A Lesson from Tim Gunn

I am a huge Project Runway fan.

Last week, the designers drew inspiration from various neighborhoods throughout NYC. Seeing the many wrought iron gates and fences of the Upper East Side, contestant designer Jonathan Peters created a cutwork dress. I thought it was looking awesome and then Tim Gunn came in to check on the progress. After listening to Jonathan's design idea, Gunn guided Jonathan away from over-designing his dress. (If you'd like to watch that segment, click here.)

Hmm, food for thought as I was designing my 2011 Beading for A Cure piece.

Using my lining fabric as inspiration, my 'plan' was to use various star patterns on the piece and then bead swirled lines across the background.

After working up a few different star designs, I started to bead.

Then came that Project Runway episode.

Oh no.

I immediately recognized I was heading down that over-designing path.

So I am now only using this star design -


and this starburst - I think this will look much more sophisticated than a crazy mix of star patterns.

On another completely unrelated topic: Look at these gorgeous snail shells Claire found down in the Erie Canal (it gets drained in the winter - she wasn't scuba diving lol). Nature is amazing - the color, the perfect swirl - I just love them! I'm so happy she thought of me and brought them home.

Time's up - Meghan needs to use the computer for her school work- talk to you soon....