Inspired Beader: La Bella Joya

Of all the possible beaded jewelry designs there are to make, beadwork rings might just be one of the rarest. Patterns and designs for beadwoven rings don’t often turn up in magazines or books, and it’s tough to find artists who make them regularly. It’s interesting that beadwork rings aren’t more abundant, because they’re so incredibly fun to make.

Most beaders have heard comments like “I could never have enough patience to do what you do!”. And it is true that creating an elaborate beadwoven necklace or bracelet does take plenty of time, effort and stick-to-itiveness. That’s what makes a beaded ring so great - most of them can be done in a single sitting. The instant gratification of a quick project is almost more appealing than the beauty of a tiny charm to wear.

One artist who shares my enthusiasm for rings is Marcie of La Bella Joya. She usually has a handful of lovely finger jewels in her shop, made with a delightful variety of materials and techniques.

Esmeralda's Ring

Inspirational Beading: How did you first become interested in beadwork?

Marcie: I started doing beadwork about two years ago. It really started with a desire to make jewelry. I wanted to recreate a ring that I had purchased which had started to fall apart. It was a really simple ring, a wire base with big chunky gemstones wired to the top. The result was a really stunning bling ring. From there I started to work peyote, and after I bought Mastering Beadwork by Carol Huber Cypher, well....the rest is history!

Inspirational Beading: Where do you look for inspiration?

Marcie: I try to recreate shapes that I see in patterns. Clothing, fabric, wallpaper, scrapbook paper...all of these work as inspiration for me. Most of the time however, I just pick up some beads that I like that look good together and try to imagine how the beads would look best if woven together. That dictates what I decide to create with the beads.

Swirly Girl Ring

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite thing about making rings?

Marcie: They are quick to make! I can make a ring in about an hour and a half and the results are always stunning.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material?

Marcie: Seed beads! Though I really do have a thing for 4mm gemstone rounds in all colors and faceted Czech glass beads. They really add interest to whatever you are creating, without adding a lot of bulk. Also, they aren't as expensive as other components.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Marcie: Anyone who sees it! It's such a compliment to get an Etsy convo from someone who wants a tutorial of one of my pieces. That means that I'm inspiring new beaders. It's also cool when someone purchases something completed from me because it means they want to wear what I create. I hope that each piece I make is a tiny little piece of art that can be enjoyed by whoever sees it.

Aqua Bling Tidepool Ring

Marcie is a self-taught beader, and enjoys creating her own unique bead stitches. Her work has been published in Beadwork Magazine, and she also offers tutorials in her Etsy shop, La Bella Joya. Her shop name means “The Beautiful Jewel” in Spanish - a nod to her delight in speaking Spanish, and her inspirations from the vibrant colors and textures that are part of the Hispanic culture. You can see more of her designs on Facebook, and catch up with her latest inspirations on her blog, La Bella Joya.

My favorite La Bella Joya ring style is the Tidepool design. I love the way the focal section and band form one continuous piece of beadwork. This technique inspired today’s Ring a Day design, Shell Island.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and La Bella Joya