Check out The Bead Museum in Glendale Arizona for Debra Jones' Gourd Shards. Debra takes shards and creates mini paintings for you to add to your bead work.
"Debra Jones was an Ivory Scrimshaw artist years ago. The ban on ivory put her out of the market, but she was glad no more elephant poaching would be allowed. Years later she discovered the amazing texture and history of the GOURD. A truly earth-friendly canvas for her miniature art works. She began with wild beasts but will do special orders and maritime works." (Label)
The seed bead necklace was a collaboration of Pam Smith and Glenda Campbell. Both Pam and Glenda attend the beading group at The Bead Museum. This group meets Thursday night and Sunday at the Museum and enjoys the sharing of ideas about beads and things.
The Bead Museum
Here is how the shards look when you purchase them. I saw them in a basket near the check out at the Museum the last time I was in Glendale.
"These are mad from chips and odd pieces of natural gourd. They are cleaned and sanitized but not formed by any power tools. Each painting is done completely by hand. A protective surface is applied to each piece. These are durable but delicate. They should not be immersed in water but carded for gently, wiping with a wet cloth. Pieces can be re-cut and drilled by owners for custom bead work centerpieces. www.geocities.com/djstarwares