Abstracts are one of the earlier types of beads I developed: they start with a base of thompson enamels in the 9000 (104 COE compatible) series, then have frit—originally artist made, for the most part—with metal leaf added last onto a hollow bead. Some of them have an internal construction that allows the bead to ‘chime’ under certain circumstances, when struck.

9-7/8" overall (not including keyring); abstract focal about 14mm turquoise, pearl, vintage and other glass, sterling silver link by my friend Page; photographed 30oct19 Click on the images for a sharper version.

The focal for this bead is of this design and is probably a decade old. I still love abstracts, but mostly use the technique as an underlayer for other approaches—say florals.

Here's an earlier shot from 07aug2018. Styling's definitely more graceful on this one.

At one time, Page and I had a line of jewelry that typically featured one of five colourways, and this sky blue bead is one of them; it was probably originally made for that purpose, given its size.

One of a series of dead mice that went to Japan in late 2019.

Unless otherwise noted, text, image and objects depicted therein copyright 1996--present sylvus tarn.