Sometimes a new person will walk into your life, and the two of you immediately click. It’s as if you’ve just met an old friend for the first time.
Jenny and I met in another lifetime. OK, so it was more like about five years ago. She came into the old shop to check out the selection. She and her family had just moved to Medford from Klamath Falls, and she was getting to know her new city.
She was new to beading, but I immediately knew I’d met a fellow beadaholic. When she left that day, she had quite the selection of beads. Over the course of the next few weeks she became a regular customer, and we got to know one another.
Soon she was working at the shop, helping customers, and teaching classes. I was so grateful for her enthusiasm, and great ideas.
When we reconnected this past September I was delighted to see her again. She works at Zahara’s spending her days surrounded by gemstones, cabochons, and beautiful minerals. She’s amassed quite the collection of cabochons. Her beadwork has evolved over the years, and her artistry shines through in every piece she’s shown me.
I was thrilled when she agreed to teach for me again! Jenny is teaching four different techniques for the Spring Session.
On Saturday, April 9th from 1:00 to 3:00-ish (this class tends to run long, so plan on leaving closer to 4:00), Jenny will be teaching the art of Bead Embroidery. A nice beginning class, with stitches that are easy to learn, you can discover how seed beads can be like painting with glass.
Right Angle Weave with a whole lot of glitz is what this class offers. Scheduled twice, our first class was held Saturday, February 19th. The second class is Thursday, March 10th from 6:30-8:30, and there is still plenty of room available.
Jenny’s love of color, and texture are evident in her free form peyote pieces. She’ll be guiding her students through the process of choosing a color palette, and then letting the stitch go where it wants. Class is scheduled for Saturday, March 5th from 1:00-3:00. Currently, there are only two spaces available.
When I saw these buttons for the first time I declared “I have buttons just like these in the vintage button bowl!” Jenny laughed at me, and told me that was where the buttons she’d embellished came from in the first place. She’d purchased them several years ago. What a clever use of right angle weave, and a black button! Class is scheduled for Saturday, March 26th from 1:00-3:00. There is space available, and buttons, too!
Visit Dancing Beads website for more information about classes, or to sign up!
Dancing Beads:: We’ve just met, and are at a point in our conversation when you describe who you are. So, who are you?
Jenny:: Certain members of my family have described me as flamboyant, and I actually love that description. I am a bright, intense, vibrant and creative woman who is passionate and outspoken. My interactions with people are what brings me the most joy in my life. I have been blessed to walk a creative path that allows me to have that joy on a daily basis.
Dancing Beads:: When talking to others, how do you describe your bead art?
Jenny:: I create one of a kind, wearable art. When I am designing a piece, I put together a group of complimentary components, make the first stitch and rest of the piece “creates it’s self”. My favorite mediums are bead embroidery and freeform peyote stitch.
Dancing Beads:: In what ways does your beadwork reflect your personality?
Jenny:: My pieces are colorful, original and unique…. A bit like me. : )
Dancing Beads:: On average, how many hours per week do you devote to your bead passions?
Jenny:: On average, I would say 4-6 hours per week. Of course this is not nearly enough to suit me. I am looking forward to returning to the full time creative arena VERY soon.
Dancing Beads:: Any beading weaknesses?
Jenny:: I have a serious weakness for gemstone cabochons and beads and Delica beads. I have to admit that when it comes to beading, I am just weak. I am always looking for the next great beading inspiration…
Dancing Beads:: What do you like about teaching beading classes?
Jenny:: I adore the social aspect of beading. What could be better than a room full of beaders learning something new? My favorite part is watching someone go from, “I could never do that!” to “LOOK, I’m doing THAT!”
Dancing Beads:: Where do you bead? Do you have a special place?
Jenny:: I have a large desk and beading work area, but it really ends up being more of a storage area. I end up on the couch with a tray in my lap. That way I can spend time with the family and also create.
Dancing Beads:: Just for fun… what is your favorite…
- Dessert:: If it’s dessert, it’s my favorite.
- Piece of clothing:: My old clunky black boots that I will never be able to part with.
- Movie:: I have two… The Notebook and The Wedding Singer.
- Vacation spot:: I don’t vacation much, but I really love the Oregon Coast.
- Color:: Only one?? I have a favorite palette. I love autumn colors: red, gold, green, orange, brown…..
- City:: That’s a tough one. Hmmm. I have fun in whatever location I am in.
- Musical style:: I love, love, love rock music. Everything from classic to current. I also love many other genres as well. Music is the ultimate creative expression.
- Holiday:: I have special things that I do for all of them. I have really enjoyed making holiday memories with my kids as they grew up. Soon, we will be having our annual St. Patty’s Day feast. It’s strange to think that in a few short years, my kids will be old enough to drink the green beer. : )
Lifted from her Facebook page, here is a picture of the lovely, and talented Jenny Naylor. A pioneer in FrontierVille, she also has a blog that she shares her beadwork, and thoughts on occasionally. I have a short video of her teaching recently, but figured I’d better not press my luck by posting it!
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