Through the Eyes of a Magpie
Hand-beaded CircleSeat by Amy Castine
When I got my chair back in December, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It has truly been a growth experience to complete it.
You see I have always been the queen of immediate gratification. Originally, I figured I’d be done with my chair by January first.
Even that was a huge effort by my standards. Now I see how laughable that was. I have spent over 200 hours on it.
First there was the sanding, repairing the seat, priming, and painting on the plan. All that before the beads even came in the mail.
I never had to order beads by the kilo before. I usually make jewelry that only uses a small handful of beads.
The process of adding the beads is pretty simple albeit time consuming. I used a paintbrush to spread Mod Podge on the wood.
Then I laid the beads on over the “glue.” On the larger sections they went on by pre-strung strands.
In more detailed routered sections with curves and such, the beads had to go on in smaller amounts, scooped up from a bowl with a needle and laid into place.
There was a calming, almost zen-like feeling when I got going on it. In the end I’d even say I enjoyed it.
There were certainly times I wished I was done so I could stand up straight and sleep, but seeing my chair sparkle in the sun as I delivered it made me glad I finished it.
You see I am a magpie. I love all things sparkly. It certainly doesn’t have to be the sparkle of gems and such.
I can see a broken earring on the pavement in the grocery store parking lot from 30 feet and feel compelled to pick it up.
I have a “disco ball” Christmas ornament and love body glitter even though I am getting a little old for it.
I especially love sparkly bead jewelry so I make it for other people to enjoy. Needless to say, my chair had to sparkle too.
It is my wish that a fellow magpie will win the bid on it. I actually had a little trouble leaving the chair behind when I dropped it off at The Circle School so it could be displayed.
It became very personal to me as I worked. I had several friends say they would not be able sell it after putting so much of themselves into it.
I understand that better now that it is out of my shop. At this stage of the process I would like for it to “go to a good home.”
I also want it to bring lots of help to the kids of The Circle School. If all that happens then I will be one very happy magpie.
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