Year: 2022

I used to have lots of “rules” when it came to making jewellery. Only use beads you have made. Don’t mix recycled and Italian glass beads in a piece. Keep making the pieces that sell. Those rules worked for a long time, but since we’ve had to live with so many other rules over the last 2 years (wear a mask, check in everywhere, limits on gatherings etc) it’s made me want to loosen my rules! In this bracelet I have mixed my Italian and recycled glass beads, with semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls. You might even spot one of the new enamel glass beads in the mix.

More experiments with enamels. I made some more red and blue beads, flattened some, etched some, added less enamel to some, tried a new shade of purple. Now I am going to have a think about these for a little while and work out what to try next!

Experimenting with enamels! I haven’t used enamels on my glass beads for a very long time. I thought it might be an interesting way to make clear recycled glass more interesting. The colours are amazing, and I am curious to see where this experiment goes this time! More play needed.

In my happy place @tartscollective today, researching beads and jewellery from the past. Starting to gather ideas for my @salafestival exhibition.

I am doing something a bit different for @salafestival this year! I will be part of a group exhibition being held at The Anglican Parish of All Souls in St Peters. I visited the church yesterday and fell in love with the windows. 5 of the windows featured in the church are from Morris and Co (from England). I left feeling incredibly inspired and excited to try some new ideas for this exhibition. Feeling very grateful to have been asked to exhibit here, along with several other Adelaide artists. Will share more details along the way.

Three of these pairs of earrings are made from Gin and Tonic bottles. The dark blue pair is made from Vodka and Tonic bottles. I don’t even know if that’s a thing, but I loved the beads together! Starting to put a small collection of work together for my next shift at @tartscollective in just over a week.

Not sure where this necklace made from an assortment of handmade recycled glass beads is going yet, but sometimes you have to start with something to work out the next steps. Will have to think about this one some more.

Saturdays are for making beads and jewellery! I enjoyed mixing and matching beads for this bracelet, featuring a sweet handmade glass bird and beads made from recycled and Italian glass, along with semi-precious stones.

About 20 years ago I attended my first glass bead making workshop on Kangaroo Island. I left with these beads, and made this bracelet. I left knowing this was something I really wanted to do, but living in a 1 bedroom apartment in Sydney at the time meant I had to wait a while before I could do it. Have to say it was worth the wait.

I love it when people take the time to leave reviews for my jewellery online. With over 800 sales on Etsy now, I am delighted that my overall review status is still 5 stars!