This non-typical commissioned beaded skull art piece is named The Preacher. This deer came to me already named because of his large brow tines resembling praying hands. He is the last of a trio of whitetail bucks I have had the honor of reviving into beaded art, including The Boss and Stormy Knight.
The Clay Process
The Preacher had a few missing parts including a tooth and a large “bump” between his antlers which is not unusual with large deer. The tooth took a little time to reconstruct but all in all it was a pretty straight forward clay process.
The Beaded Art Design for The Preacher
Because this was the third skull in this commissioned trio, I wanted to bring in elements from The Boss and Stormy Knight yet still make The Preacher unique. So, I used The Boss’s dark chocolate paired with Stormy Knight’s deep reds. The focal points of the first two pieces incorporated large fan beads in different colors. As gold was also used in both of The Preacher’s companions, I wanted to make that central in this design. However, I could not find fan beads in color that suited this scheme so I switched it up creating the focal point with golden Swarovski Crystal teardrops framed in by round smokey quartz. I incorporated some of the same lines and shapes as with the first two pieces and from there let The Preacher do The Preacher’s thing with Riverstone and plenty of Swarovski bicone and flatback crystals. His “prayer hands” antlers definitely made things challenging at times but he was well forth it in the end.
It was a pleasure creating these three skull art pieces and hope I have an opportunity to coordinate pieces like this again in the future.
Beaded skull: Stormy Knight is a large non-typical whitetail buck. He is the second in a trio of whitetail deer skulls I have been commissioned to revive with beaded skull art.
It took a while to find a name for him. The central beaded skull art design reminded me of a hurricane, so I knew Storm had to be part of it. I had wanted to do this type of spiral for some time and it suited is dimensions perfectly.
The Clay Process
This commissioned whitetail skull came to me missing much of his frontal bones. And after final cleaning the remaining nasal cartilage was completely unstable and much simply fell away. Therefore a lot of time was spent carefully reconstructing this area with wire and clay. This process was time consuming and complicated, as was the beaded skull art design I chose. However, he turned out to be the easiest whitetail deer skull to work with I have thus far encountered.
The Design for Beaded skull: Stormy Knight
I had been waiting for the right skull to do a spiral design on. The width of this whitetail’s skull suited this just right. I wanted to pull in some of the beaded art design elements from The Boss, it’s commissioned partner piece, to make this beaded skull compatible for display with that first piece. Because of that, this was again a much more symmetrical design than is my norm.
Where The Boss is chocolate and dark berry, Stormy Knight’s coloration suits his name using black and shades of ruby red. The round black onyx bead at the center and black onyx fan set encompassing the spirals emphasize the spiral pattern. Metallic faceted silver beads mimic streaks of lightening near the center while bright silver on the side edges evoke a “silver lining” after the storm. Black and dark red Swarovski bicone crystals are used generously throughout the design. And red flat back Swarovski’s bring a random flash of intense color. Oval Riverstone replace the Jasper used on the previous skull while some straight lines and diamond shapes were incorporated here to coordinate the two commissioned beaded art skulls.
I personally love a stormy night. Perhaps that’s why this skull, despite it’s dramatic features and detail oriented beaded skull art design, came together with no obstacles other than time. And I was very happy to do what it took to wait out this Stormy Knight.
The beaded skull art process for Stormy Knight from beginning to end.
If you have your own skull, European, or shield mount, whatever the species, Leesa can craft it into a treasured one-of-a-kind artwork centerpiece for you. Contact her at Leesa@UntamedElegance.net or 616.422.2342.
The Boss is a large non-typical whitetail buck. He is the first in a trio of whitetail deer I have been commissioned to revive with beaded skull art.
He is the largest of the three and by far the longest whitetail deer skull I have had the honor of working with. And in the images below, you can see the large mass of bone between his antlers, which reminded me of a buffalo boss. For those two reasons he got his name as soon as he came to me.
The Clay Process
This skull required extra time in the clay process due to that “boss” and several other smaller areas like it, as well as large gaps in the skull structure. I actually had to enlist my husband to file down a bit of the area between the antlers because it was so high on one side, making him very lopsided. However, once the clay was complete, he became much more staple. Can you imagine carry so much extra weight on one side of your head?
