone by since dissident Iryna Senyk passed away in Boryslaw, Ukraine. It's ironic that she was returned "home" to Lviv, albeit she was forbidden to live here after her release from 34 years of prison and exile. Boryslaw was exactly 100 km away from Lviv, so that became "home".

Iryna's death was definitely the end of an era of heroines and start of a new one. She started a fresh new row of OUN Freedom Fighters at the entrance to Lviv's venerable Lychakiv Cemetery. I visited her grave on my way back from both of my great grandmothers and relatives.

I've included the story of Iryna embroidering prison numbers with a fishbone for a needle and her signature miniatures in my newest presentation about "Embellishing Your World: Beading and Surface Designs". It also includes a few slides about the "White Aster of Love" Book Project.

People marvel how someone who was surrounded by horror, could create such beauty. Very inspiring....

Slide from "Embellishing Your World: Beading & Surface Designs" PowerPoint

Iryna's marker at Lychakiv Cemetery, Lviv

Iryna Senyk's grave in the OUN section of Lychakiv Cemetery, Lviv

"Вічна її пам'ять"

Embellishing Your World

2010-10-18T14:16:00.027-04:00

I'm just putting the final touches on this newest inspirational presentation about beading and surface designs (needlework, mixed media, etc.). This seminar will debut this Sat, Oct 22nd, at 3 pm at the Creativ Festival in Toronto. Here's what it's all about:

Transform the mundane into beautiful with an array of technique and design ideas presented by bead artist Maria Rypan. Be inspired to embellish a few things once you see how people in different parts of the world meet the challenge to create beauty with materials on hand. Breathtaking photographs of decorated objects and their stories will motivate you to transform a few of your own.

PS: There is so much eye candy! So many incredible artifacts from First Nations people, Pashtun tribes, Zulu chiefs, Ukrainian artisans, school kids and a former dissident, US crafters and a Canadian bead artist! Plus a chance to visually "meet" some of these talented people with their folk art.

I would love to show this PowerPoint presentation around the world. Just say the word, and I'll be there. Let's talk....

Scalloped Hearts

2010-10-11T14:28:00.006-04:00

HRT1 - Scalloped Hearts in Dark Montana & Navy Iris bugles

New color combo... Another road trip project... This was done while returning from a wonderful wedding in Buffalo, NY this past weekend.

I needed to make a new sample, as well as do a test run on my Scalloped Hearts instructions for an upcoming workshop at the Creativ Festival next week. It was quite easy. Was it experience?? Was it the detailed illustrations with the thread paths clearly drawn? It was definitely the latter.

This is a unique beadweaving technique found in contemporary gerdany from Ukraine. There are a lot of twists and turns for each heart. The most important rule is to follow each step exactly as drawn. Once you've made one, the rest are easy because they repeat. It's easy to get carried away with all hearts all around the necklace. It could be a choker too, or a bracelet. Getting more ideas just sounding out as I write the blog. Scalloped Hearts kits are also available in amethyst, pearl gold, padparadscha to name a few. Patterns give the ultimate in creative license.

Twig Willow Twist

2010-10-06T23:29:00.020-04:00

TW-WL-TM -Twig Willow Twist in copper

Metallics continue to dominate the accessory scene. Copper leads the way with brass moving up in popularity. The TWIG WILLOW TWIST takes all the newest in glass beads and combines it into a stunning piece. Have you ever seen twisted bugles edged with copper or brass? How about glass triangles with a metallic core? They’re sandwiched in between metallic seed beads for maximum impact. It’s all about texture, shape and silhouette.

Beadweaving gives you the ability to manipulate stunning beads into a glamorous piece with just a needle and thread. Learn from the master, Maria (that's me), who's got her finger on the pulse for what's unique in neckpieces and bracelets.

There's still space available in the 3 hour Twig Willow Twist workshop at the Creativ Festival in Toronto on Fri at 1 pm. Or catch Maria and her beadwork kits, patterns and books in booth #717.

Miss December - 3-D Snowflakes

2010-10-04T21:13:00.016-04:00

TBS Calendar, December 2011 - Snowflakes by Maria Rypan

The new 2011 Toronto Bead Society Calendar is out and I'm Miss December! Really, my 3-D Snowflakes grace that month's spread.

There are many ways you can make your very own snowflakes like those pictured. You could take a workshop Fri, Oct 22nd at the Creativ Festival in Toronto and get tips and tricks from the master, that's me.

