Name: Meredith Dada
Craft: Mixed Media / Bead Artist
Location: Ojai, California, USA.
Website: www.meredithdada.etsy.com

What is your craft and why is it awesome?

So many factors lead me to where I am today. I grew up surrounded by all different types of art. I struggled to find my medium through the years. I have tried my hand at just about everything. I love to paint, but I find it limiting. I did mosaic work for years, but I soon became frustrated with the limitations of working with broken tile. I simply could not get the detail I was looking for.

I grew up watching my Grandmother bead everything from Christmas ornaments to ball gowns for my Barbie dolls. I always dismissed beading as merely a craft. After my Grandmother passed away I was given her plastic bins full of beads. All of those tubes of beads could easily have been tubes of paint. I started gluing beads on top of my painted designs and soon I felt right at home. Finally, I have managed to combine my many loves into one process.

I glue each tiny bead in place one at a time with tweezers. Yes, it’s a lot of work; it’s detailed, and time consuming. However, for me, it is the ultimate exercise in meditation. It brings me peace and joy everyday.

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Are you a crafter or artist? Do you do something a little out-of-the-ordinary? If you’d like to be part of A Year of Craft, please e-mail Jess – 52weeksofcraft AT epherielldesigns.com.