The Beaded Skull Art Design
The intricacy of the design also added more time to complete this commissioned beaded skull art piece. My designs are not normally so symmetrical, because skulls are not symmetrical…plus I just love flowing lines. Therefore this type of design is more challenging. However the central design lead the way in the overall scheme and more symmetry felt right. Although the design was tricky and some hard-to-get-to areas around the antlers and back of the eyes were taxing, all in all, considering he is The Boss, he was otherwise quite cooperative.
The length of this skull allowed for an exceptionally large center piece, featuring 3 red carnelian fan sets along with red magma and mocca Swarovski bicone crystals. While gold seed beads give a touch of classy definition the brecciated Jasper brings together the dark berry, deep chocolate and bronze color scheme of this beaded skull design.
Red carnelian is said to represent self-confidence, fearlessness and courage. Although this gemstone was not chosen because of these qualities it certainly is a perfect fit for The Boss.
The Boss’s original state
Clay process complete
Frontal view
View over the top
The Boss full view
Close up left side
Close up right side
Bead detail
If you have your own skull, European, or shield mount, whatever the species, Leesa can craft it into a treasured one-of-a-kind artwork centerpiece for you. Contact her at Leesa@UntamedElegance.net or 616.422.2342.
Thor is an outstanding non-typical whitetail deer beaded skull art piece. Are you a fan of the Old Norse red-headed god or the golden-haired Thor of Marvel® fame? Either way he speaks of physical and moral strength and power.
At the center of this beaded skull art design are three diamond shapes made of tiny Siam Swarovski® crystals surrounded by Black Onyx fans and teardrops. This large focal center piece is outlined by brecciated jasper and fire-polished faceted jet-black glass beads. Giving the eyes an aura of fierceness are ruby red and opaque black glass beads. And small groups of light Siam flat back, Swarovski® crystal rhinestone called Xirius add unexpected flashes of red. Theses dazzling crystals are named after Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, fitting perfectly with the theme of this majestic beaded skull art piece.
The Making of “Thor”, a whitetail deer beaded skull mount
Cleaning & Clay
This beautiful non-typical whitetail skull came to me in pretty good shape. Only missing common little bones and discolored. He did, however have some odd bone growth between his eyes. Probably from previous wounds. It was obvious from broken tines that he was a fighter! I definitely expected extra work during the clay process.
Despite bone formation on his forehead the clay process did not take any longer than usual. And his antlers cleaned up fairly well.
I learned how heavy that “hammer” on his right antler is. It made the balance awkward and it got by head a couple of times before I sorted out how to place him while working. Not the first Whitetail that has happened with, so no big deal.
The forehead area was going to need some extra clay work.Antlers cleaned and clay complete.
Paint and Antlers
I wanted the paint on this skull to have a metallic feel, sort of like armor. But the god of thunder wouldn’t have just any armor. It had to have a little more pizzazz. So first I painted it gold and went over that with a thin layer of metallic bronze. That left the gold peeking through a bit, giving it just a little sparkle. I darkened up the antlers as well as they were still a bit discolored in places and were too light for this color scheme.
Thor painted and ready for beading.
Bead Selection and Process
Rather than using one bead as the focal point for this beaded skull art piece, I decided to do something very different. I chose a black onyx “fan” set and teardrops and arranged them the full length down the center of the skull. Then used over 150 tiny Siam Swarovski® biocone crystals to create three diamond shapes inside (not shown here).
This was a complicated design. Therefore, as you can see, I did not try to lay everything out beforehand. I took some measurements and proceeded slowly and meticulously to ensure everything lined up just so.
I also used several unusually shaped beads in this design. Some I knew where I wanted them to fit in, others I let find their place as the designed progressed.
A large focal point design was used.
Sealing and Naming
Sealing the antlers gives them a little shine. However, for this beaded skull design I wanted them to appear more rugged so I chose not to use the sealant on them.
I sealed the smaller glass beads but left the onyx and faceted beads natural. The sealant can cause those beads to lose a bit of their luster.
The right side of his gorgeous non-typical antler shape immediately struck me as a “hammer”. I had wanted to use red and black beads on my next skull. Since, in Old Norse Thor is described as red haired it seemed only natural to name him for the hammer-wielding god of thunder. However, in Hollywood he has golden hair. So, adding some gold to his design seemed a good modern compromise and added a nice pop of color.