You could get a Rypan Designs kit and choose your favorite from a multitude of bugle sizes and two Swarovski crystal finishes. If you have a bead stash, just get the pattern. The insert clearly illustrates how to space out shorter v.s. longer bugles. Check the Student's Gallery to be inspired by my samplemaker Jo-Ann's multi-colored snowflakes. Each one is different to match her colleagues personalities. They make great gifts!

You could also find the instructions in Beaded Ornaments for the Holidays and Beyond from Bead & Button and BeadStyle Magazines. Waukesha: Kalmbach Publishing, 2009: 90-91.

The proceeds from the sales of this calendar are going to The Native Women's Resource Centre to support youth programs and craft classes for women of all ages. Would you like a calendar full of eye candy and inspiration for 2011?

Presentations in Ukraine

2010-09-23T18:30:00.032-04:00

How appropriate for the PowerPoint slide from OH to be the lead in for my presentations in Ukraine...

So much has transpired between the visit to the Ukrainian Museum-Archives Aug 13th and Sep 13th. There was a visit to an amazing Pysanky Museum in Reading, PA on the way to Bead Fest at Valley Forge. Then there was a two week trip to Ukraine for research and family visiting. I have tons of photos and stories!! These will be told a little at a time between shows and trips.

Maria at entrance to Ivan Honchar Museum, Kyiv, Ukraine

It was a great pleasure and privilege to share my "Contemporary Beadwork in Ukraine" PowerPoint with beaders and folk art enthusiasts in Ukraine.

I thought it would be interesting to show my presentation to master craftsmen, beaders, museum directors and staff who graciously allowed me to photographed some beadwork in their "fondy" archives. I wanted to show them how I've incorporated their work and stories into one of my many presentations. This one covered the different styles of beadweaving, gerdany, loomwork, embroidery with beads, metalwork, wirework, beaded eggs, etc.

I presented the "Contemporary Bead in Ukraine" twice. First on Sep 6th at the Educational Metodogical Center in Ivano Frankivsk, Western Ukraine. Then on Sep 13th in a great hall lined with display cases full of incredible artifacts at the Ivan Honchar Museum in the capital Kyiv.

A photograph is worth a 1000 words and provides a

stunning contrast to my contemporary outfit.

The Ivan Honchar Museum is dedicated to preserving traditional

folk arts through photograph and artifact collecting.

Maria tells about Ina Wasylkevych's cabochons and leatherwork in Truskavets.

A great buzz was created at the Honchar Museum

It was really wonderful to see so many beaders hanging on to every word, even photographing the the slides as I was showing them. Great questions came afterwards, as well as even greater expectations and ideas of what to do next.

Thanks to my brother, Paul Wasylkevych, for the photos and assistance with the PowerPoint presentation.

Contemporary Beadwork in Ukraine at UMA, OH

2010-08-02T19:34:00.021-04:00

On the way to Philadelphia for Bead Fest, we'll be stopping at the Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Ohio on Aug 13th and 14th. I'll be presenting my Contemporary Beadwork in Ukraine and a Trunk Show Friday evening.

I've pulled the best photos of the most fascinating beadwork seen in my many recent trips to Ukraine. You'll see several bead artists/vendors at the Vernisage, a piazza full of folk art next to the Lviv Opera. Visit master craftspeople’s homes. See how the rich legacy of beadwork evolved into contemporary colored accessories. You’ll be amazed at the variety of beadwork styles, bead embroidery, wire bead flowers, beaded eggs... and more.

My RYPAN DESIGNS Trunk Show will feature books, beadwork kits and patterns related to Ukrainian-inspired themes and more. Refreshments will be served.

There will be two Gerdany Beadwork Workshops on Saturday for an excellent hands-on intro to the world of beadwork. Be sure to sign up for classes. This could be your new hobby! Advance registration required for workshops. Space is limited. See www.umacleveland.org Contact: (216) 781-4329 or email staff@umacleveland.org Ukrainian Museum-Archives Inc., 1202 Kenilworth Avenue, Cleveland OH 44113-4417

Wintery visit to the museum in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland

Ivan Franko statue by Alexander Archipenko (1887-1964)

Two BEADWORK Favorites Stitches

2010-08-02T18:49:00.010-04:00

“Fan Wheel Necklace” & “Scythian Gold” by Maria Rypan

These two projects were reprinted in BEADWORK Presents: Favorite Bead Stitches. Interweave Press LLC, 2010: 100-105.

