These past few weeks I've been slowly cleaning out my studio. It's been a job given that my studio is filled with 14 years of accumulation. I like to create from chaos. When I bead, I don't keep my colors separate, I pour a little of each into several trays allowing for serendipity to happen. So yes, I'm that person who saves buttons, keys, old stamps and other ephemera.

Sorting through this accumulation has unearthed some long forgotten works. Everyone has to start somewhere and I got started by making and selling jewelry at boutiques across the United States and Great Britain. I also manned a market stall every weekend at Camden Locks Market. It was a great way to financially support myself as I further developed my art portfolio.

My inspiration was Erickson Beamon. Do you know their work? You've probably run across it in Vogue or Elle. Husband and wife team Karen and Eric Erickson have been designing and handcrafting jewelry for over 30 years. Their work has always been dramatic, fashion-forward, and unique.

I sold basic beaded necklaces made with a mix of Murano lampwork beads, Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. Occassionally, I would break from the mold and try to make something a bit more dramatic. What do you think? The materials are less precious (faux pearls, basic crystal and gold-plated beads) to keep down the cost as these pieces were more time intensive. My daughter loves it, claiming that it's perfect for clubbing. Note that I made it back when I was her age. Eeek! My middle-aged self looks at it now and sorta cringes, though I still like the choker structure and the dangles ending in clear glass drops. Hmmm, maybe a rework will soon be in progress!