Legends say Thor is the fierce eyed, iron gloved god of not just storms and lightening but all weather, associated with the protection of mankind and fertility of the land. Strong in character, body and morals Thor is the good guy.
Whitetail deer beaded skull artwork created in memory of Devon Kurzhals.
This is not a large whitetail deer however; he is a VERY important one. This buck is in memory of Devon Kurzhals who was a very loved young man who was taken from this world too soon. Therefore, it was my great honor to create this one-of-a-kind keepsake beaded skull art piece for this wonderful, loving family.
Devon liked aquatic colors and his Grandma Jean loves turquoise so blending the two together was the perfect solution for the entire family.
A gorgeous teardrop magnesite at the center of this flowing design lends its turquoise coloration and feel to the color scheme. Round magnesite beads circle the antler bases and arch through the design while round riverstones and other shades of blue bring in cool aquatic shades. Glass beads of brown and greens compliment both the blues and the center piece pulling the color scheme together.
I am grateful that Devon’s family allowed me to create a keepsake beaded skull art work from this small piece of Devon’s life thereby giving it a “new life”. I hope it brings happy memories to all of them for many, many years to come.
Scroll down to see images of the making of Devon’s Legacy.
If you have your own skull, European, or shield mount, whatever the species, Leesa can craft it into a treasured one-of-a-kind artwork centerpiece for you. Contact her at Leesa@UntamedElegance.net or 616.422.2342.
“Frozen In Time” Whitetail Buck Beaded Skull Art Piece.
Frozen In Time is a strikingly elegant whitetail buck beaded skull artwork piece. He is a perfect refined addition for sporting and hunting art collections and wildlife decor. He features a faceted diamond shaped Prism, faux Pearls and Swarovski Crystals. The design for this buck was inspired by the White Doe in my personal collection due to reactions to her. I wanted to compliment not copy her. This is a beautiful example of how a male and female set can be commissioned by hunters.
About the Design
The design for this beaded skull artwork piece circles around and flows from the central Prism which shimmers above a silver metallic background. Teardrop and round faux pearls encircle this focal point forming lines and cascades throughout the scheme adding to the sense of elegance. Clear discs add depth and shape to much of the design as well as a glossy, reflective finish to the eyes. While the design as a whole is flowing, the sharp clustered straight-lines of clear Swarovski crystals add a dramatic flair. Black opaque and silver and black faceted beads add color and dramatic texture while white melons and smaller faux pearls create soft graceful flowing lines and drapes. Tiny glossy-white seed beads create sections that shimmer like ice and finally, light radiates off select crystal rhinestones, clear diamond confetti and sliver-lined Rocaille beads.
His antlers would have become very impressive as he aged but Mother Nature took this buck quite young. He emulates not just youth and beauty but the drama and complexity of life as a whole. That commotion and complexity that is ever present in our human existence, as well as the animal kingdom . He brings to mind memories we all have no matter our age. Flashes of instances that stand out for an array of reasons and linger with us like moments “frozen in time”.
Life is beautiful, joyful, dramatic, sad and complex. All along the way it leaves us with moments etched into our minds, “Frozen In Time”. They linger for a reason. May this buck be a reminder to embrace those memories whether pleasant or harsh, not just from our youth but all along life’s path. Learn from them, use them to better ourselves and help those around us.
Continue reading below to see the making of Frozen In Time.
The Making of Frozen In Time, a Whitetail Deer Beaded Skull Artwork Mount.
Cleaning
This whitetail buck required only a light soaking and scrubbing however one of the frontal bones still came lose. It did not actually break off so a soft hand and some Super Glue™ did the trick. His antlers, although slightly discolored were some of the whitest I’ve seen and much of the reason I choose him for this art project. I knew I would paint them in the end but starting off with the color scheme I’d envisioned for him was a plus in my mind.
A light cleaning, a little glue and he’s ready for the next stage.
Clay/Paint
He started off in good shape, especially the teeth, with the usual seams, holes and rough patches on the skull and around the eyes. Nothing out of the ordinary there to smooth for beading. But I spent extra time building up around the antler bases to use beads to surround them rather than some other material. I also wanted to create a very stable place for the Prism to rest as well as create a slope so the surrounding beads were level at its edges and had a gentle descent into the major design. Those things added extra time in the CLAY process.
