Posted by Linda Landig
Are you a jewelry designer on the lookout for really unique beads and pendants? If so, there are many wonderful art bead resources available on IndieMade. Art Beads can be defined as "A bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist. "
Art beads are not made in a factory. They are handmade individually or in small batches. Art beads can be handmade of glass, textiles, ceramic, polymer clay, metals etc. The key points are that they result from the creative ideas and the hands of the artist who is offering them.
Each of the artists highlighted below are well worth a visit. You'll find yourself excited and inspired to create fabulous jewelry designs with their tiny works of art!
Staci Louise Originals
I first met Staci about 5 years ago at Bead Fest in Philadelphia. She and I bonded instantly over bead shopping! We went from vendor to vendor squealing, "OMG look at this...and that and this one...!!!
Staci works magic in polymer clay, with ventures into PMC and metalsmithing. She also designs stunning jewelry with her artisan components. She has won many awards and is always pushing the boundaries of what can be done with polymer clay.
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| Sugar Skulls | Rustic Gold Rush Long Heart |
Glass Addictions by Jennifer Cameron
Jen Cameron is the talented lampwork artist behind Glass Addictions. And believe me her handmade components are definitely addictive - I have a small hoard of them! Jen is also the head of the Art Jewelry Elements blog - always an inspiring read.
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| Juicy Orange Lampwork Murrini Headpins |
Humble Beads by Heather Powers
Heather is an accomplished polymer clay artist, author, illustrator and teacher. She is also heads up the Art Bead Scene, one of my favorite blogs and is the mastermind behind Bead Cruise. Heather has a wonderful sense of color. A look at these birdies, will confirm this.
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| Gilded Bird Beads by Humble Beads | Starfish Charms by Humble Beads |
Kristi Bowman Designs
Kristi lives about 2 hours north of me and we get together a few times a year and have play dates in her studio. She is the head honcho at the Earrings Everyday Blog. Kristi does amazing work in Copper Metal Clay. She has recently been making wonderful hollow, copper metal clay beads and pendants. I love this carved donut!
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| Hollow Donut, Carved Copper Bead | Copper Sliders |
Tesori Trovati
Erin Prais-Hintz is the creative force behind Tesori Trovati, which means "Treasures Found" in Italian. Erin designs distinctive polymer clay beads and pendants. She paints, stars in jewelry DVDs, TV shows and more. She often includes words on her pendants and charms. The pendants pictured below are perfect for spring.
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| Hope Within Pendant | Wild Flower Pendants |
Linda Landig Jewelry
I have been designing jewelry for over 30 years and started making ceramic pendants and beads about 2 years ago. I've written for Art Jewelry Elements and currently blog as part of the Earrings Everyday team. I enjoy floral arranging and my jewelry components are often inspired by flowers and nature.
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| Blue Daisy Cabochon | Oak Leaf and Acorn Pendant |
The variety and beauty of art beads available in IndieMade shops is so inspiring. A new art bead is the best way I know of, to get your muse filling your head with new design ideas. I hope you will visit these artists' shops. Do you know of other IndieMade art bead makers? If so, please add their names (and a link if possible) in the comments below.
