About the Beads

The tiny beads (size 16-22) were manufactured in France, Czechoslovakia and Italy from the late 1600s through the turn of the century. Production of such small beads ceased by World War I. The miniscule scale and the extensive range of colors available is unmatched to date. Incorporated with these beads is a wide variety of gemstones and other special beads.

About the Beadwork

I enjoy the vast range of colors and the increased potential for detail the antique seed beads provide. The images I choose overtake me, as is evident in the many hours it takes to see that image realized. Mythic beings have permeated my imagination since childhood. Sometimes the urge to bead a piece is fiercely compelling, the glimpse of the fantastic creature is so haunting. I enjoy the meditative quality of sewing with beads to bring my vision to others, working with a mixture of patience and obsession (a very dragon-like trait). I take great pride and pleasure in knowing that each piece I create is sturdy, and will be worn and appreciated beyond my lifetime, just as the beads I've used come from the generation before me.