My workbench is home to several unfinished projects, some of which may become the necklace of the day. Even when I don’t have a show on the immediate schedule, (all of my spring/summer/fall events have been canceled due to Covid-19) I love to make new things. It’s a remarkable way to stay in touch with my muse and to approach beads from a continued, fresh perspective.
My muse spoke rather emphatically the other day, emphasizing the need to play with the beads I’d recently cut apart from a long, outdated necklace. Although there were other types of stones included in my pile, I concentrated on separating the striking green ones from the rest. The grouping had been on my workbench for a week or so. Each time I walked into the studio, I considered what I might create from this selection.
The green beads were serpentine, a stone of independence. Because I didn’t know a lot about serpentine, I read up on it in my favorite resource, “The Book of Stones, Who They Are and What They Teach” by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian. Serpentine is a crystal “soothing to the emotional body allowing one to release fear of change and hardship and look ahead to the future with expectation and excitement.” Perfect for these times, I thought.
I paired the serpentine rectangles with round copper beads because I liked the color contrast. The raised texture of the copper beads from my stash provided interest and detail.
Then, I sensed my handmade link chain formed from jeweler’s red brass would pair nicely with the copper. When the torch connects with red brass, it turns a bright, coppery orange.
My intention with my jewelry practice (NOTE: I spend 90-minutes daily in the studio) is to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are not easily replicated. In this necklace of the day, it is the handmade chain that adds a strong, unique dimension to my presentation. Lastly, I add small elements such as charms to finish each undertaking. In each of my bead creations I follow a rule that my work must surprise and delight the customer.
What steps do you take to showcase your work? Drop me a note. I would love to hear from you.
