To learn to train the mind to be still

I'm wondering if you also have a wandering mind, tentacular... thoughts popping up in your brain when you look at a film, or clicking on links to learn more about this and that subject and in the end, you don't even remember what you were looking for or how you got there? I tracked my 'brainy wanderings', one day, back in October 2014 I think.

You may like or not like reading my wanderings. If not, which I can sure understand, scroll down for the rest of this blogpost (search for a little *).

My wandering started when I listened to a beautiful mantra, sung in sanskrit. It is a beautiful melody, the kind you don't need to understand what's said to feel good. I added it here so you can listen while reading, if you want.

I was curious to learn more about the bottisatva of compassion Avalokiteshvara and Googled a bit. I found out that his appearance was graceful and feminine, and that 'he could adopt 4 different apparences among which the apparence of a woman'. A few centuries later he is a she. In China she is the Goddess of mercy and compassion Kuan Yin. She's often shown with many arms. The first sentence of Avalokiteshvara's mantra, "Om Mani Padme Um" is the most pronounced mantra worldwide and best known even by non-buddhitsts.

This deity fascinated me already, because I saw a beautiful statue on Etsy made by artist Rose Youngsam and wanted to know more about her and stumbled on a picture of this marvelous head, shot by Hubert Steed, and I fell for the soft and gentle lines of her beautiful heart-shaped face. I would like to make a pendant with such a lovely face one day. In China, there are immense statues built nowadays. I am wondering why humans want to build huge statues, huge buildings.

YouTube always shows suggestions at the right of my screen, one of them lead me to a Chinese film called Avalokiteshvara. I loved the costumes, photography... some of the 'magical' aspects a bit less, but overall, I liked it a lot. It's in Chinese, but you can see it in its entirety with English subtitles, from the start, that is, when a Japanese queen sends a monk to China to get a statue and bring it back to Japan. She is convinced that the statue will make peace return amongst the populations tearing each other apart. I immediately thought: "what makes you believe that you can go to a country, take a statue -sacred for the people there-, and bring it back to your own country?" but that question got actually dealt with, beautifully.

Clic to enlarge and maybe you will also
see the "dragon" with Hawai
forming its wings

"Formose", seems to have had more temples dedicated to Avalokiteshvara than to the local great goddess Mazu. 'Where was 'Formose' already?' asks my brain.  

Formose was an old, colonial name for Taiwan, and still is the name of a famous Oolong tea. I love Oolong tea, and also the name Formose. I don't know why. The map wich I thought would show me Formose shows lines in the Ocean which reminded me of a dragon. That made me curious of its topography. Checking the map below shows so very clearly where Africa and America where attached to one another millions of years ago that on the screen of my mind I could see the earth opening up in the middle of the Atlantic; lava pooring, widening the cracks, modifying the structure of our natural amazing spaceship. I could also see the crust collapsing in the center of the Pacific and the continents come closer on that part of the globe... This is just my imagination, helped by documentary films seen on TV. But it makes me think that one day there will be nothing left from our countries and borders. The earth will have a completely different face. Will humans still be there?

I hope that there will be vegetation and animals and wise humans by that time... 

In that order.

Topographic image of Terra courtesy Service Cartographie

And then, I wonder if we couldn't do better and stumbled upon Amara Tia Ann's blog quoting a 12-year old considered to be a "Crystal child" whose incredible insight brought me back to where I am, here in my chair, in the middle of the room in my flat, town, world I'm part of. Insane too, yes, trying to make my life meaningful according to human standards while it is already meaningful in itself for the Universe. Who knows what still has to come, who knows if I have already done 'my share'... My hope was to be on the 'right path' and I suddenly realize that there is no path, only life. 

Then, even if I wanted to stop my wanderings, I stumbled upon Tina Turner's albums made in collaboration with singers from other cultures, for the benefit of the organization "Beyond". I love their message. It really touched me and reminded me that we all are beautiful if we want to.

And I ended up makin my own musical Mandala. This is the result. I might come back to make other mandalas. It seems like they're not erased. 

