My Discovery of Art Beads

I started making jewelry about six years ago.  I distinctly remember discovering Ebay for the first time, and then discovering the phenomenon of artisan-made lampwork beads.  And then along came Etsy.

My wallet has never recovered.

beads by Michou P Anderson

For the longest time, I made the majority of my jewelry with lampwork beads and gemstones, never venturing much further from this world of glass art beads.  I was hooked, fascinated, mesmerized.  I even set up a lampwork studio of my own this year to begin to learn the trade.

And then, one night when I couldn't sleep, I typed in "beads, handmade" into Etsy and oh wow -- my world opened up!

Polymer clay, a medium I'd just had the barest acquaintance with, took on new meaning.

beads by Humble Beads



beads by Rolyz Creations



Then I discovered ceramic.  Wow, the options!  I was particularly drawn to the pendants.  SO many styles!

Pendant by Clay Designs by Glee

pendant by Winchell Clay Works

There's so much more for me to discover, but these are the things that have attacked my senses (and my wallet).  Using new mediums has also expanded my creativity and given me new directions to take my designs.  What I'd like to challenge you with is to explore a style you've never used before -- glass, ceramic, polymer clay -- and try it out.  You might be surprised at what you end up creating!

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site lorianderson.net.  She writes the blogs Pretty Things and An Artist's Year Off.  She lives in Maryland.