Michelle- July 2026

Michelle— July 2026

This month's mix celebrates so much. July 2026 is the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on July 4th. With the mix, Michelle, we are commemorating two outstanding Americans who symbolize the best of our country: Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, and Artist, Amy Sherald, who painted the First Lady's portrait for the National Gallery in Washington, DC. in 2018.

Sherald is an American Artist who paints monumental and graphic portraits using bold, flat colors and a limited grayscale palate to represent skin tone. Arresting and bold, each portrait demands your undivided attention; the artist has captured the essence of a moment and memorialized it just for the viewer. In Michelle Obama, we are grabbed by the image in the best possible way. Resting her chin on her hand, Obama is looking directly at us and letting us in...

Artist Inspiration:  In selecting Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald, Janice had the challenge of capturing the grandeur of the painting, including Amy Sherald's signature grayscale to represent African American skintones and Michelle Obama's choice of a humble cotton ball gown that is also monumental. Designed by Michelle Smith under her label Milly, the dress was inspired by the quilts of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. 

Born in Georgia, Sherald now lives and works in New York City. Ms. Sherald is represented by Hawser & Wirth. Go to Instagram to learn more about the artist. 

Project Ideas: This month's mix is going out to both Danielle and Janice. Each is going to create something to celebrate this historic occasion and the beauty of the painting, the subject and the artist. Projects will be posted once completed. 

This mix includes a wide assortment of Miyuki Seed and Tila Beads:

• TL-135FR Matte Transparent Root Beer New!
• TLH-2021 Matte Opaque Cream New!
• TLH-2561 Silk Pale Blue (being discontinued by Miyuki) New!
• TLH401F-TB Matte Black
• TLH-599 Opaque Antique Rose Luster
• BGL1-401F Matte Black
• 8-4702 Frosted Opaque Glazed Rainbow Peacock 
• 8-4705 Frosted Op Glazed Rainbow Cadet Gray 
• 11-4204F Galvanized Matte Champagne
• 11-4210F Galvanized Matte Hot Pink New!
• 11-2442 Crystal Ivory Gold New!
• 11-194F Matte Paladium Plated *Mix Exclusive*

Sold by the Tube. Approximately 20-22 grams per tube.