The Fan Wheel Necklace was inspired by contemporary beadwork seen at the Vernisage, an art piazza in Lviv, Ukraine. The wheel is a circular fan whose points are topped with crystals and whose shape echoes through the wavy crystal-studded band. It was originally published in Aug 2007.

The Scythian Gold is a twist on contemporary Ukrainian beadwork. The V-shaped netted collar features an embellished diamond-shaped opening. The project’s name relates to one of the original habitants of Ukraine, the Scythians. It was published in Aug 2009 following my interview "A Conversation on Ukrainian-Style Beadwork with Maria Rypan" on pgs. 60-62.

Crystal encrusted open diamond in the Table of Contents

Mi'kmaq Museum, NS

2010-07-27T21:44:00.013-04:00

Travel necessities - map, camera, beads, stringing material, brochures

Mother Nature forced us to find an indoor activity. The Glooscap Heritage Centre in Truro, NS had an amazing bilingual multimedia presentation about the history and folklore of First Nations people and early European immigrants.

The artifacts were displayed in cabinets equipped with press buttons which shed light on the objects when touched. While this was a great preservation idea, it was a bit of a challenge when taking pictures. We had fun trying to photograph the displays with one hand on the button and one on the camera. No complaints when a friend pressed the far corner one for an overall lit shot.

Here are two examples of traditional quill work with an introduction of a beaded trim. These are ideal for inclusion in my new seminar "Embellishing Your World: Beading and Surface Designs" which I will be presenting at the Creativ Festival this October.

Tidal Bore at Tidal View Farm, NS

2010-07-22T23:27:00.022-04:00

View of St. Croix River, Tidal View Farm, NS, 5:19 PM

We had an opportunity to marvel at Mother Nature's powers at the Tidal View Farm situated half way between the North Pole and the equator. This vista was perfectly situated overlooking an expanse of the Miller Creek of the St. Croix River flowing from the Minas Basin of the Bay of Fundy near Windsor, NS.

The Tidal Bore occurs as the incoming tide "works its way" up a river which is flowing downstream to the sea. The first photo shows the incoming tide as it advances against the current of the natural flow of the river. The last shows the wide river bed full of water in a very short period of time.

Check the schedule for the twice daily tidal bores for the day you plan to come. It's worth rearranging your itinerary!

Close-up of first whirlpool created by the bore

The elbow of the river filling in

Swirling of the two currents create white caps

Wide river bed was filled in a scant 10 miniutes

Bead Oasis first time in Halifax, NS

2010-07-22T22:35:00.028-04:00

Textured Net class photo by CTV reporter

Day I: These ladies definitely enjoyed my Netting Intro class at the Canadian Bead Oasis Show. They got to choose their style from an assortment of beadwork kits so we could get right to learning about beadweaving and the technique. We were thrilled to be filmed while beading during class and then again at the end when one student gave feedback about the workshop. CTV ran this with their feature about the first bead show ever coming to Halifax on "Live at Five".

Jean and Maria showing off their 'V's

Day 3: Jean wears her Scythian Gold V necklace which she started in a 3-hour Friday afternoon class. On Saturday she brought in the embellished mirror image of what she began the day before to my Cascading Twig Chip class. Since the bulk was done, I joked about completing the whole thing for the end of the show. That evening Jean managed to finish the netted bands and make a beaded ball clasp for her necklace. Here she is wearing the finished piece on Sunday. That's determination... inspiration...

Lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, NS

It wasn't all hard work in the Maritimes.... I went on the Harbour Hopper Tour on Saturday evening. We got a chance to see Peggy's Cove before and after the show. There were rocks to climb, quaint coves and a tidal bore to see. Now there's a ton of photos to sort through but excellent memories of the spectacular scenery.

Coca Cola Extravaganza

2010-07-01T20:31:00.013-04:00

Here's my birthday gift creation for a dear friend who LOVES Coca Cola in all shapes and forms. The commemorative soccer balls bottles for FIFA World Cup started it.

Coca Cola caps discovered at the Bead & Button Show made the wearable component of my gift possible. The decoupage beads were made in the Philippines for fellow vendor Priscilla Marban. I chose five different cap styles so I could get a bit of a pattern going. There were many more themes to choose from.

