There are thousands of beads and many ways to bring them together. Seed beads are the most popular with me, although I have an infatuation with leather, buttons, rocks, yarn, thread, ribbon, wire etc. that eventually turns into “true love.” When I make things, I am choosing a method and an order out of infinity. Working in beads like breathing—it’s a repetitive motion and it becomes a meditation. The end result is a pattern and a structure as well as a sense of renewal.

I love bead weaving, crochet and their history. I have taught myself many techniques over the years and have tried to employ them all. There is always more for me to learn. I feel I still possess a learning curve, considering the myriad of methods and materials combined throughout all cultures throughout the ages.

My work is the byproduct of my thoughts and emotions. Because making jewelry is a way for me to cope with everyday life, it represents an escape. When I am working my regular job for the day, I am thinking about design and color, and how much I wish I was with my beads. What I appreciate most about handmade things is what they represent— a hope, a dream, a problem, a solution.

Inspiration comes from all around me. It is what I see in nature, on the street. It is what I see in books, magazines and television. Faces aren’t as noticeable as much as necks, wrists and ear lobes. What is hanging on them and how was it made? I may make a variation on a design or try different components and end up with something quite apart from the original. What if I made this bigger or smaller, wide or narrow, wavy or straight, contrasting or neutral? Will it be appealing to others? Admittedly, sometimes I am so curious to find out how a piece turns out I will throw that last question out the window and just go with my instinct.

Once I complete a piece I am finished. For me it’s not the object itself,  but the problem it presented with its creation. My greatest hope for these pieces I have turned out is for someone to pick it up and wear it. Literally, wear my heart on your sleeve, my angst in your ears, or my dreams around your neck. Wear it because it’s cool or pretty or wear it because it’s “you.”

Necklaces

Part of a set including triangle earrings and cuff bracelet. $190 for whole set.

Hollow inside. $105.

Right angle weave. Adjustable chain closure. $140. 19″

Part of a set including a set of black widow earrings. $48 for whole set.

Check your DNA at the door. Very simple use of bugle and seed beads. $30.

Ahoy. $55.

Part of a set including an amethyst bracelet and earrings. $75 for complete set.

Bring the snakes back to Ireland. Not priced.

Festoon yourself. $55.

Bracelets & Earrings

Looks good with or without bicycle, but you should ride your bicycle whenever you can. $22.

An experiment with a herringbone stitch around drapery cord and a leather closure. $37.

The last time I will try to stitch on leather. Broke at least six needles in the process. $150.

Simple earrings. Made with odds and ends from the bottom of the bead box. $10.00 each.

Part of a set including a choker and a pair of earrings. $190 for whole set.

One of the nicer things I’ve made with beads I didn’t know what to do with. $40.

A nod to Mrs. Rachel Nelson Smith who made me see you can build out AND up. $105.

Part of a set including amethyst necklace and earrings. $75 for whole set.

Part of a set including a herringbone stitched cuff bracelet and choker. $190 for complete set.

Part of a set including a necklace and a bracelet. $7 by themselves, $75 for whole set.

Metalwork

Represents my first sucessful tube and prong settings. Currently reworking into hooks instead of posts. Not priced yet.

Took me forever to complete. Hinges are a BITCH to make. At least they’re not impossible. Not for sale.

Blue lace agate. Nickel ring with tree branch detail. Undecided on price.

Your guess is as good as mine as to what stone this is. A simple bezeled ring. Sterling silver. Undecided on price.