Wednesday, 27 June 2012

New necklace

I made this some months ago but never got around to posting a photo of it. I love the Jade Scott focal. It's so pretty that I kept everything simple and minimal. Which if you've noticed, is what I usually do. I don't know if this means I'm lazy - which I am - or if I'm just a sucker for uncluttered designs  - which I also am - or more likely, if I'm overwhelmed and paralysed by too many choices so I go for the easy one. 
Whatever. It's still pretty though. 

Sunday, 24 June 2012

In the beginning.........

.....was this:



The pieces above were the first jewellery I ever made back in 2007. 

Back then, I was in a job that constantly stressed me out and was making me increasingly unhappy. I used to joke that I never saw the sun during the week - leaving for work when it was still dark and leaving the office long after the sun had set. It wasn't much of a joke though. So in an attempt to 'reclaim my life' I signed up for a bead making class at a community centre a few blocks away from my home. 

For almost the first time in my life I discovered that my hands were capable of making something that was both functional and beautiful. During the 10 lessons, I learnt how to make simple wire loops, twist wire and weave beads together to create rings, bracelets, necklaces and brooches. There were setbacks of course. Simple loops were not so simple for me. I was often all thumbs when it came to weaving tiny seed beads together. And I was usually one of the last ones to complete that night's project. 

Despite that, I enjoyed myself hugely and discovered that creativity wasn't entirely foreign to me :-). Given how much I gained from that class, it's rather odd to realise that I haven't taken a jewellery making or beading class since. Hmm, maybe I should start scouting around for some classes.....

6th Bead Soup Blog Party

The fabulous Lori Anderson is organising her ever-popular Bead Soup Blog Party once again, and lil ol' me is playing. Yes, yet again. Having played earlier this year, I can say with complete conviction that it was one of the best experiences of my life. Apart from all the fun of sending and receiving pretty beads, making new friends and gawping at all the outstanding creations made, I think I grew as a jewellery designer and maker. I certainly tried techniques and designs that I would probably never have considered if I hadn't been given that particular bead soup from my partner. So if you've been contemplating taking part but haven't taken the plunge yet, I say 'Go for it!'. You won't regret it. FYI, the next BSBP will be in Jan/Feb 2013.