Unfortunately, I got ahead of myself and did not take a picture in clay before spraying the inside cavities gray, which always over sprays onto the skull surface so that picture looked terribly unattractive. My mistake. So, this pic is him after both clay and paint.
Bead Selection and Beading
As the White Doe was my inspiration for this buck, my bead selection was based off the beads I’d used for her. I wanted him to be compatible with her style but still unique. Though they will not be sold as a pair I wanted to show how a male and female (of any species) could be commissioned together for a “His and Hers” extremely classy and elegant taxidermy alternative.
She has been likened to a diamond in the rough or a snowflake and, at the beginning I imagined he might bring to mind the same sorts of things, just in perhaps a more aggressive, masculine sense. Therefore, there were a few pluses and minuses made to the bead arrangement. However, as I worked with this young buck his personality began to show through, directing parts of the design I had not completely envisioned.
Of all the bead alterations I feel the elegant Swarovski Crystals make the most dramatic statement, their stark straight-line clusters adding a more dramatic feel.
He came together effortlessly; everything just fell into place. He was a complete delight to work with, other than the short periods working between his very tight rack which was an “angular” challenge.
Sealing
I have been wanting to try some sealant options and this white and clear bead design was the perfect opportunity to do so. I created a “test” skull and tried several products to look for any yellowing, discoloration or clouding. After a couple of weeks in a relatively sunny spot my choice was obvious. Taking the time to do the test was a wise decision and I am very happy with the result.
Beads were selected to be compatible with White Doe in my collection.White Doe and Frozen In Time. An example of how a male and female, of any species can be commissioned as a matching beaded skull artwork set.
Naming
His name came about as his design progressed and working with him gave his own aspirations. Rather than diamonds and snowflakes like the White Doe, he presented something deeper. He spoke of desires, hopes, playfulness, recklessness as well as the stubbornness of youth.
As his design played out it seemed to represent recollections of life, like passing waves in time, or the many possible changes of direction life branches out into. That he was white and silver made the idea of being “frozen” jump out. Like those moments we cannot help but remember as if yesterday, he is “Frozen In Time”.
Like those moments we cannot help but remember as if yesterday, he is “Frozen In Time”.
This is not a large whitetail buck. However, he is a VERY important one. Not to just one person but to an entire family. And the most important beaded skull art piece I have ever had the privilege of creating.
This buck is in memory of Devon Kurzhals. He was a very loved young man who was taken from this world too soon. His father and he were especially close hunting and fishing buddies. And this is the last deer Devon took on his grandparents’ property.
Only once before have I named a beaded skull art piece before I started working with it. But this is the first time one has been named before I had even held it. Before getting Devon’s buck from his father my husband and I were talking about Devon’s story and his family. And my husband thought of a name that made us both tear up. However, this is such a special situation I wanted to make sure his family would approve. When we met David, we asked what he thought of the name and I will never forget his smile.
This is “Devon’s Legacy”.
Getting started
To get started, as with every skull I work with Devon’s buck got a bath. However, there was just a bit of debris in some deep crevices. David did a great job taking good care of him.
He had lost a couple of teeth but David found some replacements in the “treasures” he keeps and glued them in before I got him. Nice job David!
There was very little to clean on the outside of his teeth. So it only took an hour or so to pick the debris out.
Before cleaning
After cleaning
Ready to start the clay process!
Clay Work Process
Clay work is coming along nicely. I was happy the small bones in front were just loose and not missing. Therefore they secured in place very well.
Before beginning the clay process.
After left side clay work.
The left side is finished save a few spots I will blend in as I work with the right. In this case it was necessary to use some clay below the antler base as there was a bit of cracking. And so I’ll do the same on the right side.
Left side clay finished.
Right side started.
The cartilage in the eye sockets is always cracked as it is very delicate. Therefore it breaks easily meaning more clay work. However, Devon’s Legacy is gladly cooperating and nothing has broken. Strong young buck.
I’ll post more images when the clay process is complete.
Clay Update
Finished with clay! Well, almost. The center needs to be fitted to the focal bead when it arrives. I have already started “flattening” the area so it shouldn’t take much to complete.
I painted the inside cavities before finishing the underside clay. So, while waiting for the that to dry I worked on the antlers. To address the discoloration, since they were on the whiter side, I had originally thought to simply give them a white-wash. I started that process; however, it didn’t take long to change my mind. It would have taken more white than I liked to cover some blemishes and I kept thinking of the chosen color scheme. This was not going to work. So, I washed the white-wash off.
