The Inspiration of Ukrainian Pysanky

The first hand-painting technique I want to show you is inspiring on so many levels. Variations and riffs on it can be applied to all sorts of hand painted objects including beads and pendants. It is the beautiful Ukrainian art form known as Pysanky.  Pysanky is an Easter egg decorating tradition. Using a wax resist method applied with a small stylus, the artist weaves layer upon layer of dye to create kaleidoscope effects and dazzling color combinations.

Bead Look Book and Some Eggs

I have been working on my design look-book for the last few weeks before I start painting new batches of beads with the new shape beads. This is my big book of designs I draw so when I am ready to paint new beads I can choose which style of filigree to paint or what theme I would like to work in.

Beadzig - The Great Bead Adventure

I'm Beadzig. I was once a bead. I don't remember exactly when I was made but I remember my cooling and seeing the world around me for the very first time. It was a very different world then.

New Shapes in the Studio! A week early

After hearing and reading about all the trouble people have been having with shipping and delays, I expected my shipment from overseas to take longer than expected. I even started a new small batch of beads and boxes to keep myself in the flow while I waited. Today, much to my surprise I go to my door and there is a little package waiting for me.

New Filigree and Swirl Painting Done!

I just finished the filigree painting on the black, red and gold design that I showed in process before. I also just completed painting a new batch of my garnet swirl design. Both the filigree and the swirls are just awaiting resin work now which will give them that thick, under glass finish. The colors really come alive then.

Hand Painted Traditions and Inspiration

The first beads and the first paintings both come from the cradle of our history as humans.  Thought to have originally been used to communicate and in ceremony; both are symbolic and carry stories that have been told since we have been sitting around fires. Both painting and beads have been elevated into the highest ranks of contemporary aesthetic expression.

Beadwork Magazine Loves My Beads!

It is with a lot of excitement that I get to now say that my beads are featured in the "Cool Stuff" section of Beadwork Magazine's Aug/Sep issue. Wow!

Solstice, Roses and Medicine Wheels

Happy Solstice Friends! Summer is really starting off with a lot of excitement. Not only did I get featured in Beadwork magazine, I got the coolest custom order for ten flat tab Tudor roses. They are one of my favorite designs and one of the most difficult beads to paint. It will take a few weeks to get them done. The designer is using them in the coolest and most