Friday, July 22, 2011

Bead Wish List: Insect Beads

Here we go again! Mother nature’s influence is always finding it’s way into beads, jewelry and crafts. Whether it’s flowers, rainbows, or scenes on the beach, the outside world is always coming into our studios. Today I want to look at one theme that gets mixed reviews.

Some people adore insects of all shapes, sizes and colors. They are very fascinating creatures, with unique life cycles and societies. Many insects form symbiotic bonds with other plants and animals, and they are an important part of every ecosystem. Other people abhor anything that crawls, flies or spins in dark corners. There are any number of reasons why we fear bugs and insects, including bites and other creepy business. Some insects carry diseases, and others just look disgusting.

Somewhere in between all of these opinions are the creative folks who can create the most amazing designs inspired by these tiny creatures. Beautiful bugs like butterflies make obvious subjects, but even the creepiest insects can make for beautiful beads.

Mother of Pearl Dragonfly Pendant from Artbeads.com

Russian Mother of Pearl Dragonfly Pendant
from Artbeads.com

Purple Dragonfly Enamel Pendant from Happy Mango Beads

Purple Dragonfly Enameled Copper Crescent Pendant
from Happy Mango Beads

Lampwork Ladybug Beads from MindieleeSupplyz

Red Lampwork Glass Ladybugs
from Mindielee Supplyz

Orange Glass Butterfly Pendant from AuntiesBeads.com

Murano Style Glass Butterfly Pendant
from Auntie's Beads

Crystal Silver Night Butterfly Bead from FusionBeads.com

Swarovski Elements Crystal Silver Night Butterfly
from FusionBeads.com

Brass Oxide Butterfly Bead from RoyalMetals

Tierra Cast Monarch Butterfly Bead
from Royal Metals

Green and Black Patina Glass Dragonfly Button from bello modo

Green Patina Czech Glass Dragonfly Button
from Bello Modo

Butterfly and Flower Clasp from Sonoran Beads

Brass and Copper Butterfly and Flower Clasp
from Sonoran Beads

Red and Gold Ladybug Beads from Beadaholique

Czech Glass Red and Gold Ladybugs
from Beadaholique

Patricia Healey Copper Fly from Lima Beads

Patricia Healey Copper Fly Pendant
from Lima Beads

And even though it’s not a stand alone bead,
I couldn’t resist showing you this life-like bug creation!

Handmade Maggot Necklace by HumphreysHandmade

Polymer Clay Maggot Pendant
by Humphrey’s Handmade


What’s your favorite tiny creature? How do you incorporate them into your work?

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8 comments:

  1. My favorites are the lampwork ladybugs...they are so cute...the Maggot..seriously?? Oh well, something for everyone I guess.
    Danielle

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just completed a chain maille set revolving around bees. I don't generally like stinging insects as a rule, but I do like honey! I also like spiders...the non-venomous kind. I have a big spider on my screen porch that spins a zig-zag web. I named her Charlotte :D

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm picky about the kind of bugs I like, too! We also let spiders set up shop - as long as it's an out of the way spot - because they're so handy for catching the unwanted bugs.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I guess my fav insect would be the butterfly (what a shock!). There are so many beautiful kinds! But, even though it's not an insect, the hummingbird is a tiny creature that fascinates and inspires me!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have to say, and i know this would probably seem odd to most people, i love that Maggot pendant!!
    More than any thing else it is different. Insect inspired jewellery does tend to revolve around the same types i.e. Butterflies, dragonflies, spiders, lady bugs, which are beautiful and i have to confess the butterfly is probably my favorite, but it is so great to see something a bit out there, i like that. Even though i like butterflies, i must say i have a bit of a fascination with ants too, their strength and discipline amazes me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The maggot is so realistic, it does seem a little gross at first. Then it's kind of cute! Maggots also get a lot of undeserved disgust. They are really useful creatures. I love how unique the pendant is!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love them all, but have to admit,like Lynsey, I'm drawn towards the maggot :) It's different and I have a healthy respect for the role that maggots play in the web of life. Plus I would love to wear the necklace and watch peoples' reactions when they realize what it is! LOL! I love using scarabs in my designs. Beautiful insects - fascinating natural history and beliefs.

    ReplyDelete

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