PenguinaDesigns

I have always loved sparkly things and remember spending hours as a child playing with my mother’s antique buttons and marbles – and my first trip to a bead store as a teenager. As an adult, I rediscovered beading as a creative outlet – and after selling my first piece, was fueled by the joy of seeing my work find the perfect home.

While my work has changed a great deal from my early stringing and wirework, my interest has always been to create wearable pieces that become everyday staples. Currently, my artistic focus is on creating handmade beads influenced by mid-century modern architecture and the rich palettes of warmer climates.

These signature “beaded beads” developed after I experimented with lampworking and began looking for ways to create three-dimensional structures away from the torch. I found that with traditional bead weaving stitches, I could create sturdy structures much like lampwork using needle and thread.

I now use primarily one stitch, right-angle weave, to create a core bead, much like a lampworker creates a base bead. Once I am satisfied with the form, I use complimentary stitches to layer tiny seed beads around the piece. The end result is a rich interplay of geometry, color and rhythm that makes each bead a small sculpture.

While the bulk of my work has moved towards these stitched beads, I continue to create pieces using less complex methods as well. I use these as a three-dimensional sketch pad for experimenting with color, light, and the wide variety of finishes, shapes and textures of beads. No matter the complexity of the piece, I continue to find inspiration in the delight of my customers as they discover a design that they love.