PPF Introduction to Bead Artist.

 Hi Everyone!

For this Paint Party Friday I am introducing 

Rhonda Teris. She is an amazing bead artist and a very nice lady. So, in her own words I give you Rhonda Teris.

I worked in Accounting for various companies until an old neck injury, mid and lower back problems, and fibromyalgia forced me to quit. I have always loved arts and crafts and DIY projects. My grandmother was teaching me basic crochet stitches when she passed away – I was 11 at the time – and even though I only know single, double, and triple crochet I have made scarfs and blankets throughout my life.

About five years ago I was in Michael’s to get yarn, and I went into the jewelry making section. I thought it looked like fun, so I bought some stretch cord, beads and charms and started stringing. I made cute bracelets for the gals I worked with.

My son loved art so much he got his Master’s in Education at UC Santa Barbara, and is now an art teacher at Santa Barbara High School. When I have questions about color or design, he points me in the right direction. He suggested I get a color wheel and it sure helps me! I tend to overthink things so much that I end up exhausted with no solution. The color wheel is a great tool that I use quite a bit. He also explained why groupings with an odd number of objects/beads is more interesting to the eye than an even number. My son is very encouraging – no wonder his students love him! He told me about Craftsy, and I immediately created an account and started taking classes. The one on bead embroidery was my favorite. I put aside all the copper and wire I had been making wire wrapped jewelry with and dove into bead embroidery. I love all the crystals and beautiful beads that I work with, and I get compliments on my pieces when I do wear one.

I recently joined a couple of bead embroidery Facebook pages, and what a wealth of information and tips I get from other beaders! Everyone is so helpful, and I get constructive and honest tips and feedback and I truly appreciate it. There are also quite a few YouTube videos that walk you through making a cuff or other bead embroidered items. I also have books by Sherry Serafini, Heidi Kummli, and Jamie Cloud Eakin – fantastic instructions and easy to follow diagrams.

I stopped working in an office three years ago, and I am trying to support myself by doing notary work, taxes, and selling jewelry. I am still so new to beading and I know there is a lot more for me to learn – I wish I had found bead embroidery 20 years ago!

Rhonda also uses Nicole's BeadBacking for her beading foundation. To help her color wheel there are 18 different colors. beadwright.com 

Here are just a few of Rhonda's lovely beading.

Click on the photos to see larger view. 

 

Hope you enjoyed this.

 

Nicole/DVArtist 

Honor and integrity in art, in life.