I started stringing the necklace the evening before at the Meet-Up for Toronto beaders in High Park. It was a chilly evening, but in good company and with extra heat from blankets, we kept on beading. The necklace has assorted seed beads strung in between the large disks. Once the cream & gold caps were exhausted, I made a bracelet with the remaining four red ones. For packaging I used the cleverly-designed fountain cup from our travels back from Milwaukee. It was perfect for the "Coca Cola Extravaganza" accessories.

Dolores, the birthday girl, loved it all.

Beading on the go

2010-06-28T00:00:00.023-04:00

V08-3a - Pearl Crystal Drop 'V' - Interlock Band

My best beading time is when I’m traveling to bead shows or for vacation. I can bead on a Chinet® plate on my knee in planes and trains, but find the lap tray works best for automobiles. Best of all, the tray doubles up as a handy navigational tool for my maps, brochures and wallet for tolls, as well as the beadwork kit.

I’ve also found I can photograph my work as we’re driving. Somehow the speed of the camera is in sync with my husband's driving. This discovery is a time saver because there is no creative down time. Just tested out the iPhone for this 'gerdan' and voila, here are the results in motion.

So, take your beading wherever you go. You never know when the opportunity to bead presents itself...

Happy beading!

Netted 'V' in progress taken by an iPhone on I-94 en route to Chicago

Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair

2010-05-02T00:22:00.008-04:00

TW-WL-TM3 - Pearl Twig Willow Twist

SWG4-810 - Refined Pearl Swags

Rypan Designs at the Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair, Spring 2010

This was taken on Day 1 of the Bead Fair at the CNIB, a bright and airy room. There's one piece of artwork on the wall and I'm right in front of it. Some say the art is overwhelming, but I find it novel and fresh. It provides me with an extra ledge to display my beadwork easels. Can you see me? How about all my beadwork kits and patterns? It's amazing what folks have been zeroing in on. It's fun! Sunday is the last day...

Metallic Twist Collection

2010-04-26T00:01:00.025-04:00

CLMN-TM1 - Twisted Columns Bracelet

TW-WL-TM1 - Twig Willow Twist

Here's my newest contemporary 'gerdan' collection created around exquisitely twisted bugles with a metallic edge from the Czech Republic. It has coordinating metallic-lined drops and triangle beads and comes in copper and bronze gold.

The wider twisted bugles and copper-lined drops were used in the bracelet. The finer bugles and triangle beads were used in the necklace choker. Metallic seed beads were used sparingly to frame the twisted bugles and make the drops and triangles pop. Twig Willow Choker looks nice up worn up high.

Beadwork kits and patterns will be ready for the Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair this weekend. Contact me if you would like one or the full set. Check my Events for upcoming bead shows. It never seizes to amaze me how beadwork comes together when you keep asking, "What if?". It's fascinating and fun.

TW-WL-TM3 - Twig Willow Twist

Pearl Drop Crystal 'V's

2010-04-14T21:39:00.020-04:00

V08-3a - Pearl Drop Crystal 'V' - Interlocking Band

Here's the latest creation ready with full instructions in beadwork kit or pattern form in time for teaching this weekend at the Ottawa Bead Society.

It began with a "What IF?" and the 'gerdan' morphed into these two necklace. This is a springtime variation of the Opulent Crystal 'V'. The interlocking band was tightened by alternating four seed beads instead of five. Swarovski pearls added drama. Then I thought of just suspending the netted 'V' from a string of luxurious pearls? I like it! Would you believe there are five different sizes of pearls between the two variations?

V08-3b - Pearl Drop Crystal 'V' - Strung Pearls

This is so new, you'll just have to ask for it. I'll get it and other new goodies into the Catalogue in May. Better yet, come to see them in person to the Toronto Bead Society's Bead Fair May 1st & 2nd or Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee.

Beaded Eggs & Greeting Cards

2010-04-02T02:39:00.024-04:00

Beaded Eggs by Vira Pavlova-Witkowska, Lviv, Ukraine

as seen in "A Conversation on Ukrainian-Style Beadwork with Maria Rypan",

BEADWORK, Oct/Nov 2009

Best wishes for a Happy and Blessed Easter full of peace, health and God's blessings. May you enjoy a springtime full of creativity.

Last week I created a greeting card with the above image as an Easter/note card. There were a lot of people to thank in the past two months of travel and presentations, bead shows and workshops. Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts (ACUA), Edmonton and all the museums; Kule Folklore Centre at the University of Alberta, Grand River Beads and Gift Gallery, OH; Beads N'More and Hall of Fame Bead Guild, OH; GLBG, MI; Canadian Oasis Shows to name a few.

