August Crafter - Rachel Nelson-Smith

It is my great pleasure to introduce our August Crafter - Beadmaster Rachel Nelson-Smith, who is also the person behind my fanatic over seed beads weaving.

I used to live very close to downtown San Mateo in the Bay Area and there is a beads store called Beading Frenzy which I frequent regularly. On one of those visits, the shop was promoting a course on Basic Peyote Cuff. I did not know what peyote stitch is then as I did mostly stringing and wire-works. However, Rachel's stunning cuff convinced me to sign up for the class. One class led to another and the rest is history.

Rachel is a very talented master beadweaver and has a distinctive style to her works. Here is an extract from her biography "...work is infused with her unique combination of fabrication techniques. With a wealth of knowledge and fearless adventure, needle and tools shape bold and vibrant works alive with enormous energy and dynamism. Finding inspiration in surrounding nature, pure color, and beads themselves, Rachel creates pieces reflecting the world she sees around her." (read about her full bio)

Rachel teaches extensively throughout the country and at national beads show like the Bead & Button in US. Her choice of materials makes her works so vibrant. Not forgetting the designs are unique but yet practical and sophisticated at the same time. I have been fortunate to learn from Rachel as she is always so gracious in sharing her knowledge.

Rachel has had her projects published in several beading periodicals and come this September, she will have her first book, entitled 'Seed Bead Fusion' published! It contains 18 gorgeous projects with detailed directions, designing insights, and etc. A preview of the projects are available at her homepage. It has my favourite Ootheca Cuff project which I am sure anyone will fall in love with it. (Read more about the book from Ms Jean Campbell's review)

To Rachel : Heartiest congratulations on the launch of your book and thank you for the wonderful beading experiences I had with you.

Photos are courtesy of Rachel Nelson.

July Crafter - The Laughing House

I chanced upon 'The Laughing House' while surfing the Etsy site one day. 'The Laughing House' carries a range of beautiful purses, like organiser clutch, tool bags, bible/journal covers, camera cases, wristlets, accordian purses and etc. As a bag lover, I couldn't resist not looking at them and gave myself a reason to buy my first organiser clutch wristlet. I said it is the first, because subsequently, I made 3 more purchases!

The second purchase was a 3-in-1 Organiser Clutch Purse that Winniel (the owner) has customised with my own material. I have this beautiful paisely printed cloth which I bought from US and I thought it will be perfect to turn it into a clutch purse for my beading tools. The third purchase was also a customised work. I have requested Winniel to make me a larger sized purse to store Marcus's diapering necessities. Winniel gave me alot of constructive suggestions and I am very happy with the final result. The fourth purchase was a gift for my friend who has been a really great supporter of Beady Girl. I got her a 3-in-1 Organiser Clutch Purse as well which is multi-functional.

'The Laughing House' is a local business, run by Winniel and the woman behind the great works is her beloved Mom. It is a perfect mother and daughter partnership where Winniel does the marketing and business aspects, and her Mom produces the masterpieces. Winniel has a great eye for beautiful fabrics and this is part of the reason why her bags are so sought after. Mom's workmanship is superb and I have to emphasize that the purses are really very well-made in my opinion.

Besides having a good product, Winniel also wins her customers over with her great personality. She is an extremely friendly and helpful lady, and it is always a great joy corresponding with her. After several conversations with her, we found out we are actually schoolmates from high school!

So, if you are looking for one-of-a-kind handcrafted purses, do check out 'The Laughing House'! I know I will definitely be back for more!

June Crafter - JeynReyn

I am delighted to introduce our June Crafter - JeynReyn from San Francisco Bay Area, owned by Jennifer Reynolds. JeynReyn currently carries eyewear cases and pocket holders which are made out of high quality felt and fleece materials. They are available for sale at her Etsy shop.

I first knew Jennifer at the Redwood City Farmers Market in the Bay Area when she bought a pair of earrings from me. We exchanged contacts then and subsequently, we met up often for meals, coffees, craft shopping and even did a few fairs together in San Francisco.

Jenn & I at Vestiti Roupa, The Canvas Gallery, San Francisco

Jennifer is a very creative and intelligent crafter, and always willing to share her ideas. She is also a true believer of recycling and incorporates any recyclable materials into her designs whenever possible, without compromising on its quality. Besides the cases and pocket holders, Jennifer's other signature work is her pocket scarfs which were very popular during the winter period. She has also made cutie barrettes which I have the honour of owning some of them.

In short, I would say any fabric that touches her hand turn into beautiful piece of work. She also owns another Etsy shop, selling inventive moms and babies stuff. To view more of JeynReyn's creations, check out her Etsy shops (JeynReyn, Lovemedo) and creative blog.

This pair of "Heads Up" Awake/Asleep plushies is one of the 40 finalists in the Etsy Handmade Kids Challenge.

Photos are courtesy of JeynReyn.

May Crafter - Simple Arts Planet

Gracing as our May Crafter is my good friend, Lis Chaong from Simple Arts Planet. Simple Arts Planet (SAP) specialises in Amigurumi dolls which are all uniquely designed by Lis. It sells project kits, crochet patterns, supplies and customised wedding favours. Of all, I would like to specially mention about her crochet patterns and wedding favours.

The crochet patterns are fully illustrated with detailed step-by-step instructions. From her customers' positive feedbacks, Lis has made working with crochet a walk in the park.

Another specialty of SAP is customised wedding favours for couples. Some of the favourites are fridge magnets, bottle openers and thank you notes. SAP has an in-house graphic designer, so every design is one-of-a-kind.

I have known Lis for almost a decade and since the early years of our friendship, she has always revealed the creative side of her. Some of the gifts that I received from her are crocheted bookmark and a cell pouch. Her workmanship is superb and she would not compromise for sub-standard quality. She takes pride in her work and works very closely with her clients to make sure they are 100% satisfied with her products and services.

Besides SAP online store, SAP products are also available for sale at Etsy and Dawanda. So, if you like Amigurumi dolls crochet or a bride/groom-to-be looking for personalised wedding favours, do check out the delectable range of SAP products!

Photos are courtesy of Simple Arts Planet.