*

Voilà. This is just one of my busy brainy days and it could continue like this endlessly... But even though it was interesting to browse, play with music, learn more... it is NOT what I really want to do. A planned day dedicated to wandering, searching, browsing etc. might be cool, but not every day, not because my mind does what it wants instead of what I want. I realized that I needed to learn to be more in the present, to engage more with myself, to control my mind better, to get my time back for me. Because I don't want to waste time. In a world of so much information and funnies, I feel like I'm loosing myself.


More than one year ago, I subscribed for a series of 10 free guided medications  meditations online - they are guided by a man called Andy Puddicombe, founder of Headspace. I stopped medications due to irregular heartbeat and needed to find something to help me. These free short sessions made me feel much better and so I promised to myself to sell enough patterns to pay for a full registration and have access to everything on their website.

I finally could start their upgraded programme last month and I am thrilled. Not only is my brain clearer, less wandering, but I have more sense of humor, I see things more clearly, and, above all, have less and less mood shifts. Things still matter, but "I don't mind" so much anymore. I worry less. Exactly what I hoped. In fact, it works even better than what I expected. It has a positive impact on my relationship too. I'm more patient.

I recommend this to any person who would like to give meditation a try but got bored or discouraged. Visit their website. You might be surprised how simple it is. I think that they have the best approach and explain things so well that they really succeed to help anyone to become one's own friend and feel happy again.


Tomorrow will be Valentine's Day and because I love you, and am grateful that you read my post, and even more grateful for your support allowing me to do things like these guided meditations, you can have a 30% discount on all patterns listed. Only valid on Valentine's Day (February 14).

use code HEADSPACE30

Thank you for reading me! 

 

Cath

Time to play

I'm having a break from writing - well, I try to not work too much on the book. I say I try because I always have more ideas popping up and then I can't resist the temptation to bead more to show this or that design option. I also learn more and more everyday. But I needed a little break. To make a few other things. To share with you. I like to show what I make.
 

Crow

Maleficent

Blue Beard

I finished two Fairy Figurines. I started making those to test my arms when I had problems with my shoulders and wrists, using Charles Perrault's fairy characters as a pretext. The purpose of this beadwork is not to be perfect. The purpose is to make something fast and fun, focusing more on the 'feeling' than making first-class beadwork. That said, these 2 figurines took much longer to make than the two initial ones. The tiny crow (about 1.2x1.2cm) on Maleficents stick is an intricate 3d peyote miniature, a modified warped square, which took an entire afternoon to create. Blue Beard has a hart of pyrite below his beard. It says in the tale that he had a heart harder than stone. Isn't he frightening? The whole album of the Fairy Figurines can be seen in my Facebook Albums.

I'm now playing with a fang made by Mikki Ferrugiaro. I started a 5-pointed Yukka flower with a wider inner diameter. I think that Kate would call it a 10-wing with curves, I'd say a 10-wing with 'curls'. It is not finished but I like it already.

I am also having fun with mixed media, and in particular with watch parts. I made two necklaces for my sisters in Law and cuff links for the men in the family. They liked these gifts a lot. I think that people don't realize how much time it takes to work with metal, findings. Or maybe it's just me, but I think that it is not as easy as might seem.  The metal on watch parts is extremly hard and often need filing to smoothen surfaces. Other parts do simply not come off whereas we want to, or it all comes off, whilst we wanted to keep this or that gear in that place. Ha!

There are also many details to be kept in mind when working with chain, components and findings. Security (protection of the eyes), length, counting chain links (over and over) to use the right number, use the right tools correctly. Prevent twists. Find the right place to attach embellishments (front, back, in the middle) for reasons of balance - find which chain has the right drape. Make beautiful loops while not breaking what is on the headpin, etc. One has to get ones hands on it and experience it by trial and error. It gives me easily back pain. Bead embroidery might be a better option. I am trying that too. It's great fun.

This big box arrived today

Christmas and New Year were very quiet and peaceful here. This is what hubby and I like most. We made a lot of delicious dishes during the holidays, and now I'm glad to come back to simpler things. Soup is my favorite these days. With lots of veggies. This evening we will make rösti - a typical Swiss preparation with potatoes.

This year will be my 10th year as a beader. I nearly can't believe it! Marsha Wiest-Hines of Haute Ice Beadwork, whose beautiful work I admire a lot and who shares many tips and information about her creation process, posted a picture of her pinnable mannequin and that day I said to myself that it was about time that I offered myself something similar. Not long before that I had made the Tristan and Iseult-inspired necklace, I promised myself that I would buy a mannequin to at least be able to make decent pictures.

