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| Bethel Anthony's winning entry |
Had you previously done other art or
crafts before you started beading?
Yes, I have always done some kind of
craft. I grew up on a ranch and if we wanted something we usually made it.
Cardboard boxes became doll houses, wood slats became stilts, etc. I learned to
sew before I went to first grade. I have embroidered, done counted cross
stitch, dabbled in polymer clay and scrapbooking. I find bead weaving to be the
most satisfying of all.
What drew you to try beading?
I ordered a beaded banner kit and did
it. You know the kind with the big plastic pony beads. When I did the second
one, I thought, “I could do this with smaller beads and make a Christmas tree
ornament.”
That began my search for smaller beads that would work well. When I
found cylinder beads and learned that what I had done on the banner was
essentially peyote stitch, I started looking on the internet for peyote stitch
designs.
With that my passion blossomed.
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| This view shows a little more of the pattern-by Bethel Anthony |
What do you like about beading the best?
It satisfies my senses and my needs for
order, control and color. Weaving the beads together is extremely calming to
me. I love to sit down to a pattern and palette of beads and just get lost in
the rhythm of picking up a bead and pulling the thread through.
Peyote stitch
bead weaving using cylinder beads produces a feel like nothing else I have
experienced. The delicate, yet sturdy fabric made of only beads and threads
amazes me every time.
Looking at it makes me think of wonderful mosaic tiled
artworks. I consider it painting with beads. There are so many beautiful colors
and finishes to explore. Each bead makes a difference. Changing just a few
colors creates a whole different mood of the piece. The possibilities are
endless.
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| This is the reverse side with the sliding tube catch-by Bethel Anthony |
Where do you see yourself going with
your beading in the future? What do you want to do?
I am currently creating and selling
finished pieces and bead patterns. I want to continue doing both.
I hope to improve my designs and become
more artistic with them. I want to design more functional items like boxes and
card sleeves and needle cases. I have done a few of these, but I want to move
beading to more than just jewelry. I want to make things that people can enjoy
on a daily basis.
I really enjoy helping new beaders to learn beading as
enjoyment. I hope to be able to continue doing that. I prefer one to one
tutoring. There is no feeling like seeing someone suddenly “getting it”. That
gives me great joy.
You can see additional work and her patterns at these places:
