Linda Gettings by Sigrid Wynne-Evans   If you want a project that is playful and very artsy at the same time, then Linda Gettings might just have what you are looking for! She has an array of necklaces, bracelets and even Christmas ornaments that are delightful. I especially like "Fall Foliage" (item 11316). The colors are warm, and remind me of the colorful falls of my childhood in Upstate NY. Linda's "Ruffled Herringbone Necklace" is a beautiful warm necklace that would go with nearly any outfit. And if you are into something a bit more spicy, check out "Triple Necklaces and Bracelet", (I'll have a side order of salsa and a mojito with that please!!). Linda credits Deb Moffet-Hall for introducting her to Bead-Patterns.com. A hobby which has now become a passion that is evident in her work.

Here is what Linda has to say about her beading venture:

"I worked in magazine publishing for over 20 years and took an early retirement to pursue my beading career. I grew up in Emmaus Pennsylvania with 2 brothers and 2 sisters and still live in the area with my husband, Tom and two of my children. My mother says she has no idea where I got my artistic talents but the entire family loves to receive a piece of my jewelry for any occasion."

"I use to consider myself a "hobby hopper." I have cross stitched, embroidered, done stained glass, painting, woodworking, and always hit the wall of "what else can I do with this" phase. And then I tried bead weaving. I had always dabbled in stringing old pieces to make a piece fit me but never done any weaving stitches, so you can imagine my delight when I started to learn one then another and another and realized there was no end to the different ways you can do them! That was 10 years ago and I have beaded everyday - yes even Christmas, since. Although I believe a few years ago when I had the flu I did miss a day."

Sampling of Linda's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern information.
 
               

"I now have a bead room and a work room - actually, the work room was a small den off a very small office. The office is now my bead display room and the den my work room."

"My most favorite part of beading is sharing my designs and all the little tips I have discovered with every beader I can. That is why I write for all the beading magazines including our wonderful Bead Patterns the Magazine. Over the years, I have written well over 40 articles, a book by Sterling Publishing "Great Beaded Gifts" which has just been re-released in soft cover and will have 6 articles coming up in most of the well known magazines in 2007."

Sampling of Linda's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern information.
 
               

"Also, teaching, teaching and more teaching! I love teaching classes at shows and local bead stores because I love meeting and being with other beaders. They are truly the most fun people I have ever met! "

Sampling of Linda's Designs:
Click on an image to view the pattern information.