Right side clay finished
underside before clay
Underside clay complete
After Devon’s Legacy and I sat together for a while, I decided to start with a light tan and medium brown. That was better but still not quite right. So, I added a bit of deep brown and that was the ticket. Now his antlers will blend just right with the color scheme.
Next up, paint! Although I won’t be able to finish until final claying is done for the focal bead. But I can get started.
Clay finished and antlers painted
Final Clay/Paint/Focal Bead
So grateful the beads arrived with only a couple of days delay compared to “normal times”!
With the focal bead in hand I finished the clay work and painting as quickly as possible. Though still taking enough time to allow everything to dry properly.
Ready to start designing this layout!
Ready to start beading!
Bead Design
Before the beads arrived, I had several thoughts in my head for this design. But from experience I know things change depending on so many factors including the skulls’ dimensions, the size and shape of the focal and other beads selected and, most importantly the FEEL of the project.
I was so excited when they arrived because this color scheme is amazing! I started by laying them out side by side in different successions against the beautiful focal bead. And I found three colors I loved the balance of with it. Perfection!
Then I tried all kinds of layouts I’d had in my head before getting them. Why, I have no idea because in the end I came right back to the way I’d laid them out when I first got them. This is definitely a “heart” over “head” project! I’m listening now, Devon! Moving on to laying out the design on the skull. Doing this helps me envision how it sits on the skull and where other beads will fit in. And then the exciting part of this beaded skull art piece…the beading begins!
Initial bead layout
Beading Process
In this first image you can see how I start this process by placing the beads for the main design layout onto a temporary “pattern” on the skull. I don’t attempt to add all the beads here, just enough for me to get an idea how they will sit and where other beads will fit in according to their shape, size and/or color. Because it is a very rough visual representation of the design at this stage, it is difficult for others to see where I’m going with it. But in my mind, I see much more. Sometimes I have to put more beads on than other times to get the “vision” I need. This time it didn’t take much.
Main bead design layout.
I was going to show an image of Devon’s deer with the design just to the point of the first image but changed my mind. I really wanted Devon’s family to see the main design as I “saw” it in my mind. The only thing that changed was I moved the line of tiny dark blue beads to the other side of the skull.
I still have a bit to do on the main design on the back and sides of the skull, though it wouldn’t be visible at this angle anyway. Then it’s on to all the details, which is the time-consuming part. So, Devon’s family, this is going to take a while. Please know I’ll be working diligently to get this precious skull back to you as quickly as possible. I’ll let you know just as soon as Devon’s Legacy is finished.
Initial main bead bead design for Devon’s Legacy is complete.
“Devon’s Legacy” is complete!
“Devon’s Legacy” is finally complete! And my husband and I had the great pleasure of delivery him safely back to David, Devon’s dad and Grandma Jean (Devon’s paternal grandmother).
Before saying anything else I want to say how much I appreciated the opportunity to meet in person Grandma Jean, who came wearing her signature turquoise. Love it! I SO wanted to hug her, but in the current circumstances that contact had to unfortunately be restrained. However, I got to see her face and smile and feel her energy and love for Devon. So thankful we met, Grandma Jean! Maybe we’ll still get to hug one day.
Grandma Jean and dad, David with “Devon’s Legacy”.
The image here does not do “Devon’s Legacy” justice and I am excited that professional photos by Byran Bosch (find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Photography-by-Bryan-Bosch-234421813426482 ) are on the way! Because of Devon’s and his family’s love of the outdoors, I had these photos taken outdoors in a woodland setting. As soon as I am able, I will create a page on my gallery with many of the images displayed here in the “The Making of Devon’s Legacy” section as well as the professional photos.
And that would normally be the end of this story…happy clients, happy life, right? But it was not the end for me.
Leesa with David and “Devon’s Legacy”.
As we drove home after delivery “Devon’s Legacy” to his family the thought struck me that I would never see that deer again. My eyes suddenly welled up and startled, I shook off the thought. I’ve never had that thought or that feeling of sad separation before with any of my artwork. Later that evening it returned to me and I allowed the thought and feelings to linger. As a lump formed in my throat and tears came to my eyes something very profound struck me. It was not about the deer. It was about Devon. Whatever loss I felt, the small tears that I shed were but a literal drop in the bucket to the monsoon of tears this family has shed and the life constricting emotions they have felt for the loss of Devon.
