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Let’s talk about my latest project, this mask from Breathe. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158733407845530&set=oa.857708651307716&type=3
I was encouraged to create this mask, & if you click the link you’ll see where the inspiration came from. I started with a pattern & then began to sketch & think. This is the template I ended up with. #beading #métis
From there, I had to decide what colours & textures I would use. I had limited supplies because I was not where my main studio stash lives during the time of lockdown. I did have a large container of bead soup though...
I began to tell a colour story. I only used size 10 beads & smaller for this piece. It seemed to be where the image was directing me. I had this purplish blue wool or orange wool in the smaller stash, so I went with the blue (it’s under the tracing paper.) #beading #métis
Here I am removing some of the paper. Emmy Made In Japan from YouTube is the soundtrack (I watched a lot of YouTube making this piece.) #beading #métis
The downside of using paper - the snowstorm that happens. I think I shall title this “chickadees in a snowstorm.” #beading #métis
I just wanted to show the texture of the wings & tail here. The white threads are from the baste stitch being used to hold the wool fabric & interfacing in place while I bead the piece. #beading #métis
I used these antique Italian opal glass beads to outline the chickadees. They are so small it took nearly as long to outline a bird as it did to fill most of it. #beading #métis
A fungus beetle came to visit while the chickadees had their first photo shoot (for CBC) in the sunshine. I had already constructed the mask & stitched on the backing floral cotton. #beading #métis
I decided to fingerweave the straps, using wool. This was a tedious process but totally worth it. This is also an art form that is going through a resurgence & makes me happy to see younger people than me picking it up. #métis #fingerweaving
Here is a quick video of the process. #fingerweaving #métis
A quick video about the counter weave - the mirror weave that happens in the hanging shed (threads) of the weave. #fingerweaving #métis
Here is one finished strap. I needed two. It takes a lot of time, sitting, & quiet contemplation. #fingerweaving #métis
I edged the mask with brain tanned & smoked deer hide. Let me tell you, the anxiety that hit my brain while cutting this precious precious resource was awful. But it did it. #beading #métis
I added some of those red & yellow harlequin beads along the top and bottom while I stitched the edging on. I’ve also attached one strap, adding beads on the front & back as I went. #beading #métis
My favourite beads are cobalt blue silver lined. So one of the last beads I stitched on was my fave bead (I didn’t design it this way, it just happened) & I actually felt tears welling up. #beading #métis
And with that, it was finished. A process that was healing, helped me cope, & allowed me to shake my fist at a selfish world. #beading #métis
Thank you everyone for your kind words & praises. It means a lot 
