Wire Weaving and Crochet

Woven Rose Window Pendant

Last week I got my complimentary copy of the Spring 2012 WireWork magazine. I  contributed to the issue with my project “Woven Rose Window Pendant” (page 50). I think the issue’s been out for several weeks now - as a friend mentioned a while back that she saw my article, but I think it’s still on the newsstands until May 19th.




I got interested in weaving with wire after being awestruck by the work of artist Marilyn Moore. I was honored to meet her at BeadFest Santa Fe in 2011 and buy some very skinny wire from her. I wish I’d had the extra cash to buy one of her finely woven wire vessels. Take a look at her website, you’ll be amazed!  I believe she’ll be at Bead & Button this year, as will I. 

Crocheted Wire Fan Earrings

One of the classes I’ll be teaching there is "Crocheted Wire Fan Earrings". These are my favorite style to wear lately - they really make a colorful statement. Although they’re on the large side, they can be downsized a bit and still look good. I’ve been revising and perfecting the instructions for the last few days. As all you teachers know, these classes take a lot of preparation! There are still openings in the class, if you’re so inclined...

Adventures with Soutache

"Spiral Fibers" 2012 , by Joan Babcock

About two or three years ago, I saw my first example of soutache embroidered jewelry on Annika De Groot's great blog, http://micromacrame.blogspot.com/. The necklace was by an artist named Annetta Valious, www.annetavalious.com/and I thought it was very striking and unusual. The seed was planted. Of course, soutache isn't macrame at all, but it is fiber, so it's not surprising that it catches the eye of fiber artists. Another fabulous soutache artist that I admire greatly is Dori Csengeri, www.doricsengeri.com/. Soutache seems to be one of those trendy things lately - I noticed that Bead & Button will have an article about it in their next issue. I imagine we'll be seeing an explosion of soutache jewelry very soon. Anyway... I did have to dive in and try a few pieces myself and this is what I learned.... 1. It's not as easy as it looks, and 2. it's very time consuming!! Also, there are two distinct types of soutache that I've come across, one is made of polyester and is thicker and shinier. The ends unravel like you would not believe. Then there's some that is made of rayon (I think) and is narrower and the ends are not as unruly. I prefer that kind personally because you can dye it more easily. So of all the pieces I've made thus far, this is my favorite. I'll probably do some more pieces - until I'm enticed into another creative tangent.....

To Blog or Knot to Blog?

OK, I'll come right out and say it .... this blog's all about me. Sure, it's title, "My Life in Knots" refers to the type of art I've devoted much of my creative life to and what I'm mostly known for - the oft underrated craft known as macrame. But it also hints at my day to day life as someone who earns her living in a creative field. And while I'll surely include some macrame related posts from time to time, this will not be an "all things macrame" blog. Oh no, I go on all sorts of creative tangents! My primary purpose is to have a place to talk about whatever I want, whenever I want (continuing the "all about me" theme). It's a space where I can share pictures of some things I've been working on and occasional observations about this crazy creative life. Sooo, here goes.... perhaps I'll pick up a few followers along the way..... hope so