Dear Devon’s family, I pray this small piece of Devon’s life, that you have given a “new life” to brings happy memories to you all for many, many years to come. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your and Devon’s journey here, and beyond.
Mysterious is an artful rustic-chic style taxidermy alternative of a whitetail deer buck. He features an understated neutral palette with subtle intricate details that unfold with closer observation. Just as it’s name implies, Mysterious is never obvious or simplistic.
Inspired by a brown and gray agate slice encircled with gold metallic, grey Czech, and brown seed beads flow down and around its center, their movement splitting around the lovely agate centerpiece. Dark brown and smoky black are added to brown and gray patchwork areas, some more delicate than others adding depth and contrast defined by lines of gold. Natural blue labradorite with a chatoyant grey-blue flash outline the outer eyes and sides while natural jute encases his antlers. Two bronze diamond faceted beads at the back and fore enhance the central line of the design. Faceted barrel beads of natural Botswana Agate, running up and down the center are as important to the design as the central Agate slice itself. His sleek design and neutral colors are a perfect example of a rustic-chic taxidermy alternative.
Metaphysically these stones are thought to help with attentiveness to detail, consistency, perseverance, and stimulating exploration of the unknown. The colors, lines, curves and details of Mysterious provoke different images and thoughts for everyone. Are the metaphysical attributes of Agate real? This is a mystery for you to decide.
Continue reading below to see the making of Mysterious.
This whitetail buck required quite a bit of cleaning. He had obviously sat out in nature for some time before being taken in. Both nasal bones were fortunately still with him (barely) although they inevitably fell off during this process. The even light coloration of his antlers both impressed and mystified me. I haven’t seen that often, especially in a buck in his condition.
Mysterious after being thoroughly cleaned.
Clay
I initially considered leaving his upper nasal bones off, as I did with Ancient Warrior but that didn’t seem to suit this piece. During this part of the process I lovingly nick-named him “Topsy Tervy”. His skull was so light and antlers so heavy that he constantly tipped over without support. I fell in love with the shape of his antlers. But those antlers gave me quite a few “love taps” on the head! Along the way of the clay process he became more and more stable, especially after reintroducing the nasal bones.
Mysterious after the clay process.
Paint
I chose a very pale gray for this piece in order to keep with his neutral color scheme. I liked that the color was very close to the that of the natural skull tone. Staying with that theme, the jute used around his antler bases was also kept natural.
Mysterious painted and ready to begin beading.
Bead Selection and Beading
Oops! I was so excited about this bead work layout and how well it came together that I forgot to take any pictures of the process! I was already to this stage when I finally remembered. But I do think it is a good example of the process underway.
A complicated design comes to life with the right bead selection.
Naming
At first, working with this skull and these beads I had thoughts of a dry riverbed or a rivers edge. But the central flowing line seemed like a path or was it a map? The night I finished beading him I showed my husband. He held him, turning him this way and then that to take everything in. Finally he said, “He looks so…mysterious.” I got goose bumps and my mouth fell open! Of course! Mysterious he is.
Sometimes it takes someone else’s perspective to find the right name.
Believe it or not, some people think beaded skulls are a morbid or grotesque concept and cannot image why anyone would want such a thing in their house. However, all creation has beauty even after the life cycle ends. This Autumn Leaves story attempts to convey the perspective of the beauty and untamed elegance of beaded skulls. Enjoy!
It was a sunny, crisp autumn day in a small town in West Michigan. Mary walks out back to her husbands’ work garage leaving his favorite dinner, beef roast and red-skin potatoes to finish cooking. On the way the smells of the root beer scented sassafras leaves and a wood stove burning in the distance enhance her desire for a walk along the nearby nature trail. But not without her hardworking, yet stubborn-as-a-mule husband, Jim. She finds him working in the garage on the old car he found rusting away beside a barn. “Come on Jim, Honey, let’s take a walk toward the shore before dinner and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.”
“I’m a little busy Mary, hey could you pass me that C-clamp while your here?”
