"Add A Bead" Necklaces - Polymer Clay Style!

Perfecting my cylinder beads has been an ongoing process for several months, but I think I can finally say I've done it.



I had a blast this past weekend, creating upwards of 70 new cylinder beads, grouped together according to a common theme they share or the fact that they are from the same digital collection.



My customers have been asking me to make more focal beads and smaller beads to compliment my pendants; and I got the idea several weeks ago to offer collections of cylinder beads and other shapes one at a time, or maybe two at a time, so that my customers could add a bead or two at a time to a collection, eventually having enough to make an entire necklace, the "add-a-bead" theory popularized by Pandora enthusiasts. Remember the 80s when you'd buy one, round gold or sterling silver or platinum bead at a time and add it to your basic bracelet or necklace? Same concept, but in clay. I think it could be a really terrific chance for people to collect my work who might not be able to swing a purchase of 6 cylinder beads at one time, plus it opens up a whole bunch of new ideas about mixing and matching themes and collections in one necklace.



I will be making round beads and rice beads and other shapes in complimentary colors and image transfers. Interest in the concept has grown since I mentioned it to a few of my local and internet customers, and I am very excited about the idea.



I wanted to show you a few of my favorites from the cylinder beads I made this past weekend. I promise I won't inundate you with all of them, but these are the ones that I would have a hard time selling or giving away. I may have to start collecting my own beads!