Miss Mabel Studio

Linda March 11th, 2007

    I had recently been intrigued with the idea of Icons, and found out that I really did not understand them at all. In my mind I thought of the ones that you see in Russian art galleries, glittery, gold-covered things, and in my confusion I thought that they were worshiped. Was I wrong. I stumbled across a book call “Icons, Doorway to the Sacred.” As I read this book, it was explained that icons are not idols, but a tool for meditation and contemplation of God and His nature/attributes. Icons are painted in such a way as to invite the viewer into a dialog with the Sacred. It is a long tradition that icons are painted in such a way as to be “read” by the viewer. Certain symbols evoked ideas and revelations about God.       

                                                               Skeleton Beaded Doll (OOAK) 2008

     A skeleton beaded doll I finished approx. two months ago.  I was going to put it in a gallery but decided to post it on my etsy site instead.  I was working at my desk one day and got a “flash” of inspiration.  I could “see” it and could hardly wait to see if I could create what I say in my mind.  I worked on at my kid’s school–got alot of comments, the usual “oh?!” to “Wow, that is so cool.”  I am getting better at dealing with the “publics” remarks and being ok how ALL types react.  Not everone will like what I do–but I should (right?!).  Back to the doll–it is about 3 1/2 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches at the shoulder.  I made the “face” bead out of paper clay (it has black seed beads for “eyes”).   

A Matter of Faith

Prior to this I had finished writing up an on-line “beaded Icon” class. I like to bead in between major projects, it helps me to slow down and unwind–I find beading very meditative. I listen to the radio or books on tape and shut the world out and play. I always look forward to Easter..the promise of new life. After a long dreary winter I thirst for that promise. So I created this “Icon.” I strived for it to be “egg” shaped and am not entirely pleased with it–it seems a little wonky to me but it is for my use only so I take comfort in that. I have been having a long drawn out argument/discussion with God and it has been very painful. I just keep going on and striving to trust, “as a matter of faith.” Inside of the piece I wrote out my desires and, I guess, prayers. Has it helped? I don’t know and really did not expect it too, but it has been a way to work out some of my feelings. It was hard to take a good picture of it because of the glass piece but I think the beading can be seen well (the picture under the glass is from a catholic pamphlet, “stations of the cross”, I liked the old fashioned look of it.)

beaded icon
I beaded this piece in 2005. It is approx. 7 inches by 2 1/2 inches.

another beaded icon

This was beaded in 2007 and is approx 4 inches tall by 1 1/2 inches wide.
It is called “Brother Sun and Sister Moon.” I created this as an anniversary present for my husband of 18 years (Oct 7 2007). I bought the face/s bead at a quilt show and had saved it for years with the thought of making an icon for him. The front of the icon has a big heart and 3 smaller flower beads–for our kids. The back has black beads but with spots of bright color. We have had our “dark” times in our marriage but have worked our way through those.

a gift for a good friend

This piece is very small. It fits in the palm of the hand.

It was inspired by a local bead artist, Megan Noel.

Beaded Fish

I bought the cat bead at a store called, Beads and Beyond in Belluvue, Wa. (oooh a very dangerous place!). The idea struck me as very funny to make a beaded fish swallowing a cat. The body is approx 4 inches long and about 1 1/2 inches wide. In total the piece is about 6 inches long.

Pins (Instant Ancestors)

No, these are “not” icons but rather more examples of my beading. I use copyright free images in the pins. They are peyote stitched around, glued to ulta suede (pins added) and then pichot stitched around. I sell these on my ETSY site for $15.00, in various galleries and will make them to order (for the same amount). I call them “Instant Ancestors”. If you are like me, the ones you got stuck with, you are less than thrilled by, so why not create some that you would be proud to wear on your chest???!!! Who will know??? I certianly won’t tell your mother!

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