For Nicole's Sunday in the Art Room I want to show you the exquisite beadwork of my friend Susan.
Susan and I "met" when we were both writing for Vision and Verb in the 2010s. In 2015, when we did a college trip with Kaefer to look at the University of Boulder and the School of Mines, we stopped for a Christmas Day community breakfast in Manitou Springs, CO, where we finally met in person. It turned into a wonderful morning; we - Susan and her husband Larry, the Geek, Kaefer and I - got along from the very start, there were good conversations and lots of laughter was involved.
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We stayed in touch after the end of Vision and Verb. Susan is a wizard in beadwork (and much more), and when she recently posted a picture of her "Flame" earrings on Instagram I asked her if I can buy a pair. She then came up with the idea of a trade - a handful of my photo cards for a pair of earrings. Deal.
The earrings arrived yesterday (Saturday) in the beautiful handmade little pouch you can see in the top photo. The quote by John Muir "Going to the mountains is going home" really speaks to me. She also included the bird feather.
The earrings are stunning.
She let me choose from two lengths and I opted for the longer ones. I am so glad I did!
You can see more of Susan's beadwork and her other art (stitiching, leather, clay) on her Instagram .
This is a lovely post. Meeting up with blogging friends is always a joy. I do like her earring and they look amazing on you. Thank you for sharing with SITAR.
ReplyDeleteThe craftsmanship on those "Flame" earrings is absolutely incredible, and trading them for your photo cards makes them even more special. There is nothing better than an artist-to-artist swap, especially when it connects back to a friendship that started online and turned into a wonderful real-life holiday memory. That little John Muir pouch and the feather are such thoughtful extra touches, too. You definitely made the right call going with the longer length, they look stunning.
ReplyDeleteWorking with those teeny beads is definitely an art! And meet-ups are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you met online and then in person and have maintained a friendship and bonding through your creative work. The earrings that Susan sent and the packaging as well were lovely and an exchange was a great idea. I'm sure you will think of Susan whenever you wear the errings as she will think of you when using the photo cards.
ReplyDeleteDear Carola, the snowy picture immediately caught my attention. I am a winter fan and the forecast is 35C this week. I know I will be longing for the cold winter days when I wipe my forehead with sweat.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that occurred to me is that my ears are not pierced. They won’t be anymore, so I can only see the earrings in other people's ears. For example, in yours now. :)
I discovered a tiny metal dragonfly on that little bag. I have a necklace with a similar one on it.
All the best to you! Éva from Hungary
...I wish that my readers list was timely, this post first appeared now. It's pleasure to make new, crafty friends.
ReplyDeleteThis post must have been lost in the ether, Carola, because it just moments ago made an appearance in my reading list. The earrings are stunning and you look - get ready - BEAUTIFUL. If ever there was a better pair of ears for those earrings to dangle from, I don’t know where it is. Lobe excellence on display! Hugs and admiration - David
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous earrings Carola, and they look great on you. When you first mentioned beaded earrings, I was wondering how they would be. But that gorgeous top and the colors really make them special. And like Tom's comment, this just showed up this morning on my reading list. :) hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteGift exchange is always a lot of fun. That is a very lovely gift. Not only the earrings, the bag is wonderful too! Enjoy.
ReplyDelete-Soma
The earrings fit you perfectly. Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteThe earrings Susan made are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteExchanging art feels like such a perfect way to celebrate that bond--you’ll think of her each time you wear them, just as she’ll remember you when she looks at your photo cards.
Son preciosos los pendientes y te quedan muy bien. Besos.
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