Asymmetrical Electroplated Devil's Head Pods - Say That 10X Fast!

One of the most exciting things I discovered (and scored) at Bead & Button a couple of weeks ago, are these electroformed pods made by Hank Russ.  Can I get an oooh- ahhhh, beady peeps!?! 😼

Hank always wanted to work creatively with his wife, Lisa Peters of Lisa Peters ART, but was uninspired until he started electroforming. Hank loves to work with metal and this is a wonderful new facet to the business! Lisa makes some of the most beautiful ceramic beads, cabs, and buttons I've ever come across.  I've been working with and collecting her beads for a long time now and I am so excited about this new collaboration!

The pods, also known as “Devil’s Heads” are the fruit of Trapa natans, a plant commonly known as a Water Chestnuts. 

Although substantial in appearance, they are incredibly lightweight and perfect for earrings!  I was shocked when they were placed in my hand!  Jewelry must feel comfortable, especially on the ear and these are! 

Keeping with the rich, dark mood they possess, I paired them with some beautifully textured vintage glass pearls, twisted glass with added copper sparkle and some glittery accent beads from my stash that were gifted to me.  I felt these really enhanced the copper.

Hank sold out at Bead & Button but I was told he can take custom orders with a 2 week lead time. I've attached a link below:

 lisapetersART.dotcom


Hank and Lisa collecting seed pods on their hikes along the Palisades.  

                                                 Oh, and  Pussy Willows, too!! Yasss!

I had a blast at Bead & Button and already looking forward to next year!  There is nothing like meeting the bead makers personally and hearing the backstories - it makes the beads all the more special!

Thank you, as always, for stopping in and having a peek at what's going on on my worktable!

Until next time!

Loralee xo

www.loraleekolton.etsy.com  

Gone To Seed

Happy November, my seedy-beady friends!  Loralee here, today I'm sharing  sculptural botanical beads by Melissa Gabelle of The Clay Hen!  

I love the rough texture of the petals and the bold lines.  I wanted to carry those lines back to the top so, I added some fabric beads by Sagahus with blackened steel wire and that same yellow-green.  I originally was going to wire-wrap the petal to the fabric connector, but thought the tip was too delicate.  Instead, I tried an oversized hammered jumpring and added some larger seedbeads.  It turned out much better this way!  It protected the charm, added more variety of color, and the suggestion of seeds that I was envisioning all along.

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Such a beautiful rich brown color with that beautiful pop of yellow - it's a favorite of mine.  To me, they are Georgia O'Keeffe-esk, but at the same time, with the use of the heavier gauge wire, look somewhat urban/industrial.  

For the seeds I used, Czech glass, teardrop Picasso beads. They are matte with soft painterly spots of yellow...I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I discovered them in my stash!  Don't you love when things fall together like that...just meant to be!  

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I paired these open pods with some wispier fabric wrapped beads, again, by Sagahus.  The feathery fabric pieces match the gentle brush strokes of paint used on the pods. I have a tendency to oxidize most things but these are amazing in bright copper.  Eventually they may have a more subtle natural patina.   At a recent beading retreat I was gifted some fine (26g, I believe) braided copper wire.  It made the most beautiful wrapping.  *Psst...thank you, Lin Standke xo

November is always bittersweet for me, as I say goodbye to my favorite season.   However, I've started pulling some wintry things out now....it's time.

Many thanks for joining me today, it's wonderful to hear feedback especially when you work alone in a studio for so many hours...lol . Until next time!

Loralee xo

Loralee Kolton Jewerly