Soothing Spirals...

In my last post I spoke about using spirals as a decorative elements in my most recent work and how relaxing and it was to hand carve these. Spirals have many symbolic meanings including balance, progress, direction, initiation, centering, expansion, awareness, connection, journeying and development. http://www.whats-your-sign.com/spiral-meaning.html. 

Hand carved ceramic beads by Lesley Wat

They have long been a popular motif in jewellery and bead design often derived from natural representation like shells, horns, snakes or whirlpools. Today I've gathered together some fine examples to share with you today... enjoy!

Raku cat by Spinning Star Studio

Bead by Mitosis Glass

Spiral bead set by Joan Miller Porcelain

Bead caps by Cathy Daley

Spiral Fossil connector by Karen Totten

Bead by Natalie Pappas

Spiral Bead set by Sue Kennedy

Spiral spike pendant by Diana Ptaszynski

Bead by Holly's Folly

Ceramic pendant by Tina's Bead Mind

Barrette by Ildanach After Dark

Earrings by Lesley watt

Necklace by Tommy Singer

Bracelet by Hodgepodgerie

Bracelet by Lesley Watt

Holidays Are Coming....

Christmas day is five weeks today. Eek - five is that all... surely not?! Despite the fact that it happens at the same time every year and we know it's coming it always seems to catch some of us by surprise. Well if you're one of those and you still need some inspiration for some Christmas makes there are plenty of bead and ornament goodies around and here's a little round up of some of my favourites...

Whimsical bulb and bird bead set from Gaea...

Adorable lampwork Robin focals from Izzy Beads...

Pretty  Poinsettias from Humble Beads...

I just love these original and inspirational ornaments from Second Surf which would also make great keepsake tags for your special gifts...

Fabulously detailed frosty holly beads from Donna Millard

For a more rustic feel how about this pretty cut out snowflake from Suburban Girl Beads...

I just love the icy winter feel of these Polymer Clay Queen Anne's Lace pendants from Tree wings Studio - you can almost hear the ground crackle underfoot...

Some more lovely holly leaves from Serena Smith Lampwork...

What's not to love about this adorable little beaded owl ornament from Meredith Dada...

A gorgeously rich and opulent lamp work focal from Sue Beads...

And because you can never have too much snow at Christmas another ceramic option from Linda Landig Jewellery...

So have fun with your Christmas bead shopping and I hope you're more organised than I am!

Lesley
The Gossiping Goddess