At last! I saw these jasper beads in one of my favorite NYC shops earlier this summer, and made a necklace. But it simply wasn't right. So this past week I remade it, double the length, so that it works as a necklace *or* as a wrap bracelet. Ahhhh, perfect :) If you look closely, you'll see that I use 2mm and 3mm beads, which along with the color varigation give the piece its interest and texture.
Another at-long-last piece. I bought two of these dalmatian jasper beads in Portland ME earlier this summer. Then got home, and promptly realized that I needed four beads, not just the two. After much to do, I ordered more and received them this week - twenty, just in case I need more later :) Pleased with the end result, though I don't think these photos do the piece justice. I need a model in a black dress, maybe...
Yes! I recently discovered an online vendor with great prices (and a Labor Day weekend sale, fun!) and great inventory. So these were one of my first purchases. These were more difficult to place than you'd think - the sparkle inherent in colored faceted beads didn't fit well with the matte aesthetic of most of my recent work. But - on their own, these beads can shine. I look forward to finding other ways to make use of them soon :)
And finally, "Moxie". I took process photos for these, and may include them in a later post so you can see the drafts I go through in a normal brainstorming process. You may recognize the metallic faceted beads here - I use them often. You might also recognize the center bead - it's part of a set of pearly beads that surprise me often with their usefulness. The third element is a new faceted bead from my lastest shop discover a mere block from my day job office. The best part of these beads though, is the gestalt - as a whole they achieve a neutral champagne color that could go with many outfits, yet speaks as a statement piece.
So overall, you could say recent weeks have brought great new vendors to light, which will be foundational to any sustainable business model I hope will grow from this hobby. Pleased with my progress, but eager as always for more-faster-better. Onward!