1/12/13

Memories and Thanks Blog Hop

Is there someone who greatly influenced your direction as a beader? For me, that person would be Alice Walker of Beadazzles, the wonderfully eclectic Atlanta bead store that closed its doors in 2012. The display cases in Alice’s store were always brimming with enticing beads and components, and its walls were covered with original and unusual pieces sure to inspire. If a project was just not coming together, Alice and Beadazzles’ talented staff were there to offer design advice and usually that perfect bead to delight the most elusive muse.

I remember Alice encouraging me to sign up for a Laura McCabe class, a two-day workshop that found me, still very much a novice, in way over my head. The woman across the table noticed that I was lagging behind and quietly demonstrated each step again. She was a life-saving tutor over those two days and became a good friend. I wouldn’t be surprised if our seating hadn’t been pre-arranged! That was Beadazzles. I took many more classes at Beadazzles, from both local and national teachers, and eventually, at Alice’s urging, taught some of my own designs at the store.
Alice immediately came to mind when I read Lori Anderson’s idea to dedicate a post on January 12th to honor someone who touched your life and made it better.





Since this is the last bead strand I purchased at Beadazzles, it was my first choice for this project. I remember when I was paying for that final purchase, the staff asked me if I was planning to use these as a whole strand, or individually. I definitely saw them used in pairs ... for earrings, or as accent pieces. Time to readjust my thinking! The tetradic colorway the beads suggest is challenging, and not for the fainthearted, but perfect for this necklace, since Alice’s favored pieces were always large in scale with lots of color.

 
I had some fantastic tourmaline cabochons in the beads’ blue-greens and red-violets, so they became my dominant colors.
 
 
I don't have a photo of Alice, so I borrowed this one (Alice is on the right), from Marcia DeCoster's blog, taken when Marcia was teaching a class at Beadazzles (before I took up beading, or I definitely would have reserved a seat for that!)  This link will take you to Marcia's post on Alice and the store.

Alice closed Beadazzles late last year, retiring, with plans to move to California to be closer to her family. Much thanks go out to her today for her care and encouragement and for many great beading memories!

Click over to Lori Anderson's blog and follow the links to the other participants in today's  Memories and Thanks Blog Hop. I'm sure we'll be treated to some fine designs and inspiring memories!

28 comments:

  1. What a positive and inspirational story and I'm sure she'll agree that the beads are dazzling and work beautiful with those detailed cabs,amazing work.

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  2. What a great story and I really like this piece. You did such an amazing job with the details and the color. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. What a beautiful post and dedication! The necklace you created with the amazing last strand is stunning-wow! I love bold, statement style jewelry and this is by far one of the pretties I have seen!

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  4. How great to tribute fellow "beader". Totally right on with your design!

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  5. Beautiful necklace! I loved the story that inspired your piece, and the focals are just amazing. Thank you for sharing! Gina H

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  6. How fortunate to have your very own bead mentor,and Alice looks perfectly charming. Your necklace is amazing and your colors just pop, you're certainly an artistic beader!

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  7. Amazing, as they say, how one never knows the effect they have on others....like a stone into the lake, Alice seems to still be rippling...and bringing such a lovely inspiration and work of art. Thank you for sharing!

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  8. Your work is stunning. What a great tribute to a wonderful lady!

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  9. Stunning necklace...and lovely tribute

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  10. Your necklace is absolutely beautiful. I think Alice would be proud of your work. The necklace is a great way to honour her and the role she played in inspiring you.

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  11. Your tribute necklace is amazing. Using the last strand you bought from her is very creative. I believe that Alice is proud of you. Thanx for sharing your story.

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  12. I love the mix of colors - absolutely beautiful! Alice must have seen the artist in you - what a lovely tribute.

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  13. Wow, is that gorgeous!!! A lovely tribute to Alice, for sure.

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  14. Beautiful jewelry and lovely post! blessings!

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  15. Fabulous piece and such a nice tribute to your mentor.

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  16. I'll bet Alice is absolutely thrilled to know how she inspired you...your talent is obvious, and the necklace you created is gorgeous.

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  17. Wow! I really hope that Alice follows your blog so she can see how much she inspired you and how far you have come. Such a beautiful piece.

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  18. Gorgeous necklace! Although the purchased beads were intended for earrings...this necklace sings. Yeah for all the people in our lives who inspire us! Yeah for Alice!
    Hugs
    Terri G.

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  19. What a great post and how wonderful for you to have had Alice as a mentor. I can imagine how disappointed you must have been when Alice decided to retire and close the store. Seems every LBS I frequent closes their doors..... Your necklace is amazing!

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  20. How grand that you chose the woman who helped open so many beading doors for you as your inspiration here! And Alice would be proud and touched with what you created. I love the cabochons you chose - they are perfect with the beads.

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  21. WOW!! WOW! WOW!! That necklace is amazing!!! Thank you for sharing your story of Alice with us!

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  22. What a beautiful story and a beautiful necklace! I really hope Alice had a chance to read your post. Isn't it wonderful to have someone like her for a mentor? It can make all the difference in our creative journey.

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  23. Such a cool necklace! I love the shape and color of those beads. It is a truly wonderful tribute you have made for your friend and mentor Alice. I hope that Alice reads this post to know how much she meant to you! Thanks for sharing your story and creation. Enjoy the day. Erin

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  24. I love you necklace, what a wonderful tribute,

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  25. LOVE your necklace. It is beautiful! What a nice story about Alice. Thanks for sharing it.

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  26. Wow ~ Great necklace and lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
    Peace and Love.

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  27. Your necklace is stunning. Thanks for sharing your story.

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  28. What a beautiful story! I'm sure no one would appreciate your work like a bead store owner. I think you sure did wrangle that palette into quite a lovely colourful and balanced piece. I'm sure Alice will attract great attention with it!

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