an open source architectural beadwork project from Kate McKinnon and a worldwide team of innovators
Greetings, beaders around the world. I hope this finds you well. It’s been a challenging Spring for us all, I know. Here in the US we are getting hit hard, and most of the country is shut down. Delivery systems are overwhelmed, as are humans. It’s very stressful, and most of us are grieving. I am grateful for the peace and continuity that beads provide.
As you might imagine, the printing press and the bindery scheduled to produce our paper books are mostly shut down, and supply chains and delivery companies are in tough shape. The press estimates that our books can be done in August, but it’s difficult to know what summer will bring.
If there is ANYONE on our pre-order list who would prefer to cancel their pre-order and pick up the books later when they are printed, just email me at kate@katemckinnon.com and a cheerful instant refund is yours, as always. (Include your order receipt if you want to make it easy.)
Capitola Bradshaw riffing on a Debra Schwartz idea
for a simple, elegant bangle made of four Warped Squares
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Happily we have a great deal to release digitally while we wait – in just two weeks I’ll be publishing our new Technical Section, which I think will amaze you even if you’ve been following. This release will be free to all, and links to the content will premiere here on the Book Blog, on YouTube, and our Facebook and Instagram pages.
On May 1, one of our favorite beaded forms, the Warped Square or Hypar, will be featured in our first global Call For Work. We will be asking beaders all over the world to make and send in Warped Squares for our team to assemble into square tiles and other architecture, and we will create several huge museum installations incorporating them. Right now we are busy refining our ideas, but when we publish the official Call we will provide diagrams, counts and instructions.
Above, Sylvia Lambourg, Eggbox/Flying Carpet Tile in Assembly, 2020
Concept Ingrid Wangsvik, inspiration Kim Van Antwerp and Victor Vasarely
Thanks to a generous gift of beads from John Bead in Toronto, we will be able to not only accomplish the exhibits, but sponsor a huge project celebrating indigenous/First Nations beadwork and bead artists as well. We are so grateful, thank you Daniel John, Carmi Cimicata, and also Debra Schwartz, for suggesting the collaboration.
Tight hugs from me to you all during this challenging time. Let’s love each other, share what we have, and keep working with our hands. Those who know how to work with fabric are called to help now making masks, and those of us who can grow food, make beauty, teach children, fix things that break… well. We will all be sorely needed.
We will help each other get by.
We will hang in there Kate. Getting in a lot of practice during this month for sure. Send them when you can.
Gorgeous 😃🙏🏼
Awesome news about the global work call. I am looking forward to be a part of it. 🤗
Count me in! BTW..Been waiting for the new book for so long I’ve been watching my grey hair come in! No way would I ask for my money back. Just want to hold the book while I’m still around. 😀
Hi Kate: I’m not on the preorder list (I think), but eagerly looking forward to these book.
Just wondering whether we will be able to buy the Pattern Book Colourway? I think it would be really exciting if we could start ordering those now in anticipation of the electronic editions being released.
Can hardly wait to dive in!!!
the other Erin up in Toronto, Canada
We will definitely have bead kits available, but not quite yet. While we are in quarantine, the team is more of a concept than an actual group of people who can help. : )
Of course! I should have thought about that before I asked.
Do you need any kit assemblers/general flunkies up here in the Great White North? (Toronto)
This is so exciting Kate! I would love to contribute some Warped Squares to this project. Your passion for beading and science is positively infectious! I was so excited when I discovered your kaleidocycle videos, that I designed and beaded one of my own. Special thanks to you and everyone at CGB for your continuing innovation and inspiration. Sending you love and wishes for a speedy recovery.
This is exciting! I would love to contribute a warped square!
Dear Kate, Been with you in spirit since Book 1, won’t let go now. My beading has slowed down somewhat due to Dupuytren’s Contracture and Arthritis but if I can do a square I’m going to do one!
Stay safe
Kate, I believe in Divine Timing. There is some reason for all of the bizarre delays in this project- because I watch as you and your team improve and improve and develop new ideas. I love what you are doing and what you have done. Carry on!! I’m standing with you! I am patient. Much love!! Maureen Boylan Cincinnati OH
Maureen Crotty Boylan, DC Hands of Light Chiropractic Care Schedule Now: maureen-boylan-dc.com Click on the “Schedule Now” button
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It is interesting, all the new ideas that we have found. I am so grateful I didn’t publish earlier, but I am also so ready to be finished.
Thanks for your kindness, Maureen!
Hey Kate, Have been with you from the start of this amazing journey. Hang in there. Sending a big virtual, hug, kisses and live. Stay safe, stay healthy, positive and happy. Blessings🙏🏼 Maria Scarlett Darwin NT Australia xxx
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Dear kate and CGB team,
What a wonderful global project! Looking forward to taking part
Best wishes and hugs
I am in the UK and only started beading a year ago, but your amazing work and community have inspired me to try things I never would have thought possible. I made my first zig zag cuff a few weeks ago and managed to create my own design. I am thrilled with it. I am normally a sewer and am like many others making laundry bags, masks and headbands for our NHS staff. I hope you are well on the way to recovery now and thank you for all your hard work and inspiration.
Oh heck no- no refund for me! Totally worth the wait 😘
Stay well, 💗Erin
Sent from Erin Bachrach
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Kate, thank you for highlighting my bracelet! I am honored to be in the company of such a wonderful world of beaders!
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Hi I hope all is well. Please could you send me the video for how to make the egg box amazing pattern or similar. A precious member of our family passed away due to Covid 19. They were a good soul. Very successful and God fearing and charitable . All in shock. Embrace each day with love and care and prayers everyone stays well. Thank you and stay safe. Farah
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Looking forward to working on the project! Be well!
Beatiful call!!! Wait to hear the news!!!
Dearest Kate What a lovely and heart warming message to delight my day! Thanks for all your dedicated work and struggles through your bout with the virus. I’m all in for the egg-box art piece with a few folks here eager to contribute. Keep on keepin on!!!! Love and hugs to you Rose Mary
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Thankyou very much for your interesting post and i am looking foreward to hopefully be able to take part in the new project! All the best to you and your team.
Friderike
I’m excited to purchase the books when they are able to be published, I’m SURE they will be worth the wait!!
Can’t wait to be a part of this!!!!!
Contemporary Geometric Beadwork and all of the Beading World is a beautiful place to be right now. With love to all and a BIG, BIG thank you to Kate McKinnon for keeping this a most groovy place to be!
Amazing! I’m so looking forward to the book and hoping to be able to make one or more warped squares for you.
Fantastic!