“C-clamp?” She looked around at all the tools lying on the workbench and
hanging neatly on the walls below his priced hunting mounts. “I haven’t a clue
what a C-clamp is, Jim. Why do you spend so much time on this old rust bucket
anyway? And surrounded by all these dead heads? It’s depressing out here and
that car will never be what it once was.”
Jim stood up from bending over the engine, “Rust bucket?! Come on, Mary,
Nellie here sat out in the elements for years to get that color. Mother Nature
did that. It’s called patina. When I’m finished with her, she’ll run like a
charm. And geez! Dead heads? Their called European and skull mounts. Have a
little respect, will ya? You see them as dead; I see them as memories. It’s all
a matter of perspective, Mary. Nellie may never be what she once was but I
don’t want her to be. She’s already lived a full life, just like these bucks. I
just want to give her, and them a second chance to show off their glory, just
in a different way. And savor the memories they bring. You’re pretty
pessimistic about the stuff I care about.”
Mary rolled her eyes. “Umm…okay, but you know the stuff you say you care
about is junk and dead, right?” Before he could answer she finished, “You can
come back to your rust bucket and dead heads after our walk and dinner. I’m
making your favorite meal; you can come for a walk with me.”
Jim sighed, shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders irritably he put
away his tools, giving in though resentfully.
They walked to the end of the cul-de-sac taking
the path toward the lake. Mary walked with a spring in her step enjoying the colors
of the autumn leaves and brisk breeze but she was fully aware of Jim sulking
beside her, hands in his pockets, eyes focused on the ground. “Look around,
Jim! Isn’t it beautiful?”
“What’s beautiful? I just feel the cold wind.”
“Oh, come on, it’s not cold and look at the Autumn leaves! Their colors are
gorgeous!” as they reached the wooded trail, she scooped up a handful from the
path tossing them into the air with delight.
“Just means I have to rake and it’s going to get cold and snow. And, Mary,
you know they’re dead, right?”
Fully aware he was trying to use her words against her she buzzed her lips
and replied, “They may be dead but they serve a purpose in nature and their
colors are lovely. AND Mother Nature did that. THIS is Mother Nature’s patina!”
She felt quite satisfied using his words on him.
But he just buzzed his lips back, mocking her,
still starring at the ground.
Determined to make her point she continued, “You don’t have a problem
with the flowers and herbs from the gardens I cut and dry for
arrangements and to flavor our food over the winter. They’re dead but
are pretty and delicious.” He responded with a shrug of his shoulders
and his brooding mood was infectious.
As they neared the lake the wind blew stronger through the trees and she felt the chill of it and Jim’s silence through her sweatshirt. “Come on, lets take the shortcut home. Your right, it’s getting chilly.”
Finally, Jim broke the silence, “The grapevine wreaths.”
“What about them?”, she replied puzzled.
“You dragged me out to that farm when somehow you found out they were pruning their grapevines because you and Sarah had a bug up your butts to try and make wreaths. They were going to burn them otherwise so you said you’d buy a whole bunch. But I found Nellie by the barn and when I said I’d buy her they gave you those vines free. You didn’t have a problem with Nellie then even though she was rusty. And those vines were dead but they’d served their purpose in nature and you two gave them a second chance plus you have great mother/daughter memories of making them that you both still talk about. They’re pretty too. The whole neighborhood wanted to buy them.” “Yes! That’s true and exactly what I’m talking about!”, she replied delighted that he had gotten her point to appreciate nature.
“Well, how’s that any different than David and I making father/son memories
hunting those bucks? Me and our son spent years hunting these deer together!
Especially that big fella. He was supposed to have a place of honor hanging in
the living room over the fireplace, not out in my work shed. And he served a
purpose in nature too you know. He was a mature deer and had plenty of time to
pass on great genes and we all ate well that season. You didn’t have any problem
eating the meat he gave us.”
Not expecting that comparison, she answered with a knee-jerk response,
“Well, I like hamburger too but I don’t want a cow carcass in my living!”
Jim stopped in his tracks, wide-eyed with astonishment and frustration. “A
carcass?!?! It’s a European mount, Mary. Don’t be so dramatic.”
Knowing her response was a bit over the top she
tried to better explain her perspective. “Okay, fine. I know you and David love
those…things, that one in particular. I understand what you’re saying about the
memories the two of you have attached to them. The grapevines may be dead but
they’re pretty especially when we decorate them. But…I’m sorry, those skulls
are just…ugly.”
