Beadwork

June 09, 2008

Monday Monday

Every once in a while I come across a site that I'm sure I must be the last to discover, but just in case, I'm going to tell you about it anyway: Fiber Arts Calls for Entry is just what it says, a fantastic aggregate of opportunities for textile artists.

Via Fibercopia, I found One World Textiles. My Australian readers may know this site already. I would say that this is eye candy for global textile lovers, but on a long walk this morning through a glorious green landscape under blue sky, I decided that "eye candy" isn't really an appropriate term for things that are really eye and soul nourishment. That's what these textiles are -- every thread has a soul, indeed. And check out the book list -- more than a hundred great recommendations on global textiles. It's sending me to the library.

We've had thunderstorms and windstorms in the past couple of weeks -- with a couple of four- and five-hour power outages (inevitably right after buying a refrigerator full of groceries). It's made me acutely aware of how dependent I am on electricity. So what can you do when there's no computer, sewing machine, stove, iron, radio or CD player? Why, hand stitching, of course. I began some bead embroidery yesterday -- something I really go in phases with, and find deeply meditative and healing when the time is right.

A quick follow-up on the colonoscopy: It's so not bad. If it's on your list, do it. I'm telling you, if they marketed it as a Total Spa Cleanse with Brief Induced Nap, they'd have no problem at all getting people there. I felt great the next day.

February 21, 2008

The Bead Whisperer

The New York Times has a lovely and sort of poignant article about Bessie Nelson, who has been hand-beading costumes for Broadway, inaugural ball gowns for First Ladies, and outfits for celebrities for 68 of her 77 years: "Puttin' On the Razzle-Dazzle, One Bead at a Time" (free registration required).

My Photo

Professional Background/Resume

Books and Reports by Elaine Lipson

Selected Articles by Elaine Lipson

Elaine's 10 Qualities of Slow Cloth

  • Joy
    Slow Cloth has the possibility of joy in the process. In other words, the journey matters as much as the destination.
  • Contemplation
    Slow Cloth offers the quality of meditation or contemplation in the process.
  • Skill
    Slow Cloth involves skill and has the possibility of mastery.
  • Diversity
    Slow Cloth acknowledges the rich diversity and multicultural history of textile art.
  • Teaching
    Slow Cloth honors its teachers and lineage even in its most contemporary expressions.
  • Materials
    Slow Cloth is thoughtful in its use of materials and respects their source.
  • Quality
    Slow Cloth artists, designers, crafters and artisans want to make things that last and are well-made.
  • Beauty
    It's in the eye of the beholder, yes, but it's in our nature to reach for beauty and create it where we can.
  • Community
    Slow Cloth supports community by sharing knowledge and respecting relationships.
  • Expression
    Slow Cloth is expressive of individuals and/or cultures. The human creative force is reflected and evident in the work.