Check out this stitch http://www1.harenet.ne.jp/~chika/eng/stitch.html
Artist Spotlight KLEW
Hi, I'm Karen Lewis, aka "Klew". For those of you who do not know me or my work, I hope this will give you an idea of who I am, and the type of jewelry, art and beads I create. For those of you who are aware of my work, I'd like to renew our acquaintance and show you some of my creations.
A Native Californian from the Los Angeles area...I live in Tehachapi, CA with my husband, Carl and two Australian Shepherds. We have a bead store which has been open for a year and a half so far, called The Spirited Bead. We strive to have very unique items in addition to the staples of every bead store. It is located in the same building as my studio so visitors are welcome to tour and learn more about the creating of a cane and beads.
I had found Polymer to be an answer to my prayers in the late 80's. I had fallen into a deep depression shortly after my Father's death and turned to drugs for comfort. It didn't take long for me to become a "full-on-addict". Although I knew better, it was too late and I needed help desperately. Too proud to tell friends or family, I prayed all the time asking for something....anything. I was coming home from a trip and had a "vision" of creating some beautiful brooches and went to a craft store in search of a medium unknown to me at the time. When I first laid eyes and hands on this clay, I was covered with "goose-bumps". It was an all over reaction and in my heart right at that very moment I knew I had my answer. I spent my last $20 and off I went. It took me 6 months before figuring out that the designs could be reduced, but I kept at it because it was already changing my Life in a very profound way. In a year I was clean and six months after that I founded my business, Klew Expressions. It took more than six years and working two other jobs during the development of my style. I quit my stable job in 1994 and have been supporting myself with this wonderful medium ever since. I teach in detention camps to help guide people on the wrong path. I usually get across to one out of ten, which I find greatly satisfying.
When asked about the tiny details of my work....I tell them "That's where Creator is"..........my Dad used to always tell me that "God is in the details". It comes from the deepest part within us all if we allow it.
Polymer Clay is a fairly new medium in the Jewelry Trade and has been used as a modeling clay for many years in the Film Industry. A technique called "caning" is borrowed from the Venetian Glass bead makers dating back hundreds of years. The different colored clays are formed together like a thick puzzle, or cane. Once the desired picture or design is achieved the "cane" is compressed, rolled, stretched, pulled, squeezed and smoothed. With this process the design reduces within the cane, resulting in a repetitive pattern with each slice off its' cross section.
I have a Library of "Canes" in my studio of several hundred to choose from at any given time. I feel that the quantity of canes to pull from during my "creative time", allows me the versatility I need for my expressions from my Spirit. I have three work tables in my studio and often work at all three tables, on several different things, at the same time; they may not look like much to the visitor, but soon they will all be completed and each one so different from the other. I sometimes just sit and study the finished piece or bead in awe of this medium and what can be done with it. Then, to think it came through me from my Creator, well lets just say I am moved to tears often!
I create with my Heart and Spirit, and am influenced by my favorites; Egyptian & Japanese as well as Tribal, and Shamanic pieces that enhance the wearers awareness and beauty. My "one of a kind" pieces are personally Infused with my love for Life. With every bead I create it is my desire to pass on the passion I feel through its creation, and wish each person Peace, Love and Harmony in their lives.
Thank you for stopping by to get to know me a little better, and one day I hope to do the same with you. Be Well.
Klew 
