Snakeskin

Yep - that's a snakeskin I am working on for a 3 dimensional snake. I've made three snakes so far, one that is completed (I'd show him to you, but he has slithered off somewhere - will post pick as soon as I find him). The two other work in progress snakes are about 3/4 inches wide will be about 6 to 8 inches long when finished - and they have coils! The fun of making them has been figuring out how to make the coils - and I will post more w.i.p. photos as I move forward. Basically, he is made with peyote stitch using descending sizes of seed beads, from 8 to 15, and then the shape comes about when his skin is stitched togetether. Oh, also he will also be

stuffed, with cotton. Then just add a head and tail and voila! - a serpent.

Vintage Corsage Bracelet

This cuff bracelet was made to display some of the beaded flowers I have been working on, based on cherry blossom shapes. The five petal blooms are made with a variey of sizes 11 and 8 seed beads, the leaves with sizes 11 and 8 hex beads. It reminds me of old fashioned wrist corsages, and the cuff portion is made from vintage deep green seed beads from the 1930s/40s, the clasp is a vintage shell button. There is also a detail photo on the gallery page.

Better than Disneyland

The happiest place on Earth is not far from this bead shop, but I'd much rather be here.

Brea Bead Works has a great selection of what I like to call 'treasure beads', delightful little finds that are displayed beautifully so that you can peruse them in wonder. They have a healthy selection of beads, tools and supplies for all types of beading and jewelry making needs, and offer classes, workshops and trunk shows too.

Brea Bead Works

1033 East Imperial Highway, Ste E6

Brea, California 92821

breabeadworks.com, 714-671-9976