Finally it's done.

I’ve been working on this skirt for sometime now and I’m very proud that it is finished. One thing that got me down or that brought my hopes down is the fact that black or black beads are not welcomed at Emhlangni “The reed dance.” It is said that if you seen wearing them, they are taken away from you, never to be returned. It is clear that if I want anyone to wear my work at the dance I will have to start from scratch. It is a lesson to be learnt sooner then later.

What's wrong with smarties?

In the btec lesson or meeting that we have every Thursday we were asked, “What is the image or picture that guides you or that comes to mind when you’re making your jewellery?” At least that what I thought it ment. I took some time to answer because I did not want to say the wrong thing. I answered smarties come to mind when I do my beadwork because of their bright colours and the taste of cause. Some people agreed that when I mentioned it, my beadwork does tend to remind them of smarties. Amazing enough the other members of the group thought my colour co ordination is a bit off or at least that’s what I got from the conversation. What’s wrong with smarties? What’s wrong with bright colours?

Almost peace of mind.

This is my classroom, its not the best looking class but you should have seen it when I first got it. I say almost peace of mind because the classroom looks empty but the noise don't say so. The kids or learners are actually standing on the sides, avoiding to be in the picture. I find that funny because sometimes I jump at the opportunity to have my picture taken.

My first pic

I bought a camera this weekend, I know im ment to be looking happy but it had been a long day and I still had a long way to go. Hopefully now I can take more pictures and blog more.

Praying long and hard.

I titled this picture, "praying long and hard" because those girls do not want that reed to break under any circumstance. That would be blowing their chance with the king or with people ever respecting them. Do not get me wrong, not all the girls that join the reed dance want to be chosen by the king.

Proud

These young ladies are very proud of their culture as you can see that they are not afraid to take part of the reed dance, where the king is ment to chose his next wife. I love their bright colours but I guess that has to do with wanting to stand out of the crowd. Every tribe or area has their own style or taste for beadwork. They can be told a part by the different colours or stitches. I'm in the process of making the fool beaded outfit but with a small twist or should i say "Isimodeni?"

Bold pieces

I have been beading what I call traditional jewellery and I think that the jewellery or the items are very flat so as to go or flow with the body. David Chatt is an artist that I was referred to by Suzanne Golden. I love his use of colour and the fact that his jewellery or his work is three dimational.