KONGŌ GUMI

A Cacophony of Spots – Coils – Zags – Lines

Rosalie Neilson

Rosalie Neilson and I recently had some engaging conversations.  Inasmuch as I had experimented with a variety of Kumihimo patterns, her Kongō Gumi book whet my appetite even further.  The cover with the colorful binary patterns elicited a subtle tactile experience. The inscription read “For Ray – Enjoy these designs! Rosalie Neilson – and enjoy I did.

The author studied this art form in Japan in the 80’s and subsequently passed down her expertise to many new braiders throughout the years.  As she proceeded with the exploration of the 16 element braid structures, she concluded that in order to avoid a very expensive outlay of funds for the silk threads, a template would have to be created replicating the movement of the 16 element design opportunities.  Rosalie consulted with Bob Keats, developer of a weaving software program.  Together they came up with the definitive number of two color designs for the 16 element braid known as Kongō Gumi.  The total number is 1,157 designs consisting of both 1 and 8 spot configurations.

This book “Kongō Gumi” contains an amazing collection of braids featuring spots, coils, zigzags, and lines.  The historical bibliographical sections are very informative.  A tremendous amount of thought, concentration, and observation produced this book of discovery.  It further enhanced my thoughts about the multitude of paths one’s threaded adventure can take.

“THE BEST MLB CATCHERS OF ALL TIME” 

Many years ago my son was a pitcher for his Khoury League baseball team.  There were some euphoric moments when the ball sailed out of his hand, right on target, and the final batter was called out.  You could hear the thump as the catcher made a perfect move slightly to the left and held up the ball with his gloved hand.   The parents cheered and both catcher and pitcher grinned from ear to ear.  There were other times not so glorious, but that’s the name of the game.

The above book is a wonderful history of the outstanding catchers of this great American pastime, both for the audience and its legend of players.  And they are what legends are made of as exemplified in this book written by Bo Smolka and published by ABDO PUBLISHING COMPANY.

The greats are all here:  Gabby Hartnett, Mickey Cochrane, Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Thurman Munson, Gary Carter, Ivan Rodriguez, Mike Piazza, Jorge Posada, Joe Mauer, and Yadier Molina.  They played for all the exciting Pennant and World Series teams.  They came from various parts of the country and represented an outstanding team spirit and talent.  Regardless of the weather, crowd, or stadium, they were there time after time to get the job done and help produce a winning game.

I recently met, Noah, an eleven year old.  He is the catcher for his baseball team. Even though squatting for so many innings is sometimes hard, I could see the excitement in his eyes as he talked about his favorite baseball position.  This is a great book for young baseball team players, even those that don’t have strong knees, thighs, and great eye hand coordination.  Noah stated he was looking forward to receiving this book “The Best MLB Catchers of All Times.”  It will be my pleasure to share it with him.  Exciting game and exciting book!

Chain Mail + Color

Several months ago, I received this book from the author.  I had contacted her and explained that I had a blog site www.rite-it.blogspot.com where my craft book reviews appear.  She graciously sent me a copy.  I began to peruse the book and was blow away.  The pictures, details, instructions, chain mail designs, etc., are perfection personified.  Each and every project is presented in a very well organized manner and all tools, and materials are listed.  One can also order all the supplies from the author for the various designs.  Takes away the frustration of "where to source the materials."  The colorful jewelry examples illustrated on the cover tease one to look inside and get lost in a remarkable assortment of projects utilizing aluminum jump rings, scales, and disks.  All of the designs are doable even for a novice chain mailer.  I can't wait to complete and wear the "Goddess of the Sun" collar.  It's striking elegance will make me feel like royalty.    

SEED BEAD STITCHING

Beth Stone

 

When I think of stitching, I think of all the wonderful skeins of thread and countless embroidery stitches I learned as a child.  My interest in this form of embellishment even continued into my adulthood.  The hoops were both large and small and occupied my lap or a stand on the floor.

