“Story is a butterfly whose wings transport us to another world where we receive gifts that change who we are and who we want to be.”
–Harley King
The gift of adornment continues to transform me as I connect with beads and all elements of jewelry. During my bead journey I’ve uncovered a passionate curiosity to learn all manner of related elements, a process that is dramatically expansive for creativity. It’s as though I’ve become a new person, one with a new heart-felt appreciation for the maker process and the artist that lives in each of us.
White bronze clay for example fascinates me. After several classes, (Read about one of my earlier adaptations in this post) I’ve begun to experiment with creating my own findings. In this picture you can see one of my handmade clasps of white bronze clay. I’m as proud as a new mother of this effort. (NOTE: The story of my kiln work and other precious metal clay happenings is yet to be revealed.
Metal Adds to Bead Possibilities
For the past few months I’ve explored metals such as copper, silver and bronze using a torch, wire wrap techniques, wire weaving, and other options.
It’s now easier to imagine how I might incorporate metal into my own designs and use it to enhance my beloved beads. In the necklace below I used repoussé (a technique in which the metal is hammered from the reverse side) to echo the shape of my cabochon. The results were gratifying because I met my goal even though I did not yet feel comfortable with the technique.
Show Incorporates New Themes
Join me from 11am – 6pm on Friday, May 17, 2019 for a trunk show in which I display my new beyond a bead work at Silk Road Connection, in the Promenade Shopping Center, Eubank at Spain in Albuquerque.
As I love to quip, “I never meet a bead I don’t like.” My love of beads only grows as I learn more about their history and properties.
Vintage African trade beads inspire and uplift me. A dear friend brought me a gift of glass beads from Johannesburg. My delight as I added complimentary beads from my stash was unparalleled. Venetian glass, vintage hard-to-find skunk beads, vaseline beads, feather glass… I can only imagine the delight of a collector with this creation.
Multi-strand Necklace Statements
Another favorite combines traditional pearls of various shapes and sizes with amber, a treasured stone known for creating comfort and well-being in the wearer.
Multi-strand delights found my workbench this spring. The joy of asymmetrical assembly keeps each necklace fresh and new.
You will see these and many other surprises during my trunk show.
Details for Beyond a Bead Trunk Show:
Who: Mary Ellen Merrigan of Mary Ellen Beads
What: A collection of my new works
Where: Silk Road Connection
When: 11am – 6pm, Friday May 17, 2019
Why: The synergy of creation beyond a bead generates creative joy
Please stop and visit. You may find a treasure you’ve been looking for!
“Similar to a butterfly, I’ve gone through a metamorphosis, been released from my dark cocoon, embraced my wings, and soared!”
–Dana Arcuri, Reinventing You: Simple Steps to Transform Your Body, Mind, & Spirit
Can I count on seeing you at my Beyond a Bead Trunk Show?