Monday 10 November 2008

Back to beading ... but for how long?



As promised after my little rant last week, normal beady business has now been resumed. I hope it stays that way too, but I have a fear. For nearly three weeks now I have had an odd 'sensation' in my upper left arm, that's the best way I can describe it really, and it has now developed into a burning pain coupled with a loss of grip in my hand. I suspect it's RSI as I must admit that being a bead addict I have not taken care of myself over the years. I spend long periods of time sitting in awkward positions without taking breaks. I use impossibly long lengths of thread as I don't like to have knots within my work unless it's absolutely necessary and I hold my work with a death-like grip to maintain a really good tight tension. Oh, and I do rather a lot of typing too! Does anyone have any experience of this or tips as to the best way to handle it that they can pass on to me?


Anyway, let's continue with the beady pictures while we can. This week I had a commission. My friend Tracy saw a cuff bracelet I was wearing that I had made for myself to match a stripey top in blues and greens. She wanted the same style but in elegant black with a few touches of silver, together with a matching ring to wear to various Christmas parties. The cuff is just straightforward herringbone, embellished with some size 8 beads zig-zagging down the centre and either side. It has a brick stitch toggle clasp. The ring is made using increasing peyote stitch with a few black diamond Swarovski crystals in the centre and it has a right angle weave band. All quite plain and simple but I think Tracy will look very striking at those parties!

12 comments:

  1. How pretty! Really like the lavender/blue one!

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  2. Oh, Kerrie, I think they are both stunning. Me thinks you are just too close to your work and don't see the simple beauty in your pieces.

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  3. Your work is gorgeous! I hope you feel better soon!

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  4. I've had a thumb stress injury and it kept me out of business for several months. Ice...physio etc. and usually things heal. If you can change your grip in ANY way that's a big help. Even the smallest change will help...
    And I know that Bobbie Kirk, (http://beadingatthebeach.blogspot.com ) had a really bad carpal tunnel and needed surgery...and she's now back and beading her hands off. So, the worst news is that sometimes it takes a little taking care of...but it would seem that you can come back as good or better than before.
    Meanwhile, ice on the sore parts and gentle stretching and motion. Very good luck on this Kerry.

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  5. Stunning pieces, Kerrie, as always.

    You really need to start taking more care of yourself (ha, I can talk!) and as lovely and comfy your favourtie seat may be (you know the one I'm talking about) you need to sit properly. Hope you start feeling better soon ((((((big hugs))))) x

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  6. My advice is to tke a five minute stretch break at least once an hour. Stretch your arms & wrists, but also get up out of your chair and walk around. Don't let it get worse!

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  7. Dear Kerrie, I'm so sorry for all you have been going through and for not having found the time to write earlier.... my thoughts and prayers have been and are with you... I'm not sure what RSI is, but someone mentioned carpal tunnel, which I do suffer from especially during my pregnancy, I found acupuncture to help quite a bit... I really feel for you as you are describing my life (sitting in akward positions, gripping my work too tightly, etc) and mainly not excercising, because that one hour/day would take away an hour of beading :-) look after yourself!!! the new pieces are stunning!!!!

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  8. You do beautiful bead work. I also enjoyed visiting your esty shoppe.

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  9. I can completely relate to your aches and pains! I've had the same thing off and on, but like Leah said, if you take a break every hour and stretch, you'll be better off. (Now, I need to follow that advice, too!)

    Beautiful pieces! Your friend will be the belle of the soirees with those accessories!

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  10. Your pieces are always gorgeous! I hope you feel better, i sit in a lot of award positions too so my knee's hurt a lot. I hope your hands get better!

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  11. I do embroidery and end up with pains in really odd places in my hands, elbows, and arms. I guess it means that I need to get up and take a break more often, but I get so focused.

    That black bead cuff is just beautiful.

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  12. Thanks for the compliments and the great advice eveyone. I have managed to do some beading this week, but I've taken heed and changed my posture slightly and stopped to do some stretching exercises :0)

    Kerrie x

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