Tags
Andrew Thornton, Cynthia Thornton, Dot Winchell, Joan Miller Porcelain, Nancy Adams, Nikki Thornburg, Round Rabbit, Winchell Clayworks
I’m very pleased with how occupational therapy is going for my thumb, but I’m still not to the point of being able to bead. I got a new exercise yesterday, and in doing it this morning I could only hack one set instead of two. But I can feel that I’m getting better all the time.
So, in the absence of new makes, I will show some old works in progress (WIPs). These are materials I’ve had gathered for a project for quite a while but have never actually put the piece together. These things may or may not work out in the end. It will be interesting to see whether they come together or I end up releasing the beads back into the wilds of my stash.
The first grouping started with beads by Joan Miller Porcelain.
This heart, and steampunk elements are by Joan Miller. I’m pretty sure I got the chain with these beads in mind. I know I bought the red and gray/silver pair by Nikki Thornburg with this project in mind.
Next up is an idea for a necklace with a hand painted pendant by Dot Winchell of Winchell Clayworks. 
I think these pink melon Czech glass beads will be wonderful with it. I have a Swarovski shank button I got at Mood that could be a good closure. I love this little floral/filigree button. I took a picture of the wrong side; the other side looks like mother-of-pearl. I’m not sure how I’d use it, but it’s worth trying in the design. 
This pendant is by Nancy Adams of Round Rabbit. She doesn’t make beads any more (that’s how long I’ve been hoarding this) but she does still make beautiful handmade items, so still check out her shop. Czech glass and amethyst are perfect for the pendant; the actual design of how the beads will fit together remains to be seen.
Here is a bronze coin by handcrafted by Andrew Thornton (and designed by Cynthia Thornton) with some lovely carnelian calla lillies.
One last project is actually going to be a remake of a vintage necklace my mom bought and then gave to me. 
Look at those gorgeous beads and clasp! I really like it just the way it is, but it needs to be restrung and is just a little short for me. I’ll try separating the beads with some seed beads my mom also gave me to match or add a chain extender in back.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to show you some of these in finished form in the future.
Lovely beads and pendants. Esp like the Calla lily beads. Hope you heal quickly. I know it is hard not to be making.
I have been crushing on melon beads lately myself and I find the pink ones adorable. The vintage beads are fascinating. Maybe a bit of red or turquoise accent to spice them up?
I love how you are using your time to design your jewelry. For me, once I find the beads that I am going to use, the jewelry can go together quickly in comparison to the planning. They are all going to be stunning. Good luck with your recovery!
I can’t wait to see what you create with your WIP’s! I love Joan Miller’s creations and you have some very cool pieces. My mom used to find “neat stuff” for me, too. You are so fortunate to still have your mom who finds “neat stuff” for you!