Nicole Hanna Jewelry
  • 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

Why I Prefer Beads to Cabochons When I Wire Wrap

3/8/2017

10 Comments

 
Twelve years ago, when I began my journey with jewelry making, when I was a young stay-at-home mother of two, who had moved to a new state with my new husband and struggled to make my way, I was, to be frank, quite alone with my thoughts and stress.

Now, don't worry. I wont let this get too weepy, I promise. This isn't a sob story but one, instead, of hope and the power of the creative spirit.
Picture
Back then, we were a single-income household and I was desperate for a time-sucking, mind-numbing hobby that could distract me from the pile of bills and empty cupboard. It was real life. It was struggle. There are many who will, unfortunately, understand that reality. So, in my desperation.... and it was desperation... to put my mind on things of comfort and ease and simplicity, I discovered jewelry making. Initially, I was so wrapped up (no pun intended) in what I was seeing others do while I researched techniques and styles and aesthetics of the current trends, that I failed to see how I could affordably translate those styles and trends to jewelry. But let's be real. I didn't need a $50 larimar cabochon and 14k gold wire. I didn't need torches or tumblers or dapping sets (I'm still not quite sure how to use those things). I just needed a $2 strand of freshwater pearls from Michael's Arts & Crafts, and a pile of recycled electrical wire. And, ahem, the pliers I'd confiscated from my husband's tool box.

So yeah. Beads.

Glorious beautiful beads. The local craft store was awash with them. And they were pretty and sparkled and, despite a relatively low price tag, allowed me ample opportunity to test the waters of this new creative endeavor.... and, along the way, offer my anxiety a little reprieve. $2 bought me 16 beads. 16 awesome opportunities to create. And yes, even $2was sometimes a stretch for our budget, so I learned to allow the wire (mostly free and fairly prevalent) to represent my vision and used the beads to accent that vision.

And to this day, I am an advocate for the use of beads in wire and metal work. I was recently offered a spread in an un-named prolific magazine on the condition the work submitted utilized no beads. "Beads", they said "are not representative of the quality of our aesthetic".

Well, okay then.

Needless to say, I declined their offer. Because I love beads. Beads were my gateway drug. They were the snowball before the avalanche. They were the tiny balls of beauty in a life that once couldn't afford much else.

So to those who say beads are not for "artists", I say who are you to define for me what art is? Art is a salve for the soul. And for every strand of beads, I had a palm full of remedies.

Use your beads, my friends. Go and create.

Happy weaving!
Nicole
10 Comments
deb link
3/8/2017 09:38:52 pm

Thank you!!!! I started out with beads and still designs with them, I have yet to get into my "comfort zone" with the cab's Granted there are some amazing ones out there I would love to work with. I still have so much yet to do with beads...

Reply
Leann
3/9/2017 12:20:10 pm

Thank you for this. Especially the paragraph about defining art. I was just informed by another artist yesterday that I'm not doing it the "right" way because of the type of copper wire I use. I was under the impression that I get to choose what's "right" for me and my creations. Thank you for all you do and share with us.

Reply
wendy
3/12/2017 11:41:40 am

YES!!!! (I've gotten into this discussion before) That is my point with the wire I use. It's my art. As long as it doesn't hurt anyone and I tell them exactly what type of wire it is than that's all that matters.

Reply
Lois Demers
3/9/2017 01:07:00 pm

Hi, I love going into my local bead store! I tell my husband who sits out in the car "I'll just be 5 minutes, I only need one thing". Ahem. I see the beads as the frosting on the cake. Thank you for all your sharing. You are so generous with your knowledge!

Reply
Angelina
3/10/2017 10:57:56 am

Beads, cabochons, beach glass... if I like the way something looks and feels I really don't mind the shape or how many holes it has drilled through it. And if the same stone is more affordable in the bead form rather than cabochon, then I'm even happier ;)

Reply
Elizabeth Johnson
3/12/2017 01:46:47 pm

I remember well a comment on one of your posts a few years ago where someone attempted to shame you for using beads. Your last few sentences in this blog post are a good echo of your reply to that person. I applauded you then, and do so now. I admire everything you do. Thanks so much for sharing your voice. And talent.

Reply
Linda Sinish link
3/12/2017 07:33:00 pm

I too, am a lover of beads. I don't understand the use and expense of a cabochon. AlthoI have dabled with cabochons, a bead the same size and quality is a fraction of the cost and is beautiful. Also, its so much fun to be able to incorporate several beads into a single piece.

Reply
Marina link
4/4/2017 05:38:14 am

Have I ever told you you are my Mith? 👍

Reply
rachel
6/1/2017 07:34:03 pm

beads,cabs,just wire..weird stones and branches,silver,copper?

yup,whatever catches my eye to wrap and make with Im going to use.

thank you for writing this and putting to words what I think so much better then me.

I use what I like and what catches my eye.that's the joy in what i do/make.the endless ideas and things to make is mind blowing so again I will use whatever catches my eye and forget the haters.

Reply
debra bernier link
5/4/2021 10:03:47 am

I am going to continue to work hard on the tuts I purchased until they are as flawless as yours.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Enjoy my content?

    Categories

    All
    Articles
    Blog
    Contests
    Giveaways
    Reviews
    Tutorials

    Archives

    February 2023
    April 2022
    January 2022
    July 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015


    Follow Me!


    Search My Site!


    Feed your creative spirit! Shop now!

    Picture

Check out my private Facebook group for live chats, giveaways and more! CLICK HERE!
FAQ
Contact
​
Gift Cards
NEWSLETTER
Jewelry Care
Privacy Policy
Permissions & Copyright
​Returns & Exchanges
​Shipping Policy
  • 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