My block commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the first formal New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade, Mardi Gras 2006. Many believed their would be no Mardi Gras in 2006 due to hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed. But word is that most of the floats were on high ground and not damaged by the hurricane or the flooding. New Orleans residents are determined, there will be a Mardi Gras 2006!
The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are featured: green, yellow, and purple. Lace, satin, silk, and other fancy fabrics form the backdrop for the Mardi Gras imagery. The images on my block are constructed of BEADS, BEADS, and BEADS! A stand of beads to symbolize the beads thrown from floats during a parade; beaded confetti falling from the sky; and a beaded, sequined and feathered Mardi Gras mask. All beading was done by hand. The script lettering is also beaded with tiny size 14 metallic seed beads. Beads hold a special creative fascination for me, and are an important component of a Mardi Gras parade!
Nancy Eha of Beadcreative.com is a well known beader, embellished quilter and instructor. Nancy’s work has been published in numerous magazines and she is author of Off The Beadin’ Path.
©Nancy Eha