Ropes of Glass is an evolving collection of intricately beaded necklaces. My one-of-a-kind art pieces are inspired by patterns in nature, and motifs of the American southwest. Using beads which are not much bigger than grains of sand, I create long, fluid necklaces, both sturdy and complex.
Each creation is made with fine Japanese-made seed beads known for their excellent uniformity of shape and wonderful color. They appear in my patterns much like glass mosaic. Many of my designs are made to morph in pattern, or gradate in color. Sometimes, a finished necklace will do both. The inner structure resembles a coiled spiral, or helix of fine thread, and is virtually invisible within a completed piece. The technique I use is not unlike that of 19th century lacemaking.
foundation
Each 44-inch necklace averages 6,700 beads.
Before the rope comes together, all of the tiny beads are strung on a single thread, one at a time. The stringing process for each necklace takes an average of twelve hours. This is where the sequence of the pattern gets established.
structure
A cylindrical network of stitches gives an unexpected degree of strength and durability to the delicate, and meticulous handwork of each beaded rope. Constructed of thousands of loops concealed within its interior, a full length necklace requires roughly 45 hours for completion of this stage.
