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Turtle Dreams

Leah Henriquez Ready

Beaded Jewelry and Art Dolls

Southwestern Sky
Alegria
Jardin Cuff
Flora
Antigua
1 of 1
Southwestern Sky

Southwestern Sky

Bead embroidered earrings using ultra suede and Lacy's; 15/0 Japanese seed beads; amethyst, turquoise, Czech glass lentils; surgical steel posts.

3"H x .75"W

$75

Photo by Pat Berrett

Alegria

Alegria

Beaded Doll: carved bone face, seed beads, glass leaves and flowers, diks, bugles. Hair has a flower at the end of each strand.

6.5"H x 3"W x 1"D

In the collection of Jo Jennings, Irvine, TX

Photo by Pat Berrett

Jardin Cuff

Jardin Cuff

Bead embroidery. Kit includes dichroic cabochon; 11/0, 15/0, 8/0 seed beads; ultra suede; Lacy's Stiff Stuff; button; glass leaves, flowers, disks; pearls, crystals, bugles; vintage nailheads; directions with picture. You supply needles, thread, E6000 glue.

7.5"H x 2.5"W

$75

Photo by Pat Berrett

Flora

Flora

Carved bone face, Czech glass leaves and flowers, seed beads, disks, charlottes, 3-cuts, pearls, delicas.

5"H x 3"W x 1"D

In the collection of Daryl Howard, Austin, TX

Photo by Pat Berrett

Antigua

Antigua

Bead-embroidered on ultra suede and Lacy's; abalone; seed beads, 15/0 3-cuts; vintage elements include pre-WWII Japanese metal roses, Czech glass, nailheads, 4mm crystals; sterling silver clasp.

16"H x 6"W

In the collection of Irene Kent, Kalamazoo, MI

Photo by Pat Berrett

Artist Statement

I create beaded art dolls and jewelry. I was drawn to the medium of beads because they sparkle and because their many sizes and colors allow me the variety I crave. I like the intricacy that beadwork involves and the meditative quality that is associated with working primarily with small glass objects and obsessively and compulsively stitching them together. I enjoy working with different stitches and exploring how one stitch interacts with or expands on another stitch. I am inspired by the beauty of the world around me, from deserts to seashores to gardens of colorful flowers.

My love of beads and fibers began as a child. With a jeweler father and a knitting and sewing mother, I was destined to create. Drawn to beads because they are easy to pick up and put down and because they are very portable, I find that the variety of colors, textures and surfaces at my fingertips enables me to create whatever my mind imagines.

I want people to smile when they hold my art dolls or try on a piece of my jewelry and to appreciate my designs and use of color. I'm happiest when the repeat customer comments on how many compliments she receives on her doll or piece of jewelry.

Events

November 12 - 13, 2011

Heard Museum Winter Spanish Market

Phoenix, AZ

June 21 - 23, 2013

New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair

Albuquerque, NM (Expo NM- State Fairgrounds)

Booth 126 Best Bead Art 2010, 2011; Best Non-Precious Jewelry 2012

July 27 - 28, 2013

Contemporary Hispanic Market

Santa Fe, NM on Lincoln Street

Semi-Precious Jewelry award winner 2007, 2008; Best Crafts 2009; Best Jewelry 2011, 2012

October 11 - 13, 2013

Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Show Balloon Fiesta

in the tent at I-25 and Paseo del Norte

I am in the second weekend.

November 23 - 24, 2013

Las Artistas

El Paso, TX

at the 1st Presbyterian Church on Murchison

November 29 - December 1, 2013

Rio Grande Holiday Show

Manuel Lujan Bldg., Expo NM

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