If you'd like to purchased beaded eggs or cards, please let me know. I have a few of Vira's eggs, as well as cards for sale. This just could be a start of a new line...

Happy Easter,

Maria

Frosty Magic in Edmonton

2010-02-20T22:55:00.016-05:00

Have you ever seen anything like it? This is Mother Nature's handiwork outside my hosts Sonia and John's home. It happened on a bright sunny morning in the north end of Edmonton. It's hoare frost on the weeping birch tree and the mountain ash with a bird feeder. Amazing... what an inspiration for beaded Twig Cascades and Twig Willows.

Upcoming "White Aster" Photo Album

2010-02-02T23:11:00.019-05:00

Maria & Iryna Senyk review fashion sketches, 1990

I'm strolling down memory lane while putting together a Photo Album of Iryna Senyk's “White Aster of Love” Book Project by the UCWLC St. Demetrius Branch, Toronto (1989 - 1992 and beyond).

This will be an on-screen photo show which will retell the story of how the Project mushroomed from simply designing dresses from smuggled fashion sketches of a former political prisoner from Ukraine in 1989 to having her poetry translated and published in a deluxe art book. I was the fashion designer of the “Iryna Senyk” embroidered dresses, did the layout and design of the “White Aster of Love” book, produced a Gala Premiere Book Launch at the Marriott Hotel in 1992 and subsequent travelling "Tribute to Iryna" slide show. I will be presenting the Powerpoint "Album" Monday, Feb. 8th, 8. p.m. at the UCWLC meeting at St. Demetrius Church in Toronto. I hope my tribute to Senyk, whose poetry, fashion sketches and miniature embroideries inspired the bilingual "White Aster" book, will remind the ladies how the League's involvement brought Senyk's poetry and embroidery to the world.

Folks will be amazed by the scope and breadth of this project. All welcome.

Art of Gerdan - Edmonton

2010-01-17T19:58:00.010-05:00

From Feb 11 to 15th I'll be doing my own mini Olympics in Edmonton as guest of Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts (ACUA) “Art of Gerdan”.

I'll be giving two presentations and beading workshops at each of three cultural venues. Looking forward to visiting the Kule Folklore Centre at the University of Alberta. The Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada Edmonton Eparchy at Josaphat's Cathedral and Ukrainian Museum of Canada at St. John's Cultural Centre both have Museum Tours included with the "Art of Gerdan" event. Everyone interested in beading is welcome to come. Be sure to register for workshops. Click for brochure. For details by date, visit Canadian Events.

Christmas Concert

2010-01-10T23:25:00.029-05:00

When in Toronto, I sing in a church choir. Sunday, Jan 10th, St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir and Musicus Bortnianskii had a Christmas Concert of the most beautiful, rarely heard carols in N.A. Our conductor, Myron Maksymiw, manages to find rare gems and works hard to get us to tell the stories with our voices, intonations.

We were joined by the "Zoloti Struny" (Golden Strings) bandurist ensemble. Special guests from Ukraine played ancient carols on the "tsymbaly", a dulcimer-like instrument, and the "sopilka", a wooden wind instrument. They too were wonderful!! Each group had a little girl, who like an angel, rang a little bell perfectly! Every one was in awe. The evening was an absolute success!

Our modern church was beautifully decked out for Christmas. The choir ladies wore embroidered blouses, each one a work of art. I'm second from the right and here is my "sorochka" up close.

"Sorochka", late XIX-early XX century, Ukraine

Wool thread embroidery and seed beads on homespun even-count fabric.

The blouse has an added plain underskirt meant to be worn with an overwrap and finished with a wide "krajka" sash.

Close-up of sleeve head. "Kucheryavyj" (curly stitch) embroidery with seed bead embellishment

Christmas Beaded Tree ornament

2010-01-06T06:44:00.000-05:00

This is a great ornament for Ukrainian Christmas Eve! As you can see, the Beaded Tree looks great when it's hanging freely. Beads were playfully strung on fine wire inside a metal cut-out attached to a burnished copper shape. A large bead above the tree serves as the topper and connection to the hook for hanging this fun ornament.

To those who celebrate according to the Julian calendar, best wishes for a Blessed Christmas.

Радісних Свят Різдва Христового та Щасливого Нового Року!

Веселих Свят!

