Hematite and Seed Beads

Feel free to critique the photography as well as the beadwork. I am still learning both.



The centerpiece of this bracelet is a hematite-coloured piece of aquarium glass. It is encased in a netting of pearlized seed beads and hematite beads. The band of the bracelet is a base of 3mm hematite cylinder beads stitched in right angle weave, then embellished with the pearlized seed beads. The clasp is a silver base metal toggle clasp.

This is a gift to a friend. She is very high on my prayer list just now. Life has been giving her some rough punches lately. But she is a survivor and will bounce back to higher heights.

From An Humble Beginning

Since I am so at peace when I bead, it isn't often that I make pieces of handcrafted jewelry that don't involve one or more beadweaving stitches. Here is a look at one of those pieces.

This is a substantial piece that would overpower a tiny woman. The two aquarium glass stones that provide dimension and definition are separated by an elevated ridge. The cuff is just under two inches wide. Tiny globes of glass cover the outer edges of the cuff. In spite of it's heavy look, it is light and easy to wear. Most people who have seen it, ask if it is made from bamboo.
Yes, I know, the picture is rather dark, but I am hoping you can at least get a feel for how the cuff looks. This piece is too thick to scan well and the digital camera and I are not always on speaking terms. Sometimes it co-operates, sometimes not. And life goes on.

As much as I like the compliments I receive when I wear it, I like even more that it started life as something most people would throw away. The base of the cuff is the cardboard core from a roll of industrial packing tape. Multiple layers of red, gold and copper lacquer shine with an richness that easily hides the humble beginnings of this bracelet.

Thank you, Jah, for showing me how to "Tun han', mek fashion." ("Turn hand, make fashion." Translation: Take what little I have and make something better out of it.)




More recycled jewelry

More Aquarium Glass

This set was beaded for a lovely lady who is one of my technology clients. I hope she enjoys wearing it as much as I enjoyed creating it for her.

The focal beads are aquarium glass stones set into a delica bead net. The net is open on the front and back, so you can see straight thru both pieces. The pendant bail and the bracelet band are peyote stitched in gold and pearlescent white delicas. The magnetic clasp ends are hidden in a peyote stitched tube of delicas.

The tiny, uniform size of the delica beads give this aquarium glass set a formal, yet dainty look. The other set I made using aquarium glass has a more substantial, informal look caused by the larger, irregularly shaped seed beads.