Splash of Colour: Semi-precious

Now and again I use uncut rubies and sapphires in my beaded jewellery but most of the time I use semi-precious stones. It's the jewel colours that draw me in, particularly the spectrum from green through to violet. Stones from left to right: Tourmaline, fluorite, iolite, peacock pearls, amethyst. When they're facetted or teardrop-shaped the excitement is even greater. Sometimes I just get them out and look at them. I have a gleeful pirate moment which can help during a dreary January day.

For the last couple of years I've been making more and more pieces using silver clay but before I had children semi-precious beaded jewellery was very fashionable and at one point I had small collections in three or four galleries around East Anglia. Tiny garlands made of gemstones are still popular but I make less of this kind of work.

I miss the beading process though. It's repetitive but incredibly satisfying. Gems are added one by one to the chain. There's a tutorial here. It's like a favourite recipe or knitting pattern - familiar, therapeutic and when it's finished the feeling can be better than chocolate.

I'm going to use the stones in these pictures to make a something this week. I have the time to do it, which is a real treat. I'll keep you posted.

It would be lovely if you join in with Splash of Colour this week - I think we could all do with a post-Christmas boost. The flickr pool is here. Drop me a line and let me know if you're not on Flickr but would like me to include an image and link in the end of week mosaics.

If you're joining in then add your blog to this list and link back here so everyone can come and see your colourful images.