To Bead or Not To Bead

I'm busy fleshing out my collection of beaded jewelry, in anticipation of North Coast Open Studios in a couple of weeks. I make jewelry in spurts these days, usually in conjunction with Open Studios or some other event. I seem to work better, at many things, under pressure of a deadline. Here's a shot of my studio table this morning...

I am particularly fond of greens, as I think I've mentioned numerous times, and Chinese turquoise, becoming ever rarer, is my absolute favorite stone to work with. The cabochons I'm using now are all from my inventory of stones purchased several years ago. I'm going to have to travel out of the area when I need more as they're impossible to find in these parts. Cabochons are cut, polished stones that are flat on one side, so they can be mounted in or on various materials.

This second photo was a display of some of my work, from about 10 years ago. Although all these pieces sold long ago, I still have one or two neckpieces available, plus earrings in other styles, a couple of wrist cuffs, and several brooches.

I still enjoy making jewelry and glad to have a reason to do it every so often.