Interestingly enough, many of the patterns in this delightful book by Beth Stone and published by Kalmbach Books remind me of this long ago interest.  The tiny seed beads creations reintroduced me to many of my embroidery stitches such as the French knot, which to me was an integral part of the Russian spiral variations featured on pages 82 and 85.  The bugle bead bracelets reminded me of the feather stitches which I practiced on a newly starched pillow case.  I vividly remember the charming little daisy chains which I embellished on my mother’s tea towels as I viewed the jewelry presented in the various projects in this book.

Thanks to Beth Stone, many of the seed bead patterns rekindled my love of stitchery from the past, and a new appreciation of the transformation of “stitchery” with beads into the present.  Very good explanation of various types of seed beads and supplies needed to start and complete all of the projects. 

This book definitely offers the young and old beader “creative variations on traditional techniques” using the peyote stitch, brick stitch, right angle weave, and tri and quad stitches. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decorative Wire Findings

Have you had trouble finding the right method or material to finish one of your creations.  On several occasions the right finding just isn't "right."   Completed, or should I say incomplete  necklaces, bracelets, and earrings spread out on my bench, eager to become a treasured accessory, to no avail.

"Decorative Wire Findings" recently came to my rescue.  Published by Kalmbach Books, and authored by Melody MacDuffee, it has a plethora of "how to" create custom clasps, connectors, and more.  The instructions are very easy to follow and full blown up photos of completed projects are presented in "living color" at the start of each and every project.  All tools and materials are listed in a box next to the various designs.  After perusing the book, I was inspired by the variety of choices I had to "close" this jewelry chapter in my inventory.  
     
There are various segments at the end of the book starting with "TECHNICAL  BASICS and continuing on with beautifully illustrated and explained COMPONENTS, CLASPS AND CLOSURES, BAILS, WRAPS AND CAPS, LINKS, CONNECTORS AND SPACER BARS, BEZELS, PIN BACKS, and WIRE BEADS.  There is also a most helpful resource list provided in the book. 

Dilemma solved!  No more half-finished jewelry pinning for an end to it all.

 

TRUE TO FORM 

 

The clasps from Claspgarten are both functional and beautifully designed.  The ones, enhanced with Swarovski crystals, sparkle like a queen's tiara.  Both the artisans using these clasps and the purchaser of one of their creations would be the recipient of something very special.

 

I have been invited to participate in a juried exhibition "Maturity and It's Muse."  My design consists of a series of 11 aught Miyuki seed beads in 22 kt. gold.  Claspgarten has provided me with many wonderful choices for closures.  Even though the clasp will be at the back of the neck, I am tempted to design the piece so one of the exquisite clasp becomes the focal point.

 

Are you tired of the same old peyote toggles for your beaded bracelets and necklaces?  Claspgarten has solved the problem.  Their site has an exciting selection of perfect clasps for your beaded projects.  These rectangular forms have a concave section where one can glue in seed beads to finish off their jewelry concept.  

 

Hopefully your local beading and jewelry supply stores sell these unique clasps.  If not, please share this information with them so everyone will have an opportunity to avail themselves of these "true to form" lovely products.     

 

 

 

 

ARTISAN'S DE-LITE

 

ARTISAN'S DE-LITE

The expression "there is lite at the end of the tunnel" is true.  Like many in the beading and jewelry making community, working with small links and beads really was a challenge.  My labors of love, became tortuous.  The small holes in the 15 and 11 aught beads tumbled about on my mat board as if to say, "I dare you to enter."  Their bright colored surfaces beckoned me, but the small holes daunted me.

 

Recently a lite in white shinny armor appeared, delivered by UPS. This was the answer to a handmaiden's dream.  The Ottlite 13w Slimline Task lamp seduced me.  It enabled me to see clearly and comfortably as I approached each new bead design.  I discovered that it projected a natural daylight illumination and help reduce glare and extreme eyestrain.

 

The above model is quite reasonable in price as are many of the other Ottlite products.  In fact, I was contemplating hiring an electrician to put in additional lighting fixtures in my studio.  Saved myself a lot of money and many of my beadwork projects have been completed. 

 

Many thanks to the Ottlite at the end of the tunnel. 

