Wooden Beads..

Some smaller coloured beads I use as spacers

At the moment I’m going through a bit of wooden beads phase. I say that as I’ve only just notice that the majority of beads I’ve bought recently have been in fact wooden, for some coincidence. Whenever I’ve been in my local bead shop I’ve felt drawn to them, both the original wooden finish as well as the coloured painted beads. I love the natural appearance and texture to wooden beading, and I also find that even the larger beads are quite light and easy to work with.

Some of my pieces..

Wooden beads remind me of traditional African beading and crafts, a huge source of inspiration for me, and it’s this aspect as to why I love incorporating them within necklaces etc. Another reason as to why I’ve also got a bit of a soft spot for the painted coloured wooden beads, which normally come in rich, warm earthy colours such as reds and greens.

Really love the red and turquoise combo

Akong London

Akong London

I've just discovered this work by the talented London based Nicole Akong. Born and raised in the Caribbean, Nicole moved to London to embark on her jewellery career, and launched her label Akong London.

What really stood out for me are the apparant influence of tribes around the world, refected in the use of her colour, texture and detailing. Her creative pieces are bold, unique and hugely inspiring. My personal favourite collection is Dreams of Miami Beach, for Spring/Summer 2010.. I know, a little old but I love it ;)

Inspiration..

 

African Waist Beads

Waist Beads

 

So awhile ago my Godmother asked me to make some adjustments to a couple of her African waist beads. I must admit this was the first time I’ve actually heard about waist beads, needless to say I had to look them up. Again, I love the cultural symbolism with jewellery and waist beads tick all the boxes.  Thought to have originated from Yoruba tribes in West Africa, and popular within Nigeria and Ghana, the beads can be perceived as a symbol of femininity, sensuality and fertility, not to mention simply as an ornamental fashion item.

Supernatural associations with the beads range from a symbol of protection to pregnant women, and my favourite, a lure used by brides for their new husbands!

I don’t normally use seed beads for anything other than ‘spacers’, but African waist beads have definitely inspired me to do something with 1kg wholesale packet of brown seed beads I’ve been struggling to use!

What to do with these...

Love this!

I found this amazing image of Scarlett Johansson wearing this incredible necklace..I need to be able to make this one day!! Beside that I'm a huge fan of turquoise bead jewellery, which I think looks amazing against any skin tone.

Jessica Rose - London Jewellery School

 

I came across a video about Jessica Rose randomly on YouTube whilst looking for jewellery videos. At such a young age she followed her passion and created a successful business out  doing something she loves..such a huge inspiation.

Moroccan Berber Jewellery

Traditional Berber jewellery

I’ve always loved traditional ‘ethnic’ jewellery from various parts of the world. I love the variety of bold pieces in striking colours and designs, all following similar themes reflecting a great sense of cultural identity, and for the most part can be traced back to various historical traditions and symbolism.

A couple of years back I had the privilege of visiting Morocco. There I discovered the gorgeous Berber jewellery; I’d say my favourite style of bead jewellery. If anyone has ever made a visit to Marrakech, in particular the incredible Jamaa El Fna you will most likely have come across Berber jewellery at some point. Needless to say I bought a fair amount! The bold pieces are mainly beading and silver, with key abstract and geometric patterns, and large, striking centre pieces.

The jewellery is often made by an independent craftsman, and I love the fact that such a unique and beautiful art form has not been exploited and is still very true to its cultural identity and traditions. 

Some of my collection..