"Eclipse," the bead weaving pictured here will be on display at the Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017 by Mary Ellen Beads Albuquerque.

Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017

A studio tour opens a window to an artist’s soul. Definitely.

The Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017 lets you peek behind the scenes. For every artist – me included – new works are featured prominently. Let me explain.

The tour showcases some of my inspirations from nature. This beadweaving, called “Eclipse” (because it was finished on the day of the solar eclipse) is based on a sea shape that many of us know, love, and look for on beaches we visit.

"Eclipse," the bead weaving pictured here will be on display at the Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017 by Mary Ellen Beads Albuquerque.
© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Eclipse” Beadweaving

Shells within shells call to me. Some of my work includes shells picked from a trip to San Diego.

See Ice Resin Pendants like Shells Within Shells from Mary Ellen Beads during the Sandia Heights Artist Studio Tour 2017.
© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Shells within Shells Ice Resin Pendant

Nature-inspired elements like shells and antlers will frame my displays which also include new works with natural stones, such as jasper.

These dramatic jasper beads reflect the work of Mary Ellen Beads Albuquerque on display in the Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017.
© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Nature’s Grace”

Dramatic shapes and rustic stones call to me.

Necklaces like "knot even" from Mary Ellen Beads Albuquerque are on display in the Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017.
© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Knot Even”

Precious beauties like amethyst set an entirely different tone. It’s all as it should be.

Amethyst Beauty is one of the necklaces from Mary Ellen Beads Albuquerque on display in the Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017.
© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, “Amethyst Beauty”

The 14th annual Sandia Heights Studio Tour takes place 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday September 9-10, 2017. You can see items pictured here as well as new work from 25 other local artists.

This tote, for example, is a nod to my fiber-loving, denim-appreciating self. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suddenly giving up beads to make totes. This detour created inspiration for other designs.

This denim tote by Mary Ellen Beads Albuquerque is typical of the inspiration for the Sandia Heights Studio Tour 2017.
© 2017, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Denim-inspired Tote

The Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour 2017 is a do-not-miss event. Come. Look into the soul of the 26 artists who are participating in the tour.

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