 

 



 

 

SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON THE TOP

 

 

When I first received this book, I was reminded of the Rogers and Hammerstein show "Oklahoma."  The scene where Curly invites Laurey to a box social in a fancy rental carriage was delightful.  The imagined surrey with its undulating fringe captivated me.  At the end of the production, the surrey became real as they rode to their honeymoon.

 

The fringes featured in "Bead Play with  Fringe" are real.  Jamie  Cloud Eakin is an excellent teacher.  She shows examples of the various fringes, illustrates how to make them, and then displays projects using the myriad of wonderful delica and seed beads in a rainbow of colors.  Nothing is left to chance.  Right from the beginning you are given a list of supplies and taken down the path of "how-to."  The illustrations are very explicit which made me feel as though Jamie was in front of me and guiding my way.

 

I can now envision the surrey further enhanced with Jamie's delightful beaded fringes, can't you?

 



 

 

Stringing Along with LAY3r 3D DOODLING PEN

 

 

I am into meditation.  Not that old kind of chanting a mantra, but the whole immersion of mind and appendage to paper.  The official terms for this absolute form of relaxation and loose as a goose creativity is an art form called "Zentangle."  No need to go into it at length with this posting, but this is where my review of the 3D Doodling Pen comes into play.

 

In essence, these Zentangle patterns are normally created on a paper after drawing a series of "strings" - lines which divides this paper tile into different sections.  I immediately thought that with the use of this pen, I could add an extra dimension to my patterns.  It worked just as I had envisioned.

 

The process was simple and the pen adapted itself to my experimentation quite easily.  Following the Quick Start Guide, which came with the pen, it was ready to go within a very short time.  My filament strings could be extruded long or short, and I could manipulate them to be curvy or straight.  There was an ample selection of black ,white, and red, but inasmuch as my paper tile was white, I used the black filament for the first meditative drawing.

 

I place a thin line of Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue over the pencil drawn strings and then affixed the filament to same.  The three dimension impact was a "pop" happening.  The patterns enclosed within these strings took on a life of their own.

 

Thank you, Lay3r 3D Doodling Pen.  Maybe the art world will recognize a Warhol incarnation.

 

THE GATHERING

 

My grocery store always has a beautiful display of gourds during the fall season.  The grouping is interesting.  They almost seem like a family gathered together for a wonderful celebration.  There are all shapes and sizes, tall and short, bulbous and slender.  The texture is usually smooth, with an occasional ridge or blemish.

This is what I thought about when I received the wonderful “Doodling Borders for Wood Burning Gourds & Drawing,” written by Bettie Lake and published by Schiffer.  What fascinated me as I reviewed the book was how the art form, Zentangle, was utilized to enhance the borders and surface of each gourd.

Many patterns are introduced and subsequently shown as border designs. There are many examples of beautifully designed gourds, utilizing transferring images and then applying watercolor pencils and paints.   Other gourds are illustrated with very intricate carved and wood burned surfaces.

The last section is a step-by-step process of choosing and cleaning the gourds.  Once all of the scraping and sanding, and scouring has taken place, the gourds will be ready for enhancement. 

The wonderfully decorated gourds, which I viewed in this book, has really captured my imagination.  They too seem like a family gathered together for a very special celebration.

 

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 IT’S A STICKY AFFAIR

 Aleene’s Glue

 

I just received a carton of this “Favorite American Craft Glue.”  Inside were five cylindrical 4 fluid oz. containers consisting of Clear Gel Tacky Glue, Original Tacky Glue, Quick Dry Tacky Glue, Fast Grab Tacky Glue, and Turbo Tacky Glue.  I had been doing some seed bead decorating on my Zentangle designs, and was anxious to see if any of these products would produce the results I was trying to achieve.  My mantra had been “glue, place, and stay.” 

Unfortunately, in the past I had not been too successful.  My designs were well conceived, but I could not get the glue to adhere for any prolonged time.  No matter how long I waited, there was always a recalcitrant bead that refused to stay in line.  Some of my clients accepted the designs in their asymmetrical fashion, but that was not really the statement I was trying to make.

All of the above glues hold my beads fast to the  beaded drop earrings or my Zentangle images.  Now my mantra is “glue, place, and thank goodness” for Aleene’s Favorite American Craft Glues.

