The beautiful subtlety of vintage costume pearls

Ah, this is just gorgeous...even if I say so myself!! (and inspired by Coco) I've been longing to use up these beautiful vintage costume pearls, which have been rattling around at the bottom of my 'broken down bits' box for years. Finally, I think I've managed to convey their gentle and delicate colours and patina's. This is definitely not to be repeated! Some of these beads have been in my care since 1986! OMG!

my version of Coco's pearls

Here we are! This is my third slightly tongue-in-cheek version of Coco's famous pearl necklace.
I love making these pieces, they just come alive in my hands. I can almost smell Coco's parlour, as she sat there languidly holding forth, commanding her empire of style in the late thirties which is when the picture (above) was taken.

'Rushes' cuff - vintage Candy Spender!

I made this about six years ago out of a couple of vintage necklaces from the sixties..the colours just hit a spot in me. I wired them onto one of those stretchy stainless steel rah rah cuffs (which sort of look like old fashioned watch bands), along with some shiny gold-plated German box chain offcuts. The tiny green beads were beautiful glass seed beads, which I found in an old metal lolly box.
I sold this as soon as I'd finished it, and I'm glad I took this picture, because it still inspires me..the beads, the colours, the idea...

Self-Preservation

I've taken the whole 'Diamond 'n Rust' range, as well as the 'Lemurian' pieces into Self-Preservation in the city. At present this is really the only place where people can see current work, unless they visit me in my studio. This display is what was there before the current stock arrived today. Its such a beautiful place, the coffee is delicious, and Anitsa and Lina are wonderful. I am happy to have my work there...

diamonds 'n rust series continues

Ok, I still haven't got this series out of my system. I just love the old brass chain, which is quite dull and grungy, with those glimmers of the vintage fire-polished coppery glass beads shining through. This piece is big big and wild. It is nearly jumping off my bench at the moment, it'll either wear somebody, or end up abseiling the Rialto. Anyway..its great to be making things on this level again. I will also make some smaller sort of ones, for those who love this, but say things like: "I love it, but don't have anywhere to wear it to...." (happens all the time! My answer is usually: "build it and they will come")