August 27, 2012
Besides acorns and eggs I do love pinecones. Their shape is egg-like, isn't it?
When I first started making jewelry for myself I did a lot of seed bead work. I was fortunate to take classes with amazing artists like Marcia DeCoster, Laura McCabe, Cynthia Rutledge and Carol Wilcox Wells. They all have a unique style and favor certain off-loom techniques.
Every once in awhile there's a jewelry piece in my head that calls out for seed beads and I draw on those skills I learned many moons ago. Remember those math classes that you took where you thought you'd never use, but then something will happen in your life years later and you think - that would be useful right now. lol! It's in there somewhere you just have to dig around a bit sometimes.
We had a challenge this month at Blogging Business Artisans that was related to school madness and this was my challenge piece! I don't have children so school stuff has to be in my memories!
The pinecone called out for bead embroidery in my head and not a silver setting. I like the texture and the addition of other colors I could bring into it.
I also created some lampwork earrings using these sterling silver pinecones that I've used in previous work. I just love the detail in them. I'm guessing I'll probably keep a pair! The lampwork is by Canyon Echoes - one of my all time favorite lampwork artists.
Glacial Gray pinecone earrings (SOLD out)
The color in this set of lampwork beads is best described as a glacial river. If you have not seen one - it's a grey, but with a green-blue tint. Matte, not clear... frosty in more ways than one!
I've got at least one more pinecone from Gary Wilson and numerous sterling silver pinecone charms so I may have some more pieces soon.