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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

More Precious Than Gold

Think, for a moment, about how many beads, stones, and findings there are out there. Go ahead, I can wait...







...








OK, since this could take a spell, let's just summarize by saying that there are a TON of beads, stones, and findings out there. If you've ever been to any kind of bead show, you'll know what I mean. Now take those hundreds of tables filled with strands and baskets and multiply that by hundreds of thousands. Similarly, one of the beauties of the internet is that each of us in our own little corners of the world can shop for beads and stones from all over the globe. Our taste for supplies is limited only by the girth of our wallet.

All this to say: it can get overwhelming. So many good beads, cool beads, rare beads, stimulating exciting never-before-been-seen beads - how to focus?!

I experienced this shellshocked feeling the first time I went to the Tucson Gem & Mineral show with my dear friend Kimberly Rogers of NuminosityBeads fame. The sheer quantity of product, the teeming masses of people, the sky-high tents, the dollars changing hands hot and fast. Mercy.

That was two years ago. This year I didn't get quite so overwhelmed. I was a highly attuned hunter, knowing the type of thing I wanted and drilling down on it. I purchased with abandon, letting my creative "what if" juices flow. I walked up to booths and already had finished pieces designed in my head before even paying the vendor. 

The very best example of this involves a treasure trove of petrified wood slabs that I found. They were matched pairs, about 1" across, had a polished face yet a natural grained edge, and came in all the earth-toned colors of the rainbow: rust, salmon, fawn, cocoa, sable, charcoal, dove, ivory, and cream. I saw them and immediately melted. The crunchy semi-feral wicked earth goddess in me envisioned an edgy metalworked bracelet featuring a handful of these slabs. I knew in my head that it would be a lot of work. But if executed right, it would be worth it. So I bought 15 or so pairs.

Flash forward about four months and the idea had finally marinated enough - it was time for fruition. I sat down a couple weeks ago and created a whole line of petrified wood pieces, all set in gnarly sterling silver pronged open-back bezels. That includes this pair of earrings. Deceptively simple, humble, yet soulful. These slices use to be alive - think about that! I've been smitten and fighting the urge to jealously hoard the rest of them to myself.

So, all of this extended rambling to say, every now and then while swimming through the vast sea of components out there, you will find a special something that speaks volumes. It may only speak to you; it may speak to many. But when you find those special somethings, they can be more precious than gold. 

Happy Wednesday!
Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy

8 comments:

  1. These are wonderful! The gnarly setting is a perfect pairing for your treasure. I wonder if these slabs are part of a limb cast...what a fascinating find.

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    1. Thank you! :) Yes, these are limb cast - imagine the different types of wood and locations necessary to create such a variety in colors!

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    2. Your bracelet is awesome, too...I love the variety of colors in the stones. I never found any limb casts this small before. Love these creations!

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  2. Whoa. Those are drop dead gorgeous, you "crunchy semi-feral wicked earth goddess," you! (That made me smile big!) I love the way you think. I would love to go to Tucson some day. But I know that I would be shellshocked... it would be good to go with a seasoned vet like yourself! Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your creative mind! Enjoy the day. Erin

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    1. I figure I better not sugarcoat the truth - I'm a little heathen! Tucson is definitely something that would be best experienced with a knowledgeable buddy. I wonder if they offer tours given by experienced shoppers? Now there's a business idea...!

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  3. I really want to go to Tucson! I really want these earrings! Splendid things as per.

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  4. Stunning earrings! I so wish there were a Tucson-like place in France!

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  5. I love those Petrified Wood Slabs, absolutely delicious and the earrings are perfection! I've always wanted to go to Tucson or any other big show like that but so far I haven't made it. Something to look forward to!

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