Seed Beads - "Seed (or rocaille) beads were originally made thousands of years ago by drilling naturally occurring seeds and pods for stringing. Today seed beads are very small, round (seed shaped) glass or plastic beads with many finishes that are used in jewelry, and to decorate handbags, shoes, and other decorative and home accessories." writes Giselezeitlerstudios.
The meaning of seed beads can be described so many different ways. When I think of seed beads I look back at the wonderful Indian Beaded Clothing, where each color has a meaning for the tribe.
Here in Prescott, Arizona we have many great bead artists. One stands out as an accomplished Seed Bead Artist and that is Stella Broughton. Stella created "A Fairy Tale", which is 5 X 6 and hangs from a gold fine chain. Stella used flat peyote stitch to create this Fairy Tale in beads. (pictured at the top)
"A Fairy Tale" is published in "Myths & Folktales: Selections from the 2nd International Miyuki Delica Challenge". This book was published by Caravan Beads, Inc. in Portland, Maine in 2000.
I met Stella Broughton in 1994 at a bead group in a wonderful bead store in Yuma, Arizona.
Linda Lane, owner of The Dragonfly Bead Store invited me to demonstration lampworking were I met many great bead artists. I got to this bead group through my sister Patricia Brockert who is also a beader.
During the Lampwork Bead Demonstration weekend I acquired one of Stella's pieces called, "Under the Apple Tree". This is 2 inches in diameter and also hangs from a gold chain. This adorns my neck often.
Here Stella Broughton uses Wire Work to create a beaded bangle. Stella slips into Arts Prescott now and then to purchased my lampwork beads for her creations. Here I see a couple of beads I created from Moretti Glass and also recycled Chardonnay Wine Bottle Glass.
Prescott, Arizona - First home and the beginning of the Bead Museum. Home to many great beaders. I like to show our bead wealth off as much as possible.
If you haven't visited Prescott...it is time!