Jo-Ann's Snowflake ornament

2010-01-03T06:44:00.001-05:00

This Snowflake was a gift from my friend and samplemaker Jo-Ann. It's netting, beadweaving, at it's best. The little red stars are a R.A.W. detail which makes this snowflake one-of-a-kind.

Fan Wheel Snowflake ornament

2009-12-31T06:44:00.007-05:00

This is my Deluxe Fan Wheel snowflake gracing the Christmas Tree. I love how the Crystal AB Swarovski crystals reflect the miniature tree lights. Being 3-D, it looks wonderful from all angles.

It's available in a beadwork kit or in Beaded Ornaments for the Holidays and Beyond book from BeadStyle magazine.

Best wishes for a Creative New Year!

Zulu Angel ornament

2009-12-27T21:16:00.007-05:00

This angel ornament was made by Zulu women. The heavier wire outline has free-form beadweaving inside. Contrast wings and trim around give this angel a personality.

Legend of the Spider and Christmas Tree

2009-12-24T16:10:00.009-05:00

This beaded ornament represents the spider that saved Baby Jesus’ life in the legend told to me by my teacher friend.

When King Herod was going to kill off innocent babies after Jesus was born, Joseph took Mary and the baby to escape the city so Jesus would not be killed. They ended up in the hills past the city. Mary had to stop and feed the baby. They hid in one of the caves where a spider wove a web at the entrance. When the soldiers came by looking for baby Jesus, they passed the cave where the Holy Family was hidden because the spiderweb was intact.

Best wishes for a Blessed Christmas.

Little Christmas Tree

2009-12-22T16:02:00.007-05:00

Here's our little tree full of handmade ornaments. It was decorated by my husband as I baked cookies from my favorite recipes. I enjoy giving mini paper-plated cookies as gifts. The fun is to bake a variety of flavors, shapes, and textures. Best of all, there's no trace after I split them amongst family and friends. I didn't say there weren't any calories. Yum....

As time goes on, I'm going to show off the different beaded ornaments from my gorgeous little tree. We Ukrainians have a long Christmas season between the Dec 25th (Gregorian) and Jan 7th (Julian) calendars.

Off to Detroit to start the with "Sviat Vechir", a traditional Christmas Eve celebration on Dec 24th. Merry Christmas!

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-17T16:47:00.006-05:00

Last weekend we went on our annual Christmas Tree hunt with friends in Erie, PA. Even Eugene's goddaughter can home from Scotland's year of study for this not-to-be-missed event. What a difference a day makes! Friday's driving trip was cancelled because of snow and I-90 road closures. However, Saturday was absolutely gorgeous and picture perfect as we drove in from Toronto. It was exactly as I ordered... "roads clear with lots of snow on the side!". We did manage to find the perfect tree. Played in the snow like kids... It was exhilerating!

Later that evening, we attended a Nativity play called "House of Hope". It was really well done and helped put the season in perspective. Let's all share a little kindness.

Best wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Creative New Year!

Iryna Senyk Memorial - White Aster of Love

2009-12-06T22:56:00.028-05:00

TORONTO - I had a chance to talk about the White Aster of Love project at the "Метелики спогадів" memorial tribute for Iryna Senyk on Dec 6, 2009. Pictured with me is UCWLC member Bozhena Iwanusiw who often visited Iryna in Ukraine and attended her funeral Oct 27, 2009 in Lviv. I'm holding my portfolio of embroidered garments created from Iryna's 50 fashion sketches smuggled out in 1989.

The publication of White Aster of Love and its gala multimedia book launch in 1992 was my most satisfying accomplishment to date. I was commissioned by UCWLC St. Demetrius branch in Toronto as the fashion designer to help interpret Iryna Senyk’s unique fashion sketches into wearable art. I consulted with 27 women and helped each one recreate a dress style based on the sketches, as well as embroidered samplers trying out their colour schemes. Then I designed and produced the bilingual deluxe book shown below. Iryna’s poetry was translated into English and each one was illustrated by her unique charted miniature embroideries. On Sep 27, 1992, each lady modeled her dress at the premiere fashion show which included a montage of Iryna's poems, transparencies of her fashion sketches and show of original embroidered creations at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom in Toronto. Iryna's presence at the Book Launch was our dream come true because after all, it was her poetry and fashion sketches. Afterwards, 1,000 books were shipped to Ukraine for distribution to schools and libraries. The Premiere show was repackaged into a traveling slide show which made its rounds around Ontario, Montreal and Detroit, USA.