So... Tadam! I bought two busts! one for the show and one for the work. Because the price in that shop was very reasonable and they shipped combined, well-packed and very fast, from Germany to Switzerland. They arrived today so that was  very fast!

Maybe I will make more long necklaces in the future? What is sure is that now I can place (pin) components easily to study a piece better, and find the right drape for chain. It will surely save me time to play some more.

So grateful!

'T is the time of year... to look back at the goals and celebrate

End 2013, I wanted to send a newsletter to wish all my contacts a wonderful time and couldn't, because I hadn't asked people to subscribe to it. I created a newsletter with mailchimp and have subscribers. I feel so happy that there are people in the world who want to have news from me. Thank you for making me feel special.

I am happy with the sales in my Etsy Shop this year - nearly 900 sales in total! This is wonderful! You have no idea how much happiness this brought to me and my husband. For example, it allowed me to offer him a big aquarium for his birthday. A dream come true! And now I also have very sweet little birds. I am so grateful for your continuous support! Thank youuuuu!

Contemporary Geometric Beadwork Vol II has been published in October and it is fabulous. I'm honored that Kate McKinnon, who masters the art of writing with such precision and beauty, wanted me on board of the edit team again and am proud of my contribution to this amazing book. I am very grateful for the experience too.

Colombina

Earlier in 2014, I announced that I would perhaps work on 3 projects. One hasn't started, one is paused - I will continue on it when time allows, and one is well on its way - the draft of nearly 2/3 of the book about Diamond Weave is ready. I celebrate this because it is a long, slow process, difficult and even if the last third is a big job, and will take a lot of time to finish. It is difficult to not show my beadwork. I work hard, but it strangely feels like not being very productive. So I wanted to share this picture of a Diamond Weave necklace called Colombina (click on the image to see a larger picture).

This year, I also created  a group on Facebook called 'Tutorial Tuesday', which purpose is to share designs of other designers with the public and make their day. Many seem to play the game. I hope that it will continue in 2015 and that the many people who joined the group will participate even more. We all need kindness, also on Planet Bead.

'T is the time of year to offer yourself (or the beader in your life) a treat!

CGB with a yummie dress
and lovely beads

Contemporary Geometric Beadwork I and II are available from Kate or on Amazon. On Kate's website it is also available gift-wrapped with lovely tubes of beads.

My Ishtar pattern and KITS are still available from diMarcaOnline.com, in three colors, an awesome reddish-topaz, a black and silver and a marvellous metallic green. One of the test-beaders said to me that it was CGB on its own. This is not really true, because CGB is soooo much more than Ishtar, but Ishtar is indeed using plenty of elements from volume no. 1 - an MRAW start, horns and a helix skirt, plus a partial Elegant guide round (from volume no. 2). It think that the most elaborated part, however, is the open work at the top, which is something I love. For advanced beaders.

Ishtar Collar is the piece
I wear in the picture on page 269
of CGB vol. II.

And because It's the time of year, you can also download the pattern in my Etsy or Craftsy shop and have another one sent to a friend, or choose another one for yourself. See the special X-Mas discount at the end of this article.

'T is the time of year to offer a present to those who count, which you do.

For the CGB Pattern Library, I am offering a pattern for free, and it is the Kanagawa Wave Bangle. 3 test-beaders gracefully helped me to make this pattern better than good, just in time for the season! You can download it for free from my Craftsy shop - where you can also still find the free pattern for Ayatee, another bracelet.
I hope that you will enjoy beading it - maybe during the holidays?

Last but not least, you can profit from a special 2 for 1 sale in my Etsy Shop, which will remain valid until 31 December 2014. To get your free pattern - of the same value as the pattern you purchase, you need to mention in your comments which one you would like to receive and I will send it to you by e-mail. You may also convo me to offer the same pattern as you purchase to a friend.

I wish you and your beloved ones a very peaceful, joyful time of year.

PS: if you too would like to receive news from me from time to time, you can sign up in the little form on the left of this page, just below my profile.

Special

A bird has chosen me. I feel so special.

The girl bird who arrived
from donowhere.