 

 

 

THE ART OF ZENTANGLE

After perusing this book, “The Art of Zentangle,” I decided to go on Amazon to ascertain what other readers were posting about it.  I certainly had my own opinions, but it is always useful to get other readers slant on things.  Almost 100% of the reviewers agreed with my premise that this book is extremely well conceived.  All of the sections are laid out with great care and numerous zentangle concepts are explored.

 Tools and materials, patterns and borders are all there at one’s fingertips and micro pen.  If one can see, one can “tangle.”  Page after page is enticing the reader to listen to the music and begin the dance.  On one page, a whimsical creature is introduced after a camera reproduction of cobblestone walk.  These inspirations are all around us; it is just a matter of interpretation and then presentation. 

 I was introduced to many variations of a basic zentangle pattern which then led to my freedom to think outside the box and let my imagination begin the creative movement. There are blank spaces on some of the pages which allowed me to practice.  The instructions on the mandala stencil string were fun to follow and the finished project lead to many additional zentangle drawings.  As my strings separated the tiles into different sections, I couldn’t wait to put my pen to paper tile and begin.

One doesn’t have to have to be an “artist.”  Once you pick up this book, you will be hooked on “The Art of Zentangle” and the many meditative and fun activities you can then pursue.

 

 

  

Seed Bead Chic

25 elegant projects inspired by fine jewelry

 

There are over 25 “chic” jewelry projects published by Sterling Press in this book authored by Amy Katz.  The stitches and basic techniques are well presented, along with tools and methodology.  Nothing is left to chance.  Bead path formats are large and arrow directions well defined.  Earrings, bracelets, pendants, broaches, etc., are constructed using an array of seed beads, delicas, bugles, and crystals.  Your choices are endless.

 The lush “pillow talk bracelet” would elicit more than pillow talk.  It sparkles with beautiful crystal components which would rival any Tiffany piece I have ever seen.  A couple of weeks ago the annual Veiled Prophets Ball was held in St. Louis, Missouri.  It is a coming out ball for St. Louis debutantes.  As I viewed it in the news, my thoughts were on the beautiful gowns and jewelry worn by each Maid and the Queen of Beauty.  Nothing they displayed was more beautiful than this bracelet.   Instead of Daddy purchasing them their diamonds and rubies, maybe their parents should gift them with this wonderful “how to book.”  Then when they are ready to tie the marriage knot, their dowry would be quite impressive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drawing for Beginners

 

Sterling Press has published this book by David Sanmiguel which explains drawing techniques in a simple straightforward manner.  One doesn’t need a lot of expensive tools; any kind of paper will do, along with a sharp pencil.  Although as one grows more proficient, there is a wide array of materials to master. 

My youngest grandson loves to draw.  He will pull an object out of his imagination and it quickly materializes on paper.  No stick figures for him, but a full formed torso, appendages, and all other elements that make up the human figure. One time though he had a dilemma.  I was carrying a rather large purse and he was unsure how to reproduce it on paper.  We talked about the basic shape, a rectangle, with a half round handle.  Although his army of people was fully formed he said, “I never thought about their various shapes, they were just there!” 

This book, “Drawing for Beginners” is more than “just there!”  Topics such as mediums, techniques, and subjects are discussed.  The author takes his audience on this learning experience by beginning with basic line drawing structures.  He teaches us that each object we see has definite geometric shapes and contours.  We learn that shading and texturing enhance them.  Further study reveals that we can make our drawings move by either highlighting or omission of some elements.  Perspective is another area covered in this book while utilizing various types of hatches. 

“Drawing for Beginners” maps a wonderful discovery of shapes and forms and how to see them when drawing and experiencing the world around us.

 CONTAGIOUS

 Last week I finally discovered what was wrong with me.  I was having difficulty sleeping and my waking hours were filled with visions of undulating strings.  My mail had come earlier in the day, and I received two packages with prescriptions of how often to use the contents and not to worry if one took an overdose.

