Thursday, July 17, 2014

Bead Fest - Sneak Peek

When I sat down to write today's post I knew there was only one thing I could write about because right now there is only one thing on my mind...Bead Fest! It is finally dawning on me that in a little over 4 weeks time I will be boarding a plane at Heathrow airport and winging my way to Newark airport to meet my lovely AJE team mate Diana and that a few days later we will be heading off to Bead Fest...Oh My God!!

I have a lot to thank AJE for since this trip is only possible thanks to the kindness of some of my colleagues who are putting me up and showing me around during my two week stay in the US. Diana is not only hosting me for the first part of my visit but she has very generously invited me to have a small selection of my work available for sale on her Suburban Girl booth #471A - how cool is that!

Of course - now it's come down to making inventory it's a little more nerve wracking. We don't have bead shows on this scale in the UK and apart from a specialist lampworking event, I know of nothing that brings together such an awesome array of artisans as Bead Fest does. Intimidated... me...? you bet I am!

When I was trying to think about what to make I soon had a list as long as my arm and realised just as quickly that that wasn't practical and I had to be more selective.  As I'm working mostly in ceramic at the moment I knew that's what I wanted to concentrate on and I wanted to have some new things to show so, rather than make lists I did what I usually do and just sat down and started making.

So far I'm pretty happy with how it's going but what do you think..? Here's a little sneak peek at some of the things that might be going stateside with me...

I wanted to bring a little bit of England across the pond with me and what better from a country obsessed with tea than these cute little teapot charms/pendants in fun and funky brights...



Or rustic farmhouse hues. Many thanks to Jenny Davie-Reazor for the idea to add the drops of tea.


Lovely kites catching on a summer breeze...


A flotilla of sail boats....

It's still only nine months since I started working with clay, learning all the time and trying out new techniques like this painterly effect with under glaze on unglazed flecked stoneware...



And of course ammonites are always going to feature somewhere in my repertoire...


Since Bead Fest is in late summer I've also been thinking ahead to the next change in seasons...


And owls, there has to be owls...these are favourites from my bronze range and I think they cope quite well with the change of medium.


I do have a few other things that I've not started on yet (very busy few weeks ahead) and I do want to try and take some bronze pieces with me but it's a lot heavier to ship/carry.

If you're going to Bead Fest do come and say hello to the AJE team - as well as Diana and myself, Jen, Jennifer, Karen and Sue will all be vending and other team members are visiting so keep a look out here and on Facebook for updates on what treats they might have for you.

If you're not going well I will certainly be filling my shop with some of these goodies when I get back and might even list a few before I go - time permitting.

So either way - happy shopping!

Lesley
The Gossiping Goddess









18 comments :

  1. Amazing!! Lucky Beadfest to have you there!! I'd be there too but very special guests always come to visit us here that very week: my son and wife and the best grandchildren in the world!! Have a wonderful time in the US and surely you will give us a virtual tour!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Lesley I am so excited all you have been working on is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gorgeous work Lesley. I can't wait to meet you at Bead Fest and hope to add a few more of your beads to my collection!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very cute stuff ! Love the tea pots especially !

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am thrilled that you and your gorgeous work will be at Bead Fest as I always miss out on your shop updates! Looking forward to seeing you and Diana!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow --everything is fantastic. I'd say you found a medium that has been waiting for you :-) I hope you'll have some of those teapots in your store eventually? Although I don't know how I'll pick just one or two!

    ReplyDelete
  7. these are super duper gorgeous and I am sure they are going to be a sell out

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love and want 1 of everything!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely array of goodies! Save an earthy teapot for me!!! Can't wait t meet you in person!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow - just lovely Lesley - I am sure you beads are going to be very popular as they are stunning. Good luck and have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your range of painting and glaze effects is fantastic! Love those breezy kites!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I can't believe you only starting 9 months ago! All your things are just beautiful. I love the kites and the flecked stoneware. Enjoy your time at Bead Fest. Someday....

    ReplyDelete
  13. Leslie...every piece and style is stunning! I can't believe how many different things you made and posted! I have to ask...is that Nigella/Love in A Mist?..it looks just like it!..it must be? Stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Can't wait til Bead Fest and getting to meet everyone in person. I definitely will be shopping for your teapots, acorns, and leaves!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I hope you have a great time in the U.S. and a great show. I love the tea pots. Actually, I love everything!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Lesley, You new pieces are wonderful. I will have to keep an eye on your shop. You make me wish I could go too. I hope you have a great time here.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh how I WISH I could go to Bead Fest !! not in the financial plans this year!! :) I adore your tea pot beads and the drops of tea are the Perfect touch. Please put some in your ETSY as I must have a couple for special Christmas presents- the polka dot ones are my favorites!! have a wonderful time!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would HAVE to buy at least two of everything! Wonderful, lovely little pieces of art!

    ReplyDelete

We would love to hear what you have to say, please leave a comment.