I began to make beaded jewelry in 1998 and fell under the spell of the beautiful beads. Most often my jewelry ideas start with color combinations that I've seen in nature, fashion or art. I then work with beads in different sizes and shapes to create a unique piece with texture and rhythm.

Some designs begin with woven seed beads as a base, then larger beads and/or wire are added to embellish it. Some pieces are based on patterns while others are free-formed. The piece below, "Dancing Ocean" was created as a challenge to see if I could weave a crashing ocean wave with seed beads. I think I got it. I then embellished the sides to look like the sea and made it into a necklace.

I was very pleased when my ocean necklace was accepted into the Iowa State Fair Art Exhibit in 2002. I was overjoyed when it won an Honorable Mention!

I also started creating focal pieces to incorporate into my beaded jewelry using polymer clay and resin. I have been experimenting with creating implied texture in the surface of the clay, and mixing colors in different ways to create simulated gemstones, such as opals. Resin pieces are also an experiment as I layer different elements into the resin. Some pieces have dried flowers from my garden suspended in the resin, others are layered with glitter or other embellishments.

Since I create beaded jewelry in a variety of styles, I am sure to have something for you. If you are looking for a unique, hand-beaded piece of jewelry to accent your favorite outfit, e-mail me today!

Beaded Jewelry is available at:

CornerHouse Gallery
3318 1st Ave NE, Ste A
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-365-4348

• Intricately woven beaded jewelry

Last Updated 7/20/16