At one time I was such a jewelry snob. Years ago I turned up my nose at the menial tiny glass "Seed" bead. Then I discovered an instructional book by Arlene Baker titled "Beads in Bloom" and have been blooming continuously since that blessed event. Now I enjoy designing three dimensional glass mosaics in floral style. This style of handwork dates back at least to the 1800's and I am doing my part to keep it alive with new designs of my own. I collect rare old books(there are very few) on the subject and have an historical reference library to support my ongoing efforts to express myself through this medium! I have also been able to transfer this style of work into gemstones and pearls with excellent results! Because I am submitting a collage photo, dimensions are on average. Most are large corsage style pieces. The large ballroom necklace and earrings set, in a monochromatic of aquas, measures three inches wide in floral composition and took three months to produce. The designs span a small selection from a much larger body of work produced over the past 4 years. The composition in beading styles crosses over often, as I find the texture and dimensional effect of different styles of beading compliment one another so beautifully. Regarding the Pear Fruit Brooch picture, I hand torched some glass pears to combine with beaded pear leaves and blossoms to fulfill a commissioned work.
All designs are spontaneously and extemporaneously created. There is no pattern involved and each comes to me as an inspired piece of work. I did publish one pattern from the triple orchid brooch, and I have since wished that I hadn't. Weeks and months go into these works.