Spring is approaching, and I’m starting to ponder my wardrobe. Soon it will be the right weather for dresses, shorts, sandals, and colorful beads (she said hopefully).
Charm bracelets are a great way to show off choice items from a bead collection, especially if you only have a couple of this or that fancy bead. I love these vintage “millefiori” beads from Japan, which are made by dotting the surface of the bead with a multicolored glass cane. Sometimes the bead is then enfolded in a layer of clear glass, like the big pink one at upper left.
Nobody knows color like the Italians, who also pioneered the crafting of glass beads. I hand-knotted this strand with black string to set off the colors. The mixture of bright, primary reds and blues with more muted green and orange is mood-lifting. Somehow the riot of color blends into a harmonious whole.
I also enjoy pastels, especially light pink. One of my most treasured strands is this extra-long one of vintage and antique trade beads. These beads are irregularly shaped because they were individually cut, not machine-made. They have a sculptural feel, like stones polished in a stream.
midwestone said:
Starting the day with this burst of color feels good. The beads are lovely. I can see how tightly you tied the knots, how much attention to detail you gave each piece. Did you make the bracelet also?
linnetmoss said:
Thanks Ellen! Yes, I did. Like all charm bracelets, it’s a bit clunky and distracting to wear, but it’s pretty and summery.
midwestone said:
Excellent. Very pretty and, indeed, summery.
Esther said:
Ooh, especially like the Japanese and Italian beads! Very pretty!
linnetmoss said:
Many thanks!
Sylvie G said:
and I thought beads were just beads….:)
linnetmoss said:
To me they are tiny sculptures 🙂 And they combine into larger ones!
Sylvie G said:
tiny sculptures is a much better term 🙂
Lisa @ cheergerm said:
Adorably pretty, hopefully you can start wearing them soon!
linnetmoss said:
Thanks Lisa, I hope so too!
BerLinda said:
Roll on spring! 🙂
Hariclea said:
I love this and it certainly feels like spring 🙂 do you think if we wear a bit of colour we’ll make it come quicker? 🙂 Willing to try!
linnetmoss said:
Sympathetic magic 🙂