2012 GALLERY

FORGET ME KNOT BRACELET

My second piece for the Beadsmith Elegant Elements Clasp Project. Designed specifically to feature and flatter this lovely clasp.  Swarovski olivene bicones and triangle weave.
January 2012.  In my personal collection.

TWEED BRACELET

My third project for the Elegant Elements Clasp Project.  The lovely clasp inspired the bracelet color scheme and shapes, and you can read about it and see the clasp in my post about it on this blog. RAW and structural peyote stitch.  February, 2012.  In my personal collection.

EMERALD ISLE NECKLACE

Created for the Etsy Beadweaver's "Destinations" challenge.  Read about the design and construction in a post on this blog.  Peyote, netting and triangle weave. March 2012.  For sale in my Etsy Shop.

EVERYTHING'S COMING UP CROCUS    

Created for Etsy Beadweavers April Challenge, "Seed Beads Only."  For sale in my Etsy shop.

POSEIDON'S GARDEN NECKLACE

Inspired by underwater kelp forests and created for the May 2012 Esty Beadweavers Team Challenge, "Nautical Inspired."     Lives with me forever. :)

MISSING          

The working title of this piece was "Land of 10,000 Lakes" until June 2nd, when my mother (who always encouraged my artistry and gave me my love of handcraft) passed away.  The components re-organized themselves immediately, and all the leafy green lushness I was planning to represent Minnesota disappeared.  The central image is a strong and gently heart shaped circle of life, with my smaller circle and her larger one, merging at the base, as I realized I am now the family matriarch. The negative spaces, both large and small, became all important, since the work is about what is missing in my world.  The fringe sparkles with shed tears.  Although this piece was initially concieved for Battle of the Beadsmith 2012, I do not think I have ever created a work more personal and uniquely my own.     In my personal collection.

IF CRYSTALS WERE CRATERS, AND TURQUOISE, BLUE CHEESE

This set of interchangable phases on the moon pendants and neckstraps was created in August as therapy.  Sometimes, fondling or wearing a semi-precious stone has beneficial metaphysical mojo.  In my personal collection.  Maybe for sale during the next Blue Moon, if if you especially need their healing power.

 DAWN'S EARY LIGHT

 This piece was created for the Etsy Beadweavers October Challenge "Mister Winter's Dawn" and won the team favorite poll.  It represents stars winking out as the first hazy light of dawn colors the sky.

AMUR MAPLE NECKLACE

This necklace was created in October in response to a beautiful small Amur Maple tree in my neighborhood, and the Cherry Creek Jasper cabochons that represented the colors in the tree so well.  It is part of an exploration of the connections between components in beadwoven jewelry.





 SERENITY BRACELET AND EARRINGS SET

Created for the Etsy Beadweavers "Emotional Roller Coaster" challenge December 2012.  For sale in my Etsy shop.

GINA

Created in the fall of 2012 to thank my sister-in-law, Gina Wiest, for her kindness and help as my mother's health failed this spring.   It honors her spirit and Native American heritage.  In her private collection.

DONNA

A little adventure in wrapped loops, which reminded me that working with wire hurts my hands.  Created as a gift and in my friend's private collection.