In a world where everything is manufactured and jobs are leaving the country, it's difficult for a striving artist to really reach the masses. Here's a glimpse into the creations that I design and bring to life as an artist!
More info: thebeadmusetx.com
Mini Tree Sculpture
The hardest part of being an artist is that money has to be spent on art supplies, materials, printing and shipping supplies, tools of the trade, and sometimes *gasp* tutorials. Time has to be taken to get truly good at your chosen method/s. Most people take years to develop their skills!
(Crafted on petrified wood, which I collected in Harris County, Texas. Garnet leaves on raw copper wire.)
A Custom Piece
They say it takes 10,000 hours of practice before one can call themselves an expert.
Have you ever done the math on that?
That's 416.67 (rounded up to two decimal places) days. That's 51.67 days more than an entire year.
That is 59 weeks!!
Have you ever done the math on that?
That's 416.67 (rounded up to two decimal places) days. That's 51.67 days more than an entire year.
That is 59 weeks!!
(One of my most recent custom orders. I love making my steampunk'd heart pendants. And this one was specifically ordered to have the Deathly Hallows included in it. And a "wand" made of watch parts. ^_^)
Chainmaille Bracelets
59 weeks, if you never, ever stopped practicing. No stopping for food or sleep! No traveling to family or friends. NO POOPING. How dare you consider a restroom break! You're supposed to become a non-pooping art monk!
(This is Chainmaille. I picked up this amazing art form about 6 years ago, a little while into declaring to the world, I WILL BE AN ARTIST!)
Ammonites are Awesome.
But let's be real. Nobody in their right mind would spend that long learning something without a break. They would probably go mad. Most artists work when they have time. Between being a student, an employee, and/or a parent, many artists find themselves unable to pursue their dreams full time.
(A simply wrapped Cretaceous Ammonite with a fiery opal center. This beauty is wrapped in stainless steel... and as you can see it has some amazing druzy crystal pockets.)
Willow Tree Sculpture
As a "starving" artist, sometimes bringing my visions to life is difficult. Stress can often hinder the creative flow.
(This was a gift! I gave it to the guys of High Scale Reptiles and Enclosures for their work space. ^_^ a unique river stone, copper wire, and howlite stone leaves.)
Unique Fluorite pendant
Time, money, inspiration; if any of this is lacking, an artist can find themselves unable to bring their beauty into its final form.
(This is a sold piece, and one of my most unique Fluorite beads to date. I have not seen another as amazing as this. Tri-colored fluorite with three fiery Ethiopian Opal beads!)
Heart suncatcher
With a little ingenuity, though, sometimes we artists can bring our visions to life!
(A single strand suncatcher. Hand formed, recycled raw copper hearts and swirls, raw copper chainmaille jump rings, and beautiful glass beads. Did I mention that the hook is hand crafted too?)
Turquoise Tree Sculpture
Sometimes I catch a break and find amazing stones in unexpected places, such as garage sales, estate sales, and in washed out creek beds.
(This is a ONE OF A KIND beauty. Made with genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, silver plated copper wire, and a black tourmaline base. The turquoise is from the Sleeping Beauty mines in Arizona, which closed in 2012. This particular turquoise is becoming more rare.)
Another Heart Suncatcher
I often use recycled copper wire in my suncatchers. I sometimes get it from electricians, and other times we get it from friends who are remodeling their homes.
(This single strand beauty is hand formed from raw, recycled copper links. I wire wrapped them with glass beads. This piece includes a vintage-style reproduction chandelier crystal.)
(This single strand beauty is hand formed from raw, recycled copper links. I wire wrapped them with glass beads. This piece includes a vintage-style reproduction chandelier crystal.)
Custom Flower Suncatcher
Recycling copper wire enables me to be able to experiment without worrying about ruining a project. I have learned some amazing techniques thanks to this!
(An incredible flower suncatcher made of raw, recycled copper and glass crystals This one includes an adorable dragonfly!)
Rhodonite Tree Sculpture
The best part about my trees is hand-choosing the base stones. I try to take little trips with my family to different areas and collect stones for my projects, but I also go to rock and mineral shops and find unique pieces for my projects!
(This one is pink tourmaline on Quartz. I used Rhodonite for the leaves and silver plated copper for the trunk, roots, and branches.)