…ceramic beads made by Keith O’Connor. I purchased them a few weeks ago at the Beadin’ Path while passing through Freeport, Maine.
The size, the weight, the glaze and the surface texture all work so well together. I love the color. I wanted to create a metal clay bead that had some echo of this design without copying it, so I could combine silver and ceramic in a necklace. I was not sure what direction to take, but as I looked around my studio for inspiration, I found what I was looking for. A texture plate I had carved last year that could work quite well with the ceramic beads.
When I have not worked with precious metal clay for a while, I start back in by making beads. Sometimes the possibilities for designs still overwhelm me, and I can feel quite confused about what to start first.Today I was able to get right to work, making several shapes and sizes of carved line beads. It was quite a relief.
Barbara S Fernald Jewelry 
Hi Barbara,
I find myself returning to your blog over and over, so I think I’m going to finally subscribe!
I fell in love with Maine (in September 09) during my Appalachian Trail thru hike and I’m enthralled by those who make it their home.
And your jewelry and stories are beautiful.
Some day I’m going to own one of your pieces!
Cheers!
Carla
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Wow, thanks Carla. Congrats on your Appalachian Trail hike. I LOVE living in Maine. Especially on an island. I was lucky enough to come here every summer for my first 23 years, and it has been my year round home for the past 34 years. Someday my husband and I hope to visit New Orleans. I think you must live in a beautiful place too.
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Love the new beads Barb, and love reading from your new friends all over the place!
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me too!
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Hi Barb! Thanks for stopping in! I hope to say Hi next time – love what you’re doing with the PMC – amazing when you can match up a texture to another piece. Those bamboo-textured Keith O’Connor beads are some of my favorites as well! We’re having a Keith O’Connor trunk show very soon – hope you’re in the area. He’ll have so many more beads than we have of his normally in the shop. Excited to follow your blog! :-)
Heather
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