A bit about me

As with many hobbies, mine got out of hand and beads seemed to take over everything.  The result is Beadography.

Beads started creeping into my embroidery work about 10 years ago and after a couple of years fighting the threads for my attention, the beads won and most threads are now consigned to the "when I'm old I'll get round to them" box. 

Having spent several years weaving with cylinder (delica) beads, determined to prove it was possible to create non-wearable beaded items as well as jewellery, the last few years have seen my needle pass through every size, shape, colour and type of bead I could lay my hands on.

Weaving is still my passion, but I have finally acknowledge that stringing is not the simple task I once thought.  Getting different beads and colours to "work" together is always challenging and demands plenty of experimentation, and stringing is no different.  Stringing also gives me the opportunity to work with an even greater choice of the wonderful and varied beads out there such as Murano, Swarovski, semi precious gemstones and dichroic glass.

Over the years I have written numerous articles for Crafts Beautiful Magazine and many of the designs featured can be seen in the Gallery, together with non-wearable beadart and jewellery that might be wearable for the brave at heart!  Some beaded cards are available to order, but if you are interested in commissioning anything else, please ask first as some items will not be repeatable.

Kits of my designs have been available in the past, but as I was spending more time doing "bead administration" than actual beading, I have reduced the number available.  I occasionally attend local craft fairs and jewellery parties can be arranged if you live close to Filey, as can one-to-one/two/three beading lessons if you fancy trying out this engrossing hobby.

A bit about beads
 

Bali

Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, rarely hallmarked) beads made by the Indonesian people of Bali.  They have intricate designs and are works of art in their own right.

Vermeil Gold

A Sterling Silver core plated with carat gold, usually 22 carat.

Swarovski

Made in Austria, Swarovski offer a massive range of high quality crystal beads and components in many shapes, sizes, colours and finishes. 

Dichroic

This is the most beautiful glass.  Originally designed for use in the space industry, there are some brilliant artisans around who manipulate the glass into wonderful beads and pendants. The colours and light reflections are simply not done justice until you see them for real.  Most pieces are unique and miniature works of art.

Delica and Seed Beads

These are the tiny, but vital, ingredients of weaving.  Most of the beads I use come from Japan and are quality glass in a vast range of colours.

Murano Glass

Produced in Italy (the island of Murano gives its name to the glass), these beads are exceptionally high quality and lined with silver or gold.