Recently I realized I wasn’t sharing one of my favorite things to read, the Art Bead Scene blog! What are Art Beads? I’m glad you asked! Art beads are beads that are handmade by independent artisans. They can be anything from lamp worked glass beads, to fiber, polymer clay, metal…and beyond!

If you’re not sure where to start, check out the Art Bead Scene blog (linked above). The editors there are some of the most talented art bead artisans out there. They feature weekly and monthly contests that inspire readers (such as myself) to stretch their creative might, and use art beads. It’s a great way to support a fellow artist, as well as making your designs stand out from the rest.

At the end of March, I was lucky enough to win some goodies from the editors there. The box arrived full of some of the coolest beads I’ve seen in ages! There were charms from Earthenwood Studios, a funky button from Creative Impressions In Clay, a groovy spiral bead from Cindy Gimbrone Beads, an amazing Goddess bead from Elaine Ray Beads, and last but not least, a polymer clay focal bead from Humble Beads.

I could write a blog entry about each and every bead I received. They are all amazing, well crafted, and inspiring beads! But, what startled me most of all, was the polymer bead. I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of polymer beads. I really couldn’t get behind them and rave about them as much as I can with my beloved stones, or lamp work glass. But the bead I received changed my mind. Heather (Humble Beads) has a skill, and a talent that I’ve not encountered in polymer clay before! She gets such an organic feel from her clay. The color combinations are stunning, and the depth! I had NO IDEA that there could be such depth in polymer clay beads! She uses layer upon layer of clay, and translucent clay, and more clay…in such a way that I spent hours looking INTO the bead, marveling at the intricacy of the piece.

Do yourself a favor, check out the Art Bead Scene blog, then check out the art beads!

1 Comment »

Trackback URI | Comments RSS