Spotlight: Beads of Heaven (orig. posted 5/20/08)

1. What kind of material do you use in your creations?
I love smooth stones, sparkling crystal, sterling silver (when possible) and cast pewter. I don’t like to use crystal bi-cones because of the sharp edges.

2. How did you get into this form of art?
A few years ago I was working in the custom framing shop at Michael’s, and every day I would walk past the bead aisles. Those beads were calling to me! I started making simple stretchy bracelets, and I went on from there.

At some point, I started making rosaries and that just goes beyond jewelry. Rosaries are an aid to prayer, a connection to heaven.

3. What inspires you? Do you have a plan before you make a piece, or do the materials “speak” to you?
A rosary, whether it is a full rosary, a single decade rosary, or a rosary bracelet, has a set number and sequence of beads, so the “plan” is there. Beyond that, I love the feel of smooth stones moving through my fingers, so I look for beads to coordinate with the stones.

Rosaries are meant to be used often, so I want the piece to be comfortable, with no sharp edges, sturdy and beautiful to look at.

4. Do you have a certain design style?
My designs are traditional, with something extra, something unexpected.

5. What is your favorite technique?
I like to make traditional linked rosaries and rosary bracelets. They drape so nicely. And I especially like to make single decade rosaries because they are so easy to use. No tangling!

6.Other than Etsy, where could someone find your creations?
I have a website that I’m working on at www.beadsofheaven.net.  I also sell jewelry at www.mltbeaddesigns.etsy.com. 

7. What is your favorite part of being a member of EtsyBEAD?
EtsyBEAD is a great group of people, and even though I often don’t have time to do more than read through the digests on my e-mail, I learn so much from all of you!

Leave a Reply