“Well, then, make them pretty!”
“What? I mean, how am I supposed to do that?”
“I don’t know. You’re the creative one. How did you make dead vines pretty?
Or make all that driftwood into artsy/crafty stuff? Maybe Sarah would have an
idea.”
Now she stopped in her tracks. “You mean you’d let us decorate those dead
heads?!”
He scowled at her, “If you’ll stop calling them dead heads, yes! If making
him ‘pretty’ in your eyes means he can go over the fireplace, then yes. Just do
it with respect.”
“Wait, what do you mean?”
He continued walking staring into the distance, “When I look at that buck,
well all of them, I remember watching them, sometimes for years. Seeing what
was or could have been their offspring, passing on them when they were still
young, tracking them, the chase they gave. They all tell a story; of their
life, their death, the meat they gave that supported our family. They’re not
dead heads or carcasses to me. Putting them on the wall lets me give honor to
them, for their life and sacrifice for us. I respect them and wish you could
too.”
She watched his face as he spoke, hearing him explain in a way she’d never understood
before.
Sensing her stare, he finished, “I just don’t want him covered in purple
ribbon bows or something. I’d have a hard time respecting a buck covered in
bows.”
She laughed out loud. “Okay, no purple bows.” Glancing at him sideways she
jested, “Maybe pink bows!” He stopped with his mouth gapping and she laughed
again, “I’m just kidding! I think I get in now. No bows and be respectful of
how you feel about him…them.”
He smiled, “Yes, thank you. Does that mean the
big guy gets to go over the fireplace?”
She smiled back taking his arm, “Yes, and thank you.”
“For what?”
“For trusting me with something so important to you, and David. And giving
me the opportunity to put my stamp on your treasure.” She took his arm, “Hey,
after dinner how about I make a pot of coffee and we go out to your work garage
together. I could take a closer look at that buck and maybe you could teach me about
some of those wrenches and clamp thingies for Nellie.”
He stopped again, “You mean you’d help me work on my old rust bucket?”
She sighed deeply patting his arm, “That’s called patina, Jim.” They
chuckled together and she continued, “Yes, I think I will. And thanks for
helping to change my perspective a little.”
He looked into her eyes, patting her hand on his arm, “I’d like that.” He
looked around before opening the door for her, “But maybe we should thank the Autumn
leaves. By the way, you’re right, they are pretty. But not as pretty as you.”
She gave him a gentle slug on the shoulder and a
kiss as she stepped inside, “To the Autumn leaves then.”
Leesa’s granddaughter, Zoe making beaded memories.
Spending time with family is always special. And one-on-one time with grandchildren is even better, especially when you enjoy the same things. I recently had the pleasure of sharing some beaded memories with one of mine.
My granddaughter, Zoe Davis and I have shared coloring (the big girl kind), puzzles and sewing as well as making button jewelry and silk flower arrangements. Being creative together is fun but its even better with someone who makes you laugh, and Zoe and I do a lot of that!
Sharing Beaded Art Making
Recently she spent some time with us and was checking out my current beaded skull art project. After asking several questions about it and how I come up with my design ideas she asked if she could try beading! Hmmm…let me think, you would like to try something I am absolutely passionate about? Well…YES!!!
We set her up with her own “beading station” at my art table, picked out an array of beads and a glass rosebud vase for her to work on. I gave her a couple of tips on working with the glue and such and then just let her go with it.
Leesa and Zoe sharing some giggles.
Grandma and granddaughter making beaded memories together.
Admittedly, I could have made it into “lesson”, teaching her about beads, techniques, placement, blah, blah, blah. But she wasn’t asking for a lesson, she just wanted to be creative.
Over the next few days she beaded with me as well as randomly sitting down to bead while I worked on other things.
Once she announced she was finished but later changed her mind and added a bit more.
In the end it turned out super cute! High five, fist bump, thumbs up, Zoe!
Zoe and her pretty rosebud vase beaded art creation.
I would be thrilled if she caught the “beading bug” from this experience. But if not, she will always have her beaded vase and we both will have the memories we made together while she created it. Obviously making beaded art is important to me, but making memories with my granddaughter means far more.
Thank you, Zoe for being the creative, entertaining and beautiful young lady that you are. And for still wanting to spend time with me, sharing, doing things and making memories together. Grandma loves you!
