Did you know that there is an art form that is completely easy and
accessible to start, but that has unlimited capacity for increased
complexity? Or even weirdness?
What could be easier than stitching beads onto fabrics, creating a world of
color and texture and emotion? Of course as time goes on, you find yourself
wanting to add a whole bunch of other things besides just beads, and
sometimes you also find yourself stitching onto materials besides fabrics...
And so it goes. Mixed media bead embroidery has no boundaries, and sometimes it gets complicated.
So why bother? I mean, beadwork can be a ridiculously painstaking medium
for self-expression. Not all artists have the level of obsessive attention
to detail to choose this path. But those who do are rewarded beyond
measure. Not only by the work itself, but also by the inclusiveness of the
amazing community of beaders. There is always room for more members.
My goal is to help you find your way into this fabulous art form. Creating
innovative mixed media bead embroidery is my passion, and I want to share it
with you. In fact, the first chapter of my e-bookEvery Bead Has a Storyis
free. You can download it to see if this is a journey you'd like to take.
It covers my favorite materials, tools, and stitches, plus it has a beginner
project. Additional chapters focus on altered surfaces, dimensional
beading, found objects and unusual materials, and integrating bead
embroidery with other fiber arts.
Chapter 4 is free with the purchase of the first three chapters, even if you don't buy them at the same time. Upon confirming your purchase, I will email the final chapter to you at no extra cost!
My second e-book started out as just a little booklet to teach some handy
bezeling methods for bead embroidey. I was wrong though...there was much
more to say! Some Assembly Required covers bezeling many different sizes and shapes of cabochons, unifying your piece by adding texture, attaching all the
pieces together, and putting all the finishing touches onto your necklace.
New for 2017!! Bored By Back Stitch has been relaunched as a three chapter e-book rather than as separate chapters.
My third e-book grew from my desire to more fully use beadweaving stitches in my bead embroidery. Bored By Back Stitch teaches you how to create twelve different bead embroidery motifs, using nine different beadweaving stitches. You'll learn how beadweaving stitches can be morphed into beautiful bead embroidered motifs, created to surround and enhance your cabochons or accent beads, and to fill any open spaces in your bead embroidery designs. Later chapters add more stitches and textured surfaces like shibori pleated silk ribbon, metal mesh ribbon, and soutache braid to the mix.
Thanks to having a huge collection of vintage jewelry, much of it broken, I was inspired to work obsessively on integrating broken treasures more fully into mixed media bead embroidery pieces. What fun it was to make these bracelets, and it's even more fun to wear them! Arm Candy will show you how to upcycle and attach just about anything to your own work.
Cyndi Lavin's new e-book dishes out detailed information on beginning bead stitching served up with a generous helping of beautiful pictures that will guide the reader through every step necessary to master each stitch. The gallery designs and accompanying project are positively inspired and Ms. Lavin's considerable expertise and friendly voice make you feel as if you too can master this medium. ~ Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
This is the first of what I know we all hope will be many more e-books showcasing her amazing gift of beaded embroidery. ~TammyPowley, The Crafty Princess
I have always coveted these sorts of beaded collars, but had no idea until now where to begin and how to improvise. Cyndi explains to you how to do both.
~Jean Yates, Pretty Kitty Dog Moon Jewelry
I had a chance to read through the book and love how she wrote the instructions. It feels like she is right there talking you through it.
~Lisa Crone. A Bead a Day