Bead Art by Deb McQueen

“Hamsa” protection

This is a Hamsa , Hamesh or Hand of Fatima. It is an apotropic amulet of protection . It is believed to protect one from the envious and/or the evil eye. The word Hamsa means 5, refers to the digits of the hand. I thought it was a very nice amulet that needed to be beaded. I had fun doing this one, working with the bright colors cheered me up on the rainy days. Yes, we had 3 days of rain in North Pole. Great to have some rain, plus I had beading time. Hope you enjoy this one.

First Friday

Doug and I just got back from the First Friday opening at the Bear Gallery. What a great show. Lots of talented people in the Fairbanks area. I tried to get Doug to stand beside his art for a picture. That did not happen. I am very glad I got him to put some of his pen and ink drawings and his pen and ink/watercolors in the show. Here are a few photos from the show.

New Art Exhibit

I have 5 of my smaller beaded artworks in this exhibit. I have convinced my husband Doug to place some of his pen and ink drawings and his pen and ink watercolors in also. Opening July 3, 5-7pm, Bear Gallery Pioneer Park. Stop by for First Friday, we will both be there.

Blue Goddess is finished.

I completed this last week…forgot to take pictures and post. She sure is Blue! Trying to come up with my next project….

Momma and her twins.

These three were resting in my backyard this morning.

Late night visitors

These guys are still hanging around, guess they like it here.10:50pm and still light enough for photos.

I was going to take the dog out but we will wait.

What is she beading now?

I wanted to work with Blue. Don’t know why, it is not what I consider one of my favorite colors. I like “Spirit Dolls” & “Fairies” so, I have combined the two. This should be interesting.

“KACHINA” is finished.

I finished my “KACHINA” over the weekend but, I did not get photos done until today. I am blaming warm weather and lots of daylight.

I like how this turned out. I will figure out how to display this later. I like shadow boxes, but I am having trouble locating them locally. Thinking about using a slate tile?

I used size 15s and 22s on the feathers, those transparent brown 22s gave my eyes a work out. They really lined up nice and have a great tactile quality.

Thanks for following along. Comments are more than welcome! deb

Young couple checking out the neighborhood

We had our first robin in the yard today. I have heard them for the past week, this is the first one that spent some time in the yard. It sprinkled rain this afternoon, so I got some beading done. While taking a break I noticed this couple walking down my driveway. It is always good to see the mallards come back. I love spring.

Sorry about the blurry pics, taken through the screened window…I did not want to scare the ducks!

Warm, sunny days = less beading

The weather has been great, temps in the 60’s. I have been cleaning the yard and getting the garden ready to go. We only have one area of the yard that is still swampy. The state bird (mosquito) has gathered in my area, so I smell like Deet.

I hope to get the feathers done Saturday, weather guy says it will rain.

How I did at the Art Show

Great turn out. They had 185 entries, narrowed that down to 55 for the show. I feel very lucky to have 2 pieces showing. “Sugar Skull” received Honorable Mention! Here is a pic of it. Did not post about it before as it is/was a surprise birthday gift for a special friend.

Here a few pics from the show. The birch/ moosehide chair won Juror’s Choice.

Interior Artisans Juried Art Show

I have entered three Bead Embroidered pieces in this show. Just got the call: Two have been accepted! I won’t know how well I did until Friday, May 1st. I feel great just knowing I have two pieces accepted.

If you live in the area please stop by for First Friday. It is in the Bear Gallery in Pioneer Park, from 5 – 7 pm. Awards are given at 6pm. Hope to see lots of folks there.

I will post pics of the event.

Thanks to all the people that encourage me to keep beading!