I created this piece for one of the Beadworkers Guild Display Boards. The theme for 2004 was “Sea Breezes” and I had a wonderful piece of ocean jasper which became the inspiration for this necklace. I decided to create an asymmetrical piece with one side of the necklace worked in a tubular peyote, using several sizes of beads, and the other consisting of two spiral ropes, one of which included some mother-of-pearl chips. I also added more mother-of-pearl to the beadwork encasing the stone. The colour palette was a variety of rich greens in different finishes, with some creamy pearl included to lift the piece. I was very happy with the result - the dreamy quality of the ocean jasper combined with the rich green and mother-of-pearl made me think of some faraway shore with the deep sea waters lapping along its edge and washing over sea plants and shells.

SWEET PEAS - The current theme for the 2005 Beadworkers Guild Display Boards was “Sweet Peas” and this is the piece that I contributed. The flowers are worked in increasing brick stitch and the netted tubular necklace has curly tendrils added along its length. The toggle fastener is hidden by the flowers and leaves at the front.

The theme for the Beadworkers’ Guild Display Boards during 2006 was “CITRIC” - I enjoyed making this piece, a mix of spirally twists, as I loved all the acid greens, lemons and limes that were popular at the time I was beading this necklace. The Citric display was very well received when it went on display around the country and was visually very stunning. It contributed to an increase in membership of the Beadworkers Guild.

The theme for the Display Boards in 2007 is “In the Pink”, so watch out for this when you are out and about at the fairs this year!