I’ve always loved earrings, long ones especially. I started making them after I moved to Greece as creative compensation for not having the wherewithal to continue my pottery where I was living at the time. Then, when I discovered some inspirational bead shops in Athens, I was hooked!
My beads are mostly purchased but friends and family have recently been passing on to me old necklaces and bracelets they no longer want or wear for recycling into earrings.
Choosing colours and shapes that work well together takes time, as does deciding on the bead material. As well as glass, resin and bone, I love to use semiprecious gemstones, such as agate, garnet or jet, and when the shape and/or colour is sufficiently appealing, I’ll use plastic. I have to bear in mind weight of course which is where plastic comes in useful. Sometimes a pair will go through several iterations before I’m happy. I only use hypoallergenic wire hooks.