Iryna Senyk, poet, former political prisoner who spent 34 years in Soviet hard-labor camps and exile, member of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Helsinki Group (UHG), died on October 25, 2009 at the age of 83. Indescribable suffering, hunger, degradation, failed to crush her invincible spirit.

May Her Memory be Eternal!

"Вічна її пам'ять"

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T16:02:00.012-05:00

Since Canadian Thanksgiving, second Monday in October, was spent in MI at GLBG Bead Bonanza, I declared Sunday, Nov 22, Thanksgiving Day. This is my one chance to prepare an American-style celebration for Canadian relatives in Toronto.

We had fun with the fresh new set-up for our dinner. The large square table (really two 5'-ers) was a hit! A single square tablecloth set on its point provided an inviting surface for the delectable dishes, while the new gift "turkey" place mats designated every one's place. A glass "turkey" wine stopper and ceramic "turkey" added to the decor. The mandarins and pomegranate were real, as was the official turkey carving at the table. My sister-in-law's pie topped off the evening! Yum......

Best wishes for a blessed Thankgiving to you and yours.

"Around the Wheel" with Margie Deeb

2009-11-18T19:26:00.022-05:00

Thanks to Toronto Bead Society for inviting color expert Margie Deeb to Toronto last week. I was thrilled to be in town and in Margie's class about the Color Wheel. Not only is she a keen-eyed intuitive artist with a passion for color and author, but she is also a wonderful teacher.

Color theory came alive with colored pencils used to fill in appropriate slices on miniature wheel graphs. The complimentary "cmy primary mixing wheel" spinner quickly became an indispensable tool.

The challenge of combining paint swatches into pleasing color palettes was great fun! There was a synergy with everyone learning from each others combos. And the learning didn't stop there. At the TBS meeting Nov 11th, Margie showed "Finding Inspiration Anywhere" with examples of extracting colors for beading. What a perfect conclusion to a colorful day!

Top l-r: Maria, Bennett McCardle and Margie Deeb. Bennett is wearing a medallion from one of my loomwork classes. Bottom l-r: Maria, Margie and Jackson Dunlop with swatches galore. Thanks to Jo-Ann Woolverton for the photos.

Rypan Designs in Dutch newspaper

2009-11-10T09:28:00.015-05:00

What a thrill it was to hear back from Sandra once she returned home to Holland! In her quest to learn everything she possibly could about beadwork, Sandra found the Oasis Bead Show on the internet. She came to Toronto specifically for the show and managed to cram in seven workshops in the space of three days. As her first "teacher", I was proud of her accomplishments in my "Suspended Swags" beadweaving class and gave her a copy of my BEADWORK Oct/Nov 2009 as a souvenir.

After a brief visit to New York City with bags full of tools and beads, Sandra delivered on her promise of getting her story about her beadwork odyssey published in a Dutch newspaper. Here's the intro in translation:

"Sandra's Atelier/Sieradenparadijs has already got a good name on beautifull and her exclusive jewelry, but Sandra is always looking for new posibilities to make the new trends and techniques fit in collection......"

Visit Sieraden Paradijs. Engage the translator. Better still, the eye candy needs no translation.

Silver Shadow Snowflake Collection

2009-11-03T12:09:00.007-05:00

A very unique and $$ Vitrial Czech 6/ seed bead inspired this Limited Edition. As seen above, they work beautifully as the inner circle and base for Swarovski Silver Shadow 6mm crystal tips on the 20mm or 30mm twisted bugle V's. I love how this Vitrial combo has transformed the pictured elegant 3-D Snowflake into chic ornaments.

These Silver Shadow Snowflakes, as well as the entire collection of pearl and Swarovski Crystal AB bicones on bugles ranging from 15mm to 30mm, straight or twisted, will be available at The Hobby Show. Write or call for your choice of one or 3-pack Snowflake beadwork kits.

Crystal Elevation Bracelet

2009-11-03T11:42:00.007-05:00

Seems I'm on a Vitrial kick this season! Here's my "Crystal Elevation" solid Swarovski Bracelet developed specially for the Creativ Festival last month. There are a few left. Then there's a "Margarita" bracelet with round Vitrial crystals on the base...

The chic Vitrial Snowflakes and a few bracelets will be available at The Hobby Show or by simply contacting me directly.

Painted Stripes Collection

2009-10-27T19:45:00.027-04:00

An impulse purchase of two hanks of uniquely hand-painted

pony beads with fun-colored lining inspired this collection.

