I blame it on the porcupine!

I started my business by playing around with some porcupine quills and remembering a beaded pair my Mom had made and given me as a kid. Needless to say, the beading took on a life of its own. Not even a year after I started beading, I found myself teaching with Bead Fiesta shows in New England. I started vending right away too and that was, still is, and always will be a work in progress. You can see my schedule on my website. I try to keep it spicy by doing Ren Faires and have even done a few Pow Wow’s and adding local venues as they present themselves.

Blues Traveler 2 by Christina Neit

As a constant learner, I have taught myself how to do some work with horsehair and traditional techniques with quills. I have much further to go in learning to work with the quills, but the attempt has been made, now to find the time. Eventually, I will learn how to hitch with horsehair too. I always have my eyes open on how to incorporate new techniques and items into my bead work, it has opened up a whole new world.

Manja 1 by Christina Neit

I am beyond fortunate to be able to do this day in and day out. I am easily inspired and just cannot bead fast enough. I usually end up spending half of every day on the computer working on my website, editing photos, networking, designing patterns. Thankfully, I enjoy that a lot and have grown to be very fond of making my own graphics, I guess that just goes with the creative flow…

You can see more of Christina’s work on her website or her etsy site.

INTRICACIES: KNITWEAR, BEADING AND SURFACE DESIGN by Nan Heldenbrand Morrissette

Needlepoint on silk gauze or linen, 1024 stitches per square inch… Knitwear with as many as 123 different colors and fibers in a single sweater… Neckpieces of woven words and intricate designs, made of thousands of beads…

Maine Fiberarts Gallery 13 Main Street Topsham ME 04086 July 5 – August 31, 2009

Please join me for the Opening Reception on Sunday, July 5th 1:30 and 4 PM, with a Gallery Talk at 2:00