Monday, April 25, 2011

Something New!!!

Tranquility, bead embroidery by Robin Atkins
First of all, thanks to everyone who made such warm and supportive comments on my last post about my Mom passing away. Every time one of you commented, it bolstered my spirits. I appreciate you all so much for helping me to get through the initial period of grief.

Since she passed, a little over a month ago, I've been hibernating, quietly concentrating on projects, allowing myself time and serenity to remember, grieve and accept. Out of this period has come something new...

Create, bead embroidery by Robin Atkins

I've decided that I need to lighten my load, that maybe it's time to part with some of my beadwork (and other things too). I've kept most of my bead art as samples to show when I teach. Now that I'm semi-retired and not teaching so much, why not let others have it?

To that end, I've been preparing the one-of-a-kind, miniature beadworks created as technique samplers for my book, Heart to Hands Bead Embroidery, to sell. Above, you can see a couple of the pieces. There are 22 in all. Below, you can see my presentation of them, sewn to fabric, stretched over a 3 x 3 inch canvas and mounted on a mini-easel. Each piece is named, signed and dated on the back side.

Hope, bead embroidery by Robin Atkins

Roots, bead embroidery by Robin Atkins
I've actually sold 7 of them already (to locals who knew I was preparing them to sell)! Today I put up a webpage offering the remaining 15 pieces for purchase. If you have any interest, you can check them out here. I'm going to post about this on my Facebook page, but will wait about a week.... That's so you, my wonderful Beadlust followers, can have a head-start.

This isn't the end of it! Eventually, I'll list some woven treasure bracelets and necklaces shown in my book, Beaded Treasures, and a few pieces featured in books by other authors. Who knows, after that, I may even let go of some of my stash.

With deep gratitude, I thank my mother for showing me how important it is to travel with a lighter load in our later years.

* * * * * * * * *
Update, Tuesday morning, April 26...

Thank you Ann S, Anne-Marie B, Diane L and Carol C for choosing a miniature bead embroidery piece for your very own! I am pleased and honored that you will have this part of me among your beady things!

Nine pieces are still awaiting new homes... The webpage listing is current.

13 comments:

  1. Reading your blog today I felt both happy and sad. I'm happy about the opportunity to buy one of your personal pieces. But I'm sorry for the loss of your mother. I sense you are at a crossroads.

    Your personal art and philosophy have had a tremendous impact on my life.
    Ann

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  2. i'm sure your art is going to be snapped up in a minute. they are so beautiful, and i love looking through your books (and reading your blog) for inspiration.

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  3. What a wonderful thing it would be to own one of these! But then, I guess I own them all inside your book, don't I?

    Lightening our load is important no matter what age we are, and sometimes it seems hard to do, but it's lovely to have fewer items weighing us down. This is something I've been doing, though I'm dragging my feet! But if you can let go of some of your treasures, I guess I can let go of some of mine.

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  4. I love these and would love to own one. I have sent you a message.
    Diane lithgow,
    www.didi-beadwork.blogspot.com

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  5. Congratulations! This is quite a milestone for you. It's not easy to part with some items that we create or just collect because we love them. I hope I can take your lead, because this is surely a step father than I have gone.
    xx, Carol

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  6. Anonymous4:26 AM

    Your post was wonderful and you're being so gracious offering up your work. I'll check out the mini's they are really awesome.

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  7. Hi Robin,

    Beautiful post and what an amazing opportunity to purchase one of your original pieces! I am interested in one and sent you an email using your web form from your site. Thanks and wishing you continued healing.
    Carol

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  8. Robin, I am sure the happiness your mini bead arts will bring to those who 'get' them will come back to you many times over.

    Good for you for taking this time to hibernate. I think we all have a tendency to keep pushing forward without taking the time to really process what is going on in our lives. Your mom is sitting right there by you on this journey, have no doubt about that.

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  9. Robin, I particularly love the fan of bugles on the blue one, second from the top. I hope for you that you can soon mostly remember your mother during the good days rather than her illness at the end. Good thoughts to you.

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  10. Those are so cute! Great work!

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  11. Arghh, I have to check my google reader more frequently! I almost missed them. I've sent you message through you website, I hope to get one for myself. I want it sooo much!

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  12. What gorgeous work! Love these miniatures!

    Also so sorry to hear about your mom, but so glad she had a nice long life.

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Thanks you for joining the discussion on this post today!