Back In The Studio

It is a new year and after a much needed break for the holidays, I am back to work in the studio! This past holiday season was one of the best I have ever had, I sold out of everything I made for Christmas and I have received such wonderful feedback and stories from my customers. I have big plans and I am so looking forward to what this year will bring.
This little Chickadee is my first new piece for this year. My tiny perching Chickadee was so popular last year, I decided to make him into a flying ornament. Look out for more birds, wedding pieces and big projects in 2012!

'Tis The Season

I'm sorry my lovely followers that I have not posted in a while! I've been a busy bee, making Christmas ornaments like mad! I am so thrilled and feel so lucky that my ornaments have been selling so well this year, and I am making more as fast as I can. I was also able to participate in a local holiday fair yesterday. I just love the town of Ojai, I got to met so many nice people on a beautiful (but chilly) day. Now I am back in the studio making last minute ornaments and packing up orders. I am feeling so blessed this year, and I am so thankful for all of my customers, and the support from my family and friends.
My Cup Runneth Over!

Eastern Bluebird Christmas Ornament

Christmas is just around the corner and I have been very busy making ornaments and getting into the spirit of the holidays. Bird ornaments have been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. The bluebird holds a special place in my heart, and I am so proud of this one.
My Grandmother had an collection of the old German glass ornaments and her trees always looked so beautiful. One ornament in particular was my absolute favorite and I looked forward to seeing it every year...the glass bluebird. Now it adorns my Christmas tree every year and it always makes me happy to look at it. I hope that the ornaments I create will be the kind to get passed down in families for years to come.

This hand beaded Eastern Bluebird ornament makes the perfect gift for any bird or nature lover. Just in time for the holidays, this intricately beaded bluebird will add sparkle to any Christmas décor. This sweet bird is wired for hanging on a Christmas tree branch, or wreath, from a chandelier or window. The glass beads are sure to sparkle beautifully among the Christmas lights, sunlight, or candlelight.

Each bead on this handmade ornament was glued in place one at a time with tweezers.
If you or someone you know collects Eastern Bluebirds, this handmade ornament would make a perfect addition.

The Bluebird Measures:
2 inches or about 5cm Long
1 1/2 inches or about 4cm Wide
1 inch or about 2 1/2 cm Tall

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Find more one-of-a-kind beaded home decor and gifts in my shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/meredithdada

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Baby Robin Beaded Bird

I love making these tiny little birds, they are so sweet! After making a few special orders for robins I'm now offering a baby robin on my website.

This tiny beaded robin is so cute, you can't help but smile when you see him. He is made to perch and looks darling sitting on the edge of a book shelf, candle holder, or whatever decorative item you feel needs a little extra sparkle. This little bird is completely covered in size 11/0 glass seed beads. Each bead was glued in place by hand with tweezers.


The Baby Robin measures:

1 1/2 inches or 4 cm Long

1 inch or 2 3/4 cm Wide

3/4 inch or 2 cm Tall

Cardinal Christmas Ornament

This hand beaded red cardinal bird ornament makes the perfect gift for any bird or nature lover. Just in time for the holidays, this intricately beaded cardinal will add sparkle to any Christmas décor. This sweet bird is wired for hanging on a Christmas tree branch, or wreath, from a chandelier or window. The glass beads are sure to sparkle beautifully among the Christmas lights, sunlight, or candlelight.

Each bead on this handmade ornament was glued in place one at a time with tweezers.
If you or someone you know collects cardinals, this handmade ornament would make a perfect addition.

The Red Cardinal Ornament Measures:

1 ½ in or about 4cm Long
1 ½ in or about 4cm Wide
1 in or about 2 ½ cm Tall

"In Bloom" Beaded Box

After about 4 months of work the beaded box is finally DONE! This is by far my largest finished piece to date, and I could not be more proud of it. It began with a simple wooden box, I was attracted to the shape of it and I knew I wanted to cover it in beads!



Soon after I found the box, I saw these wonderful metal bird and branch cabinet pulls and I thought it would make a lovely topper for the box. I screwed the cabinet pull to the lid of the box and covered the ends with large beads on the inside of the box lid.


I started designing the flowers and leaves after a trip to Japantown in San Francisco. I fell in love with all of the cherry blossom art I saw and knew I wanted to cover the box in the lovely pink blooms. Just like the rest of my work I wanted the majority of the box to be covered in small size 11 and size 8 glass seed beads. I love the detail I can achieve by using the smallest beads possible. Each bead is glued in place one at a time with tweezers.


I added brass, and copper charms of birds, bees, flowers and butterflies along with some larger glass beads to add some interest and texture. I also placed glass and crystal rhinestones here and there to give it extra sparkle.



The inside of the box is covered in a deep maroon fabric. The bottom of the box is painted and sealed then finished with felt rounds on the feet. This one of a kind piece is signed by me on the bottom with my signature silver tag.

The "In Bloom" box measures
8 1/2 inches Long
7 inches Wide
6 inches Tall
The inside of the box is about 3 1/2 inches deep

I am pleased to say this piece has been accepted and will be for sale in the OJAI CELEBRATES ART IV Juried exhibition of Fine Arts with an open theme held at the Ojai Valley Museum
The show will be up from
October 13 - December 31, 2011 with an Awards Ceremony, Ojai Day, Sat., Oct 15, 4-5pm

If you happen to be in the Ojai area during that time stop by the Museum and check it out!

Ojai & Beyond Community Artisans' & Musicians Fair

I just spent a beautiful Sunday downtown Ojai for my very first Art Fair. I met wonderful people, listened to some great live music, and sold a couple of birdies! I got really lovely feedback from the folks walking through. I just love living in Ojai, such amazing talent, friendly people, and a hugely supportive art community. I hope to do something like this again soon!