“Illusory Simplicity”

This necklace began with the black and white polka dot beads. Polka dots are a favorite pattern of mine and once I started this necklace, I couldn’t stop.

There is a Japanese artist I love not only for her colorful bobbed hairstyles nor only for her wild and crazy clothing, but for her life-long obsession with polka dots. In February I will see Yayoi Kusama’s work live at Boston’s contemporary art museum. Kusama is now 90 years old and has featured polka dots in her art since she was 10 years old.

In the necklace pictured above, the plain black beads are onyx; the XL black and white beads are made in India; the clasp is a simple silver metal one. The centerpiece and the two earrings that almost match are lampwork glass made by a friend of mine from Palo Alto in the late 90’s. The earrings drop 1 7/8″ from the ear lobe.  The necklace is 19” long. It weighs 4.5 oz.  $99 for the set.  Free shipping.

“Pattern and Motif”

This black and white necklace has a craft feel. All of these beads were Helen’s (see story below). I made it this week as a companion to the polka dot necklace. Note the pale hints of pink and lavender in the striped beads. The clear glass beads with the squiggles were also used for the earrings.   There is lots of black and white going up one side of the necklace and down the other side. The clasp is pewter. The earrings hang 1 3/4” from the ear lobe. The necklace is 19” long.  It barely moves the scale, weighing only 1.4 oz.  $75 for the set.  Free shipping.

The Best Bead Shopping Ever!

Who ever knew I would return home from a recent trip to California with five bags of beads that made my suitcase ten pounds heavier? My friend Helen is switching from beading to quilting and offered me a unique shopping experience right at the kitchen table!

Once home and as soon as I had the time, I emptied them onto my work surface and they covered it entirely! It was bead heaven. What fun I had sorting them by color and putting them away in the drawers of the apothecary chest! Even more fun were the 15 piles of beads (see tray, top right) that immediately inspired me as future necklace potential. I will let them percolate into necklaces during the next few months. Yesterday I pulled out the glass bead centerpieces and found a half-dozen artist-made lampwork beads to add excitement to the percolation. I’ve promised to send Helen pictures of the finished product.

A Max Moment

Max is wearing the latest couture for groomed dogs. Gone are the bandanas with pinking shear edges. In is the sophisticated bowtie!

Max is now 20 months young.

2020:  May it Bode Well for All of Us!

I am feeling awed that today is 1/1/2020.  I have a deep seated feeling that this year, this decade, may  be good for humanity.  I can’t predict the future, but I can pay attention to my feelings and share them with you.

No matter what 2020 brings, doesn’t 2020 have a nice ring to it?  Let’s make the most of this New Year!