Day 188. Walking again, this time finding trees covered with vines. Made me remember beads I used to make that were one colour, and another contrasting fine glass (stringer) applied over the top but not melted in, giving the bead some lovely texture. Going to have to try these again soon too! And add some dangly beads at the bottom for a whole new look.
Day 187. Having a little break from normal life with a couple of days up the river. I went for a walk this morning and loved all of the layers in the world around me. From the paddocks to the cliffs, to the river itself, there were so many amazing colours and layers of colour. I drew these earrings when I got back to where I am staying and can’t wait to make them when I get home again.
Day 186. 8 years ago I was madly getting ready for my SALA exhibition titled “10,000 red glass beads” where I literally made that many red beads, and used most of them in pieces of jewellery! It was such a full on experience, and having to work to a constraint of only using red glass beads was a real challenge, and it stretched my work for a long time. This year though I am working with no constraints, no restrictions and I can’t wait to see where that freedom takes me!
Day 185. Such beautiful colours together, Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire Gin bottles.
Day 184. Rules and restrictions. I have so many rules with my work, some that I have created and some that the galleries that I work with have created for me. Rules like: don’t mix Italian and recycled glass, always use sterling silver, don’t add other beads like seed beads etc. So many restrictions on my work. And it’s been interesting for me that since all of my galleries have been closed, and since we have had to go through so many personal restrictions, that I decided for SALA this year I was just going to ease my own restrictions and rules, and just make beautiful pieces of jewellery!! It’s how I started, with so much freedom (I even started using dental floss to string onto)!! And it’s what I feel like I need to do again. Make jewellery with Italian and recycled glass, explore other metals, use whatever beads I like in pieces. I am really excited about my exhibition at @stationmasters5255 🙂 These earrings feature beads from gin and tonic bottles, and Italian glass.
Day 183. Half way through the year!? Woah. Today’s earrings and bracelet feature beads made from a wine bottle and freshwater pearls.
Day 182. Colour palette that I love: red, purple and pink. Earrings that I love: mismatched. Hmm, this pair might be calling my name. And spotty, don’t forget the spots!!
Day 181. It has been fun to see what colours and combinations of birds and flowers that people have been choosing from my new listings on Etsy. Some have gone for two birds with different colours, some have chosen bird and flower combinations. It’s up to you, whatever you prefer, the listing is for a single earring, so you can choose which two options you will put together to make a pair. Lots of fun.
Click here for the link to my Etsy shop!
Day 180. Putting the finishing touches on my newsletter which will be out early this evening. It features some really cute new bird and flower earrings that you can mix and match however you like! I can’t wait to see what people pick. These little fellows were a bit of a happy accident. They are not in the newsletter, but they are available if you like them.
Day 179. I made a pair of earrings on day 8 that featured these colourful spotty beads, and now I am using them again but a little bit differently!
