Hello everyone, Anna from Tigerguld here!
When Erika, Zuzi, and I initially met in Hamburg in 2014 we already had the Battle of the Beadsmith in common. Our joint passion for beads brought us together, but I never imagined that we would continue to see each other as often as we did (not to mention that Erika and I would hunt mushrooms in the Swedish woods 5 years later).
Back in 2014, there were only a few kinds of two-hole beads out there. I vividly remember when Miyiki released the Tila beads – what a novelty that was. Two holes in one bead, such a brilliant thought! And then came what many of us beaders love even more… a smaller/thinner version. The Half-Tilas was, if possible, even more welcome.
When I got some Tilas and Half-Tilas in my hands, my imagination went to cubes, houses and other square objects. I tried a bunch of things, but when I started stacking the Half-Tilas end-to-end, the idea of the Lantern was born. So I set out to create a classic Santa lantern, like the ones in Jenny Nyström’s and Lars Carlsson’s Christmas post cards that I remember from growing up.
The Lantern is made with only four types of beads. The colored sections are Miyuki Delicas and Half-Tilas. The windows are Miyuki Tilas, and if you use transparent ones – then you can see the GumDrop bead that sits like a light in the middle of the lantern.
TRIVIA
In Sweden, where Anna lives, the festival of St. Lucia is very important. It is the festival of light, and before the calendar reform, the day (13. December) was considered the shortest day of the year.
I have prepared three color samples for you on the Lantern; one Christmas Red, one Vintage Green, and one Classic Grey. The tutorial can be found in Tigerguld’s shop on Etsy, both in English and in Swedish (if you fancy a challenge).
Which one will be your favorite?
Christmas Red: Miyuki Delicas, Miyuki Half-Tilas, GumDrop, and Miyuki Tilas of your choice
Vintage Green: Miyuki Delicas, Miyuki Half-Tilas, GumDrop, and Miyuki Tilas of your choice
Classic Grey: Miyuki Delicas, Miyuki Half-Tilas, GumDrop, and Miyuki Tilas of your choice
God Jul and Gott Nytt År!
Anna
How fortunate you are to have a personal relationship with Erika. Having lived in Europe for many years I love all the traditions that are so wonderful and meaningful. Thank you for bringing this tradition to our Beading group. May you and your family be Blessed this Holiday season.
I love your lantern & your messsge! What a lovely tradition.
Such a lovely idea, Anna! I admire your creativity and art in the small forms a lot. I will definitely make it. Thanks a lot for sharing it with us!
Thank you so much, Anna!
What a lovely idea. Anna I admire your creativity!!! This tradition is very nice.
Very cute , lovely tradition. Thanks for showing us them
Very cute , lovely tradition. Thanks for showing us them
Lovely idea Anna…it so nice to see the gumdrop shining through the windows