Necklaces.
African bead sellers often thread their beads on dried grass strands which may contain fewer than 30 beads and as no two strands of beads are identical, I am only ever able to make a handful of similar pieces. Many of my pieces are one-offs. As each bead-hunting trip produces totally different sets of beads, so each season's designs are totally new too!
My necklace designs evolve through a process of really studying the beads and endlessly exploring potential combinations. Sometimes there will be one signature bead at the centre, with the rest really complementing that one. Other times there are patterns repeated around the piece.
Often the beads will be arranged symmetrically from the centre, but it is also interesting to offset the focus point to the side. Necklaces are made in a range of lengths starting at 41cm, which for most wearers will sit around the base of the neck, resting near the collar bone.
The longest designs can be twisted and looped to make a double string. These longer ones are continuously strung and do not have clasps. Approximate necklace lengths including fastenings are given for guidance. Please email if you need a different length, I am happy to make one for you if I have enough of the right beads in stock.
