I am a retired registered nurse from western Nebraska where I had always enjoyed spending the summers outdoors raising a large garden and canning the produce. I moved to Rio Verde in 2013 and it soon became clear that I would need a new hobby. Arizona summers are not kind to gardens or gardeners and there isn’t enough space to do much gardening. Staying inside during the summer is definitely more comfortable!
I had enjoyed sewing in the past and have always done well following a pattern so I took up beading. Heidi Middleton taught me the basics and my new hobby began. I like the challenge of finding new and different patterns to try. I like taking classes from the different artists in the Verdes Art League and especially love seeing everyone’s work at our local art shows. I thoroughly enjoy the friendship and encouragement extended by my fellow art league members.
Sedona Sunset Bracelet by Shanna Steele, designer. This piece features various sized beads, howlite rounds and a copper clasp. It was constructed using two-needle circular peyote stitch.
Copper Connections Necklace by Shanna Steele uses various lengths of color blocked peyote stitched delica beads. The necklace is then connected to the hammered copper rings using an invisible weave stitch to close and is finished with a copper clasp.
French Quarter Lariat designed by Marilou Porth features 42 inches of open netting stitch with spiral trim on each end. The spirals are three layers of peyote stitched beads with over 200 crystals. It is available in multiple color combinations.
Holiday Garland Bracelet is designed by Jeannette Daily Howley. Pears and beads are constructed using a right-angle weave, with embellishment on the edges and beaded button closures on the ends. The surface embellishment features another layer of beads and bicone crystals.