Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Grygo.
Diana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Years ago, I visited a bead shop and when I saw all of the seed beads, I knew I had discovered a craft that I wanted to pursue. So, I started reading everything I could about beadwork. I taught myself how to make jewelry in many different techniques, but when I tried bead embroidery, I knew this was what I enjoyed most. I have always had a passion for the needle arts. When I was young, I did a lot of cross-stitch, so bead embroidery was a natural progression for me. I love that it is not an exact science as some other beading techniques can be.
I began pursuing beadwork as an art form in 2001. The idea for my first bead-painting came after I beaded a 6″ x 9″ panel depicting a flock of flamingos. I needed a way to display the finished piece, so I stitched the beaded panel to a canvas and painted in the extended environment. It was a simple concept, but I really liked the result, so I sent a photo to Bead & Button Magazine. They published Flamingo Moon in 2005. That publication eventually led to my first commission, which was an experience that helped me find my artistic path…
In 2006, I began documenting the progress of each piece on my blog. Readers began to notice my beaded dogs. Soon afterwards, customers began requesting custom pet pins and pendants as well as beading patterns so they could learn to make their own… Suddenly, The Lone Beader’s Gallery Shop was born…
I am currently a member of the Cambridge Art Association. My beadwork has been published in Beadwork Magazine, Bead & Button Magazine, Russia’s Handmade Magazine, and more recently, a book called Mastering the Art of Embroidery by Sophie Long. I have also shown my work in national contemporary art exhibitions and I sell finished pieces in my Etsy shop. I work in my home studio in Brighton.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always challenges associated with being an artist. Mainly, there is the struggle with time spent creating vs. time spent marketing and completing business-related tasks such as photographing and listing items on Etsy. I have also spent time searching for competitions and art shows to enter. Entering shows is usually a necessary risk because one could spend a lot of time (and money, in some cases) applying for each show and rarely are you accepted. At this point, I am mainly focused on creating and social media really helps to keep me motivated!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Lone Beader – what should we know?
I create multidimensional pieces of beaded art by stitching seed beads onto layered felt. I sometimes combine beadwork with mixed media techniques, stitching my beaded subjects to a painted canvas or collage. For most pieces, I usually work from a photo or a series of sketches. Using a template, I cut out many layers of felt shapes which are then stitched together.
This felt foundation helps to create the relief aspect of my work. Tiny glass beads are then stitched onto the felt 2 or 3 at a time using a needle and thread. Sometimes I layer beads on top of beads for a more dimensional effect. This process usually takes many hours. I often work late into the night and break a lot of beading needles, but the results are worth the effort!
While I always have plans for creating larger beaded paintings, I stay busy making custom beaded dog pins and pendants for pet lovers around the world. I also sell beading kits and patterns which explain how to make some of my little-beaded dogs.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In addition to my unique style of beading, I think I became known online as The Lone Beader fairly quickly as the name is memorable and most beaders can relate. My blog has been called The Lone Beader since day one, and now it is a registered trademark. The name was inspired by the fact that I really hadn’t socialized with any other beaders outside of the internet.
At the time, I rarely visited bead shops, and currently, I only go to one bead show per year, if that. I compared myself to a ‘lone wolf’ – the guy down the street who drives his antique car every day but doesn’t belong to any car-clubs. In the early days, I relentlessly used social media, blogs and forums as a way to get my name out there and connect with potential customers. Now, there are so many new ways to implement branding strategies by using social media, and it is absolutely essential for any artist or small business to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thelonebeader.com
- Email: thelonebeader@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelonebeader/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelonebeader/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelonebeader
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thelonebeader
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