The Bead Origami Holiday Wreaths are ready and decorated! I've been observing this tradition for 11 years, and for me it's an exercise in reflection and appreciation as much as it is for decoration.
I was drawn to beaded beads and smaller pendants when I first started my beading career, which were and still are delightful little puzzles to put together. But as satisfying as these are to stitch, they don't have the impressive impact of a large competition piece.
As Imposter Syndrome is what it is, it was difficult for me to find confidence in my work when I was comparing my small little beaded beads to the grand works of beaded art that I was seeing online during every competition season. As much as I enjoyed what I was making, I didn't see how I'd ever achieve that level of artistry in my own work. (PSA: run your own race, focus on your own artistic journey, and don't compare yourself to what you see online).
So, at the end of the year I gathered up all of those little beaded beads and pendants and put them all on a wreath, and it became immediately clear that I had accomplished so much more than I thought I had. All those little beaded beads were so much more impressive when they were together than they were apart.
I've kept up this tradition ever since, and now it offers me a snapshot of what kinds of techniques, shapes, and structures I've been drawn to over time. This year I'm noticing a lot of circles. And smaller pendants, which was a goal of mine for this year. Also not as much CRAW compared to last year, though that might change... Who knows where the muse will send me next year?