I was overjoyed with the selection of Strathmore artist tiles of various shapes, colors, textures and sizes in one of the containers.  The other packet contained the free flowing Sakura of America micron pens that my friends were using on a daily basis. 

Now I could capture those undulating strings on my Strathmore tiles with the myriad assortment of the Sakura archival ink pens. My affliction finally had a name “Zentangle.”  My ability to focus is awesome and I no longer toss and turn each night.  I awake fresh and ready to take on each new patterning challenge. 

Many thanks to Strathmore Paper Company and Sakura Pen Company. You are just what the doctor ordered.  

 

   

REAL LIFE STRINGS

By Sindy P.

 

 

I recently received this delightful Zentangle book created by the talented photographer, Sindy P.  She is a certified Zentangle teacher, who has incorporated her keen eye for the essence of objects with the wonderful meditative art form Zentangle. 

Her photographs in the book are enhanced with eye popping patterns which take the viewer along on her journeys.  Starting with either undulating or simple forms, each object is transformed by structured patterns.  One can follow this path by viewing both the before and after images. 

Sindy gives the viewer to opportunity to create their own zentangles on some of her photographs replicated in this book.  One does not have to acquire a large cache of supplies; a couple of micro pens and some white or black zentangle tiles will complete the list. 

If one is interested in purchasing this book, “Real Life Strings,” you can contact Sindy at sindyp@aol.com and you will soon be on your way to join her on this wonderful trip.  No extra baggage needed, just a desire for the experiences of a lifetime.

 

Alphabet Stencil Book

Stencil Fonts by Jeff Levine

 This book is a wonderful tool for capturing both letter and number images.  There is also a small section with beautiful borders and an assortment of other images.  The stencils are created on heavy paper and the lines are very sharp.  Each page has a perforated edge and therefore it is easy to place the stenciled images anywhere.  

If one doesn’t have the artistic ability, but still a creative eye, everything is here.  Lettering and numbering of all shapes and sizes are available to explore. There is a very good section on “how to.”  Brushes, and techniques are described in detail.  I recently started a beading project utilizing the “bird” image and was absolutely delighted how easy it was.  No messy transfer agents, hot iron, or ink jet printer to utilize.  Within a very short time my stenciled project was ready to enhance with the tiny seed beads.

 

My collection of stencils is quite large, but all of them require a sharp knife and a keen and steady hand.  This book makes the act of stenciling quite easy and very professional looking.  Way to go!

 

 

The Book of Zentangle

Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas

 

Do you believe in fate, or do events just occur happenstance?  This is a question I often ponder.

How fortunate that these two kindred souls came together and created Zentangle, a meditative form of art.  This book presents a most joyous presentation of the history and discovery of Zentangle. 

When reviewing other Zentangle books, I told Maria the patterning reminded me of the beautiful illuminated manuscripts that I had studied while pursuing my Art-Education degree, and the fractal concept discussed with one of my professors. She agreed and in fact there is a beautiful example of a manuscript on page 14. 

In their book, “The Book of Zentangle,” one’s focus is on creating basic repeating patterns and together they brought their zen like concept of this methodology to fruition.  Tools, methods, exercises, and projects are handled in great detail. Stories and comments are shared about the feelings of contentment and peace one achieves putting pen to the paper tile and taking their life on this new path of discovery.

Fate, or happenstance – you be the judge!

500 Tangled Artworks

 

One doesn’t need soft or loud music or a partner to “tangle.”  A pencil, micron 01 black pen, and 3 ½” square drawing paper tile are all of the supplies needed to begin the dance.

Quarry Books and Beckah Krahula has produced a masterful book “500 Tangled Artworks” – a Showcase of Inspired Illustrated Designs.  The drawings, both in black and white are examples of creativity at its apex.  The art is a visual meandering journey seen through the eyes of the creator.

The zentangles in this exciting book illustrate movements both spontaneous and fluid.  Many of the drawings are abstract, while many others take on a recognizable form with tangled components.

The use of colored pencils and paints add another dimension to these luscious reproductions.  The fractal nature of the colored sunflower center is a wonderful model of the zentangle patterning.

