Very recently I have had the pleasure of meeting Arlene Baker. Someone whom I should already be acquainted with but for some reason or another our paths had not yet crossed. We know a lot of the same people have the same love of vintage handwork, vintage millinery flowers, and French beaded flowers. Arlene is the author of the popular how-to book titled "Beads in Bloom - The Art of Making French Beaded Flowers", published by Interweave Press.
I met Arlene when I ordered one of her reproduced flower petal molds for one of my numerous on-going projects. We hit it off immediately and are making plans for when I am in the LA area next January.
It is evident even in these photos that Arlene has impecable attention to detail and her work is of the highest caliber.
Every part of these creations is made by her hand, the beading, embroidery, stitching and even shaping the flower petals using silk velvet and silk organza, and sometimes even dying the fabric.
Some of Arlene's work and collections can be found on the pages of Candace Kling's quintessential ribbon book "The Artful Ribbon", now out of print.
As I write this post I am also trying to get my hands on her book to sell in the shop, yes I do multi-task.
Arlene teaches monthly workshops in her home in Downey California, her work is often featured in "Beadwork" and "Piecework" magazines. She sells the flower molds that she reproduces herself and also sells kits to make these glorious creations. Send her a note; arlenebkr@aol.com
Thanks Arlene for not only keeping this level of handwork alive, but actually improving upon it.
xo
mi
