Part 1
Eco-friendly practices
During my many visits to thrift stores, flea markets, or rummage sales, I always take the time to look at jewelry and beads. I collect them, dismantle the jewelry, and wash the beads and findings.
I like working with beads that appeal to me regardless of their origin; they deserve this second life, and so I can afford to lower the price of the jewelry in which I incorporate them.
Art in action
Uncompromising standards
Built to last
Part 2
The different rockeries
There is a difference between seed beads, regular or irregular.
In local shops – whether craft stores or second-hand stores – you generally find irregular seed beads.
These beads are all slightly different in shape, and when woven, they can alter the pattern, which I find gives the jewelry a charm and an organic feel.
Regular or AA grade seed beads are for the most part produced in Japan (Miyuki and Toho being the most popular) or in the Czech Republic (Preciosa).
They are more expensive and harder to find; however, these seed beads are uniform and, once incorporated into a weave, they guarantee a symmetrical and consistent pattern.
This can also influence the durability of the weave over time, but I admit I haven't yet thoroughly experimented with this factor.
Regular rockeries
Irregular seed beads