It is what's called a "Diamant Mandarin" in French (a zebra finch?). Funny that it arrived on my balcony while I'm working on the book about Diamond Weave. When we tried to catch her she came inside. We couldn't find her owner, so we kept her. I bought her a boyfriend and all the things she needs to be well and happy, a cage, food, a bath and more, still to arrive.

She and her boy friend
get along very well

I made a brief video of her and her companion discovering their beautiful new cage. He sings all the time and she loves to bathe. It is very pleasant to hear them chit- chatting. It brings more life in my life and I think that it is a perfect addition for my "smell-the-roses" programme.

It's my birthday this week and I have to buy quite a few things for these new friends and by buying my patterns, you are making this possible. To celebrate and thank you I'm  having a 33% discount off of all my patterns during the next days - valid until the 31st of October 2014 only.

and the code to enter on Etsy is

HAPPYBIRD

Not valid on jewelry - sorry!

I had my flu shot this morning and feel not so good, so I'm keeping this post short today. I just wanted to let you know that I am having a sale in my shop. Your support is very welcome and highly appreciated. Thank you very much!!!

Much love to all,

Cath

The Perfect Present

When I learned that the theme of the Etsy Beadweaver's Team Challenge of November was  "The Perfect Present", I immediately knew what I wanted to make. You can see the listing here.

Years ago, my dearest friend Isabelle gave me a small vermeil Hamsha hand, to protect me, as she said. I think that she is the only person who has ever given me something protective, but that comes from the absence of supersition of my other beloved ones.

Click for a larger image - the Hamsha
hand in this photo is the one I received
from Isabelle

I wasn't superstitious myself, and didn't realize how adorable it was to receive (or give) an amulet, or talisman until she gave it to me. Since that day, I consider "Evil eyes" which actually symbolizes the eye watching out for evil, Hamsha hands (God's hand), Maneki Neko (lucky cats) and many other little beads and charms as Perfect Gifts. Small objects, durable representatives of the loving attention and affection from one person for another. It doesn't matter that you believe it or not, what matters is the intention. "Be well, stay safe". It is kindness, friendship, love, dedication. Symbols are the result of culture, and culture is the result of thousands of years of human evolution. Some symbols have an incredibly deep meaning.

The Evil Eye in this beaded component is a rare vintage Venetian glass cabachon, which I received from the adorable Ruth Buffington. She sent it to me along with other beautiful beads and cabachons within the framework of the January 2013 PIF which went viral on Facebook - a lovely action where one commits to send a gift to 5 persons who, in return, simply must pay it forward. Ruth is a very talented beader and seamstress extraordinaire.You certainly will like to discover Ruth's works for this year's Steampunk exhibit at the Lyam & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfiel History, 3 exceptional costumes with incredible beadwork and beaded accessories, are amazing.

Click for a larger image to read Nesli's note

I ordered 22Kt matte gold-plated Hamsha charms to match the cabachon, little coin charms (also symbol of good fortune) together with a few other items from an Etsy shop in Turkey, TukishEyeSupply. The owner, Nesli, sent more than just the items I ordered. She added a little bag full of goodies plus a 'real' Evil Eye bead, with a note saying:

"This is a Nazar Boncuk (Evil Eye) handmade by Turkish Artisans.
 For thousands of year it is believed to be protective. I hope it will protect you and brings you good luck too..."

I don't know Nesli personally, and feel very  grateful.

The cabachon is glued on Lacy Stiff Stuff, backed with turquoise leather. I made a butterfly rope structure around the cabachon. The oval peyote structure is supple. It makes the component cup nicely, which is practical for the chain to pass behind. I used beautiful materials - 24Kt Gold plated Delicas, Goldplated Firepolished rounds and Permanent Finish gold Toho seed beads for extra durability.

For my beaded pendant I initially planned to make a long Butterfly rope, but Debra's lovely Seed Bead Chain pattern (available for free in her Craftsy Store) is matching this project even better, in particular when worn on the hand.

There are two chains for this item: to wear it as a bracelet (34cm chain for a 71/4 inch wrist) or as a hand adornment with the longer chain (38cm). The two chains together make a 72cm long chain to wear the component as a pendant.

The tiny little coins are fantastic little 'helpers' to attach the clasp.

Please let me know what you think!