What is it about the crafty crowd that causes us to amass huge stashes of supplies that we have no intention of ever using, because they’re too precious, too rare, too beautiful? It’s not just beaders. Scrapbookers have their most prized papers, tucked away for that momentous project that may never come. Quilters, doll makers and clothing designers do it, too.
I think two of the most hard-to-part-with items for a beader are art beads, and vintage beads. Hoarding an art bead is certainly understandable. They’re so beautiful and unique - once we’ve committed to a piece to use it in, it will never have another chance to become something else. The same is true for vintage beads. Even if someone were to recreate something very, very similar, it wouldn’t have the special quality of a long-lost treasure. Once a set of vintage beads is all gone, that’s it.
I’ve been keeping a single strand of vintage Czech bicones tucked away in my stash for months. They’re so very pretty, and always calling out to be used. But I made the mistake of only buying one strand. I would hate for something so wonderful to get lost in a huge project. So they’ve been sitting quietly amongst the pressed leaves and druks, waiting for the right inspiration.
Ring # 13 - Partly Cloudy
I came across them again while looking over my stash for ring ideas, and it occurred to me that a ring would make an excellent display for rare beads. There would be nothing to overshadow them! I used the 5 rose technique to make a little pentagon of vintage bicones, and added a simple ladder band. I only ended up using half of the strand, so I still have a few of these precious beads to squirrel away a little longer.
Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and The Sage's Cupboard
I can really relate here, I have many a special item just waiting to be to find its way into a creative project. Another stunning ring, and I cannot wait to see more....
ReplyDeleteYour creations are lovely and would be so hard to part with. As a bead and button hoarder I always feel so sane when I finally sell one of my little treasures and am able to send it on it's merry way to it's new home! Yes, there may be a tear or two to see it go, but I am always so excited to see where it is going to and I have to run to my computer and google the town or country where it will be spending it's new life.
ReplyDeleteOh, wouldn't it be neat if more people used appreciation photos and fan photos? I'd love to see how some of my early pieces are doing today!
ReplyDeleteYou know what my biggest worry is? That people will save them only for special occasions, and they'll spend way too much time in the jewelry box!