I had a stimulating conversation with Jan Huling, one of the featured artists.  She creates intricate beaded structures while exploring the zentagle concepts.  Her use of tiny round seed beads paints a fascinating utilization of both the material and technique.

I have picked up this book several times and enjoyed the contents immensely.  There is always something new to discover in their inspirational course.

The Beauty of Zentangle

I have been a doodler since childhood and still meditate to this day.  When one is presented with the ability to combine both, it is an empowering experience. 

Individuals of all ages are capable of drawing Zentangles.  One can begin with a simple spiral and complete the section by repeating the spiral design, similar to the fractal repetition of a sunflower, and then go on by adding repetitious curves, lines, shading, etc.  In other words, the skies the limit. 

Design Originals has published a bevy of wonderful books covering the subject “Zentangles.”  This art form and method was created by Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas.  The “Zen” is defined as a meditative state.  Maria began by drawing background patterns on a manuscript.  She stated that during the process, she experienced a tremendous sense of well being and ability to focus her energy to the task at hand.  She shared this powerful sensation with Rick and thus “Zentangle” was created. 

As I viewed many of the patterns so beautifully presented in “The Beauty of Zentangle,” I thought of the wonderful illustrated manuscripts created by the monks hundreds of centuries ago.  I’m sure they experienced an exceptional feeling of self-discovery upon the execution and completion of their work.

I marveled at the beauty of the forms and the serenity it must have provided each of the artisans whose work was presented in this book.  Design Originals, an Imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing provides us all with a myriad of books on this subject so one can begin a wonderful new journey of creativity and meditation.

Mah Jongg-The Art of the Game

First of all, I thought this was a wonderful title for this beautifully photographed and researched book about Mah Jongg.  The authors, Ann M. Israel and Gregg Swain took me on their painstaking journey of discovery.  The lush photographs are a compilation of tiles created from a variety of materials starting with simple paper sets, tin, rubber, and Bakelite, to exquisitely engraved mother-of-pearl and ivory.  Many of these elaborately carved tiles depict celebrations featuring musicians and dancers.  The artistry is lovely with their full color palettes.

Chapter I provides a brief history of the game whose earliest name was “Beating the Sparrow.”  I was always under the impression that Mah Jongg was an ancient game and was surprised to learn that it dates to the early to mid 19^th century in China.  Joseph Babcock, an American working in China was astute and very entrepreneurial.  He became fascinated with the game and exported it home.

Some of the members of my Mah Jongg groups own sets.  Most of them are plastic.  Their cases are aluminum or faux leather.  The Lucite pushers help keep the rows of tiles as straight as soldiers as each player breaks her wall.  But none of our sets have the charm and amazing presentation of the colorful tiles, racks, and storage cabinets featured in this book. 

There is a definite rhythm and cadence as each tile is discarded in the center of the table.  This book “Mah Jongg - The Art of the Game” rekindled in me an appreciation of this lovely art form’s both frustrating and exhilarating experience of playing this game with friends of all ages.

I am looking forward to sharing this book with both my artist and Mah Jongg friends and placing it front and center on my coffee table.

Contemporary Geometric Beadwork

Kate McKinnon

Vol. I and II

 

Math was never my favorite subject in school.  I have an excellent memory, so the time tables were easy to master.  But, when it came to Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and Probability, I froze.  But, in reading the introduction to this book, I dove in and savored page after page. 

The basics are there in the introduction, like so many other books, but “Contemporary Geometric Beadwork is unlike any other beading book that I have recently reviewed. Just seeing the wonderful examples of the geometric shapes in this mind boggling book was inspirational.  The beaded structures were contributed by an extremely talented sisterhood and brotherhood.  Kate McKinnon has exposed all, who are lucky to own this book, to a higher level of creativity.

 
The structures dissected are a Warped Square, MRAW Bellybands, Triangles, Tetrahedrons, Pyramids, Cones, and other forms still waiting to be explored.

Each section begins with a shape, maps out the path of “how to” with the tiny delica beads, and shows a myriad variety of completed bangles, and rings. These “jewels” whether zigged or zagged, horned or winged, takes on a life of its own. 

The book is truly an adventure in exploration of geometry in the purest artistic form.