"From the Museum's Trunk" Sorochky Exhibit at UNM, Chicago

Bead embroidered 'sorochka', UNM Collection

The embroidered "sorochky" exhibit opened Fri, Jun 9th, 2012, and will be on display for two months. There are 88 chemises from the Ukrainian National Museum Collection brilliantly exhibited on walls and a trunk, dramatically featured in a few frames and shown in full costume with bilingual ethnographic information. These were adorned with traditional beadwork: 'korali', 'gerdany', a Lemko 'kryza', a 'dukatch' pendant. And this the tip of the iceberg! There are about 158 'sorochky' from the XIX to XX centuries in their archives. See their video for an idea of what to expect.

East "sorochky' wall. Zakarpattia, Opillia & Volyn mannequins.

Row of "sorochky' on the east wall

The Dnipro Region, UNM Collection

On the way back from the Bead and Button show Monday we specially stopped in Chicago to view this folk art exhibit. Am I ever thankful we did! This was lucky for me, but I assure you this display is well worth the drive!!

Sorochky Exhibit at UNM, Chicago

Could not believe how prevalent the floral motif was in so many 'sorochky'... And how many interpretations and stylizations there were!! We left with a great respect for the culture, tradition, symbolism and awe at the genius of the creators of these works of art. 

I now have great material for future visual presentations. My next inspirational one is for this October's Creativ Festival. It's called "Nature Reinterpreted: Adornments and Decor".

From the East Wall of the Sorochky Exhibit

Bead & Button 2012

Maria is at the biggest consumer bead show, the Bead & Button Show, in Milwaukee, WI. this weekend.

Maria @ Rypan Designs booth #933

This is the place to meet and mingle with suppliers, magazine & book editors, other designers and of course fabulous beaders. In fact Maria says that many members of the Toronto Bead Society are at the show.

Here are a few more pictures of the booth. Hope to have more photos to share soon!

Beautifully lit booth

Back corner of booth

Looming in the Summer

Loomed by Pat Moore, Fall 2011

Beaders in the Guelph area will have the opportunity to learn about loomwork and create their our loomed necklace.

On three Tuesday evenings in July (3,10 &17), Maria will be teaching her loomwork series at the Crafter's Cupboard in Guelph, ON.

The first hour of the first evening will be an overview of the looming technique, with photos and finished pieces. You can sign up to attend just this part of the series if your want to have a better understanding of what goes into a loomwork piece.

The balance of evening one will be the pre-stringing of the looms.

Getting the warp threads on the loom

Making a design decision

Ready for weaving

 On week two we will get you started with actual weaving part of the design.

First woven beads

Pretty pattern

Week three finishing! This night will cover steps to complete your project, including joining the band to start weaving a mediallion or stringing swags and other final finishing.

Preparing band for mediallion

Weaving the mediallion

Stringing swag

Fringe is the final finishing step for mediallion style pieces. Some may be ready for this step if they are eager weavers between weeks 2 & 3.

Adding fringe

Most will have to do final finishing at home. 

If you are interested please contact Shelley at the Crafter's Cupboard to register.

revised June 9/12 by Jo-Ann