I found less is more when you have such amazing miniature

art beads. Teaming them with jet black showed off the

multi-stripes best. Strategically placing them in simple

beadweaving patterns also worked well. These three styles

are a great place to learn bead weaving. There's netting in

form of a Textured Net Lantern necklace or as a Chicklet

Bracelet. Try the Diagonal Weave with enough beads for a

bracelet and necklace or lanyard. Make a great fashion

statement with these fun accessories.

This Painted Stripes Bead Kit Collection is a very

Limited Edition. It will be launched at the TBS Bead Fair

this weekend and hopefully be available for the next one

at The Hobby Show in Toronto.

Fall Bead Fair season

2009-10-22T13:09:00.000-04:00

Last week's Creativ Festival in Toronto kept me super busy with teaching and exhibiting. There were so many styles of beadwork kits and patterns, I displayed the easel overflow on the well-lit shelving unit in back of the booth. You can easily check out the styles one by one in my catalogue.

Here's the overall booth display with Jo-Ann, my #1 assistant, sample beader and blog guru, in the midst of it all on the morning of Day #1.

My next show will be on Halloween Weekend at the Toronto Bead Society Bead & Jewellery Fair. The show will be held at the CNIB, a new venue easily accessible by TTC. I look forward to exhibiting in one large room with fellow beaders, lampworkers, suppliers of beads and findings. There's classes too! Come, be inspired and stock up!

This will be followed Nov. 6 to 8th by a new venture, The Hobby Show, where I am going to bring beadwork to a whole new audience of hobby enthusiasts. Click and get a discount show coupon and see the variety of activities, seminars and races, in addition to our beadwork demos in Booth #115.

Fall Bead Shows

2009-10-13T09:44:00.000-04:00

Just returned from GLBG's Bead Bonanza where I displayed my latest article and dolly wearing the Platinum and Champagne Gold "Scythian Gold" Triple V featured in BEADWORK Oct/Nov 2009.

Since the warm woolies season is fast approaching, make your own Star Pin shown on the chenielle scarf. The stars are suspended from netting which is cleverly attached to three loops of a kilt pin. It's an instant gratification project ready in minutes. 50% off for readers of this blog and at the upcoming Creativ Festival, Oct. 16 to 18th, in Toronto, booth #534.

The New Pathway reprints "Conversations..."

2009-10-09T00:48:00.003-04:00

Hot off the press! The New Pathway, a Ukrainian weekly newspaper in Toronto, did a great job with "Gerdany - Past to Present: A Conversation With Maria Rypan on Ukrainian-Style Beadwork" on its Culture page 8. This was possible thanks to permission from BEADWORK magazine to reprint my interview from the Oct/Nov 2009 issue. The photo of editor Melinda Barta and myself holding the article at my booth at Bead Fest, PA, show what I'm up to these days. The photo of my "Scythian Gold" gives an idea of my project following the BEADWORK article. Catch it on the newsstand.

Love the New Pathway banner with my Crystal Wedding neckpiece for Sonia Kulyk.

Fall Studio Tour

2009-10-04T21:29:00.000-04:00

Another glorious day of exploring the back roads of Ontario....

On the way back from singing with my choir at a Barrie, ON church, we followed "Wallhangings" signs right through a series of winding roads up to a log home in a spectacular natural surrounding. Here we met Peachie Hill and her Dream Weavings hung outside on driftwood hangers all around the square log walls of her home. This was the most memorable visit! We also toured two studios on the Caledon Hills Studio Adventure route. Stone Ridge Studio was full of leather handcrafts. There were flora and fauna creations, as well as leather beads and disks strung into innovative neckpieces and accessories. The photo of the blazing tree against their home sums up the day. Randy McLeod's turned wood vessels were as much of a visual treat, as the locale. This was a great day was for the soul.

2010 Toronto Bead Society Calendars

2009-10-03T21:03:00.000-04:00

The 2010 Toronto Bead Society Calendars are ready. Since I've been a Calendar Girl four straight years, my "Scythian Gold" is pictured on the "cream of the crop" page. This year's proceeds go to Bloorview Kids Foundation and the Bravery Beads program. A $10 donation will help children turn disability to possibility, while the calendar will inspire you all year round with awesome beadwork. Would you like one?

Catch BEADWORK, Oct/Nov 2009 on the newstand

2009-09-30T23:49:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-28T15:33:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-25T11:09:00.000-04:00

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.