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Beads vs. Cabochons: An Odd Discrimination

4/6/2015

12 Comments

 
As a writer of tutorials, I'm often asked why I have so few lessons with a focus on setting cabochons. I admit my bias towards the use of beads in wire work. Not because they are "easier to wrap", a common misconception by which I'm always confounded, but because they are beautiful, artful, readily available, sometimes with a price that mirrors their artistic qualities and sometimes the only affordable option. Because they were my "gateway drug" to wire wrapping, when I was a very poor single mother, who had followed her heart across the country, with no practical skills besides an ability to type 90 words per minute and two children in tow. When I hadn't the money for much, I had an abundant supply of beads gifted me by others. And I made something pretty with them. However small a thing that is, in the greater scheme of things, when bills needed to be paid and children reared and family tended, at the end of the day, I could make something pretty. Make someone smile. Let lose my mind from things that were so full of stress, and just be creative. Beads were my sanity and escape and, ultimately, my passion.

A recent conversation regarding the prevalence of beads in wire work surprised me, yes, but also offended me by the very notion at its center that beads are somehow "less" than cabochons, less deserving of appreciation or respect. What an odd discrimination! I have spent a great portion of my creative life with a mission to make something beautiful with what life provides me. In fact, I dare say it's more challenging than when there is a spread of faceted stones and bright labradorites and the sharp herkimer diamonds all beckoning for as little decoration as possible for fear of masking their beauty.  But to take an unassuming bead, a small freshwater pearl, a dime-a-dozen dyed agate, and create something mesmerizing to me in its intricacies.... what more do I need?

I have a handful of tools and a drawer of beads and stones, which seems so little by some standards. And if there were even less, I would still have such abundant means for creating. So instead of wondering, of beads or cabochons, which is worth more, which is more deserving, ask yourself what possibilities and wonders you can discover, which others chose to ignore. You might surprise yourself.
12 Comments
Susanna Bencomo
4/6/2015 06:05:01 am

I read all your blogs and with each one I learn a little bit more about your strength and courage. I also was a poor single mother when I met my current husband. We just celebrated our 27th year of marriage and I can say he's been, aside from my kids, the best part of my life. I know you also found a good man and that makes me very happy. You deserve a great deal of happiness and goodness in your life. I wish you more of each in your lifetime. Your generosity, talent and absolute joy in everything that surrounds you is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Susanna

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Nicole Hanna link
4/6/2015 07:50:15 am

Thank you for your sweet comment. I definitely have my husband to thank for many things, and one of those is my love of beads! He finds my indulgence in them these days quite charming (so he says) :D

And happy 27th to you and your husband! We'll be coming up on our 11th this May. Every day I tell him "Well, I don't want to kill you yet, so we must be doing something right" lol

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Donna Gordon link
4/6/2015 07:58:26 am

I love both beads, cabs and polished stones, and wrap/weave all three. Wrapping and weaving so that the beauty of the bead, cab or stone is the important thing for me.

Reply
Nicole Hanna link
4/6/2015 07:02:17 pm

I like to wrap all kinds of things. But definitely gemstones are just there to accent the wrap. The wire is usually the focus. Unless I'm wrapping an artisan bead, like a lampwork or dichroic piece, then I want them both equally displayed. I never wrap a stone with the intention of the stone being the focus though. Heck, sometimes I prefer just metal and wire. No stones at all. Those are super fun too. Oh who am I kidding... I like wrapping, no matter what I'm wrapping. lol.

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Angie link
4/8/2015 12:28:42 am

I guess I will break my silence for this comment, as I ve been watching you as my competition, from afar. I was compelled to comment as I learned alot about you that I didn't know, such as some of your struggles, triumphs and your genuine love for the craft. I love working with beads myself but I have recently started branching out to make my own prong settings to hold loose gems and cabochons. I get requests for transparent stones and I found that the hole drilled through the bead can damage its beauty. BTW, keep up the good work!

Reply
Pam Kriner
4/10/2015 03:40:09 am

It was my 'handful of tools and drawerful of beads', plus some craft wire, a woven-wire tiger eye (bead) pendant purchased from PerfectlyTwisted, and your tutorials that have propelled and sustained me these past few months. Our winters in No. Calif. are long and cold. When friends discovered I was learning to weave the wire, they requested pieces, such as "man jewelry", which all seem to involve setting stones, crystals, cabs, rocks, etc.

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Linda Taylor-Ricci link
4/19/2015 11:37:37 pm

Well said. I used to say it was cheaper than a shrink (who was I kidding). I also found myself in the same circumstances and have found my true soulmate in my second husband of 10 years. Your talent is true and you gift us with it all the time. You inspire me in more ways than just your beautiful weaving. You truly are a sharing and giving person. thank you!

Reply
Maddi
5/5/2015 02:33:02 am

hi Nicole I love the new website so much easier to navigate than the last one. Love reading about your journey, your struggles and your passion for the Arts. Not just wire wrapping but your peotry and drawing. You are such a devoted and inspiring person.
When I found the love of wire (which was just before a major upheaval in my life, I had to down size my home) I was hooked, love the way it transforms a small gem into something wonderful. Your tutorials are so easy to understand and follow and the finished product wether big or small is breathtaking.
Please never stop, you're a wonderful soul, kind, giving and inspiring to many people all over the world. I always feel like a child the first Tuesday of every month and go hunting for the newest tutorial so I can go and make it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much love Maddi xx

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Carolina Navarrete Thollander link
7/11/2015 08:59:42 am

Hi Nicole! I got to your page because I was just added to a FB group in which some people recommended me your work. I want to learn wire wrapping. I was quite entertained, just looking for your free tutorial, when I saw this article and started reading. I want to tell you that I feel very touched by your words and the modesty with which you express your pains and gains. Surely a person/artist like you will be a powerful source of inspiration, I can't wait to have time and be able to follow all your blog's entrances. Thank you for sharing your experience this way <3 I can perfectly see why so many people admire you :)

Reply
Kris
7/11/2015 10:29:15 am

Hi,

I'm relatively new to wire wrapping having mainly done beading before. I can't help but admire the beads that you use, especially the large glass ones (I'm also in awe of your talent with wires, it is truly spectacular work you do).

I am only left wondering where you find such beads, because I've never seen them in 'real life', am I frequenting the wrong stores, can they be bought online?

I would be grateful for any tips you may have in where to go. I live in the UK but will soon be visiting New York if that makes a difference.

Thanks,
Kris

Reply
Nicole Hanna
7/12/2015 03:11:34 am

Hi Kris!

I've honestly never had much luck finding really unique focals in local stores so I buy ask of those online, usually from Facebook groups like Lampwork Bead Market. Or on Etsy. I'd say those are probably my two most frequented places when buying beads.

Reply
Kris
7/12/2015 04:23:31 am

Thank you! I'll try that!

Kris


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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
    • Video Tutorials
    • Tutorial Membership 2022
  • Shop
    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
    • GODDESS COLLECTION
    • PDF Tutorials >
      • Beginner Wire Weaving
      • Intermediate Weaving
      • PDFs for Cabochons
      • Advanced Weaving