Beads and Bezels and Chains – Oh My!

As I delve more and more into the business side of art I have studied what I buy, what I look at online, what details I am drawn to and so forth and as I hone in on what I like I have taken classes and asked some of the amazing, talented women I know for direction on how to add that special touch.

One of the things I love about figurative sculpture, which I’ve stated often, is that I can use so many different mediums and techniques on a single piece. Lately, as I gear up for the arts and crafts fair season, I have really started focusing on those tiny details, the ones that you don’t think about but that really make a difference.

For instance, now that I know how, I have to add beads to my figures costumes. These tiny little embellishments make such an impact. They can be subtle, adding a finishing touch to a hem like I used on Indigo

Indigo

Or they can be bold by forming a focal point or major design detail. Beads can be used for jewelry, head pieces, trim and even used to form props. Doll makers often use jewelry findings for details. I’ve seen tiny pocket watches made from a loop necklace clasp; in fact I made one myself for my Hatter in Zombieland figure.

Hatter

Beads are so versatile. I use them for eyes, embellishments, focal points and even for crowns as shown here on my almost finished – just need wings – birdcage fairy:

Birdcage Fairy

As anyone who creates knows you can never have enough bits to play with. About a year ago our area got its first large scale bead shop which was so cool! The people are fantastic, the selection is great and the prices are much better that when I had to fly to Las Vegas to visit a similar store :0) but they don’t have everything I need so I do shop online. The bummer of that is I have to wait for my stuff and I really don’t like waiting.

However, one of the coolest places I’ve found online for beads and findings is Auntie’s Beads. Their selection is unbelievable and their prices are about as close to wholesale as you can get without having a business license. I was so excited with the quality of their merchandise and the super fast shipping that now I don’t worry quite so much about waiting.

Soon I’ll be showing you what I’ve done with my latest Hatter. He is almost done. Here is a sneak peek of his in-progress hat:

Hatter

Soon he will have a jacket, shirt, cravat, pants and so much more! I can't wait to finish him. Once he is complete I’ll show you the details I’ve added that I think make him super special!