I’ve made enough bench beads now that I can make them quickly, efficiently, cleanly and rhythmically. Each BEAD HALF is sketched, punched, drilled, formed three or four times/sizes with my dap set, sanded, sweat soldered and then soldered to another half to make a complete bead. Then I begin finishing work which requires more sanding, maybe some filing, grinding, satin finishing, oxidizing, more satin finishing by hand and then everything gets strung together, a clasp is made, finishing touches are applied and I have a completed necklace (if I don’t add a pendant to the beads).
What I like most about undertaking a big project like a bench bead necklace is descending into a quiet mind as my hands go through the motions of making bead after bead. If I work in silence, my studio becomes a glowing cathedral, each action becomes a simple offering to God.
Perhaps that’s the most important experience we miss out on when we don’t work with our hands or practice a craft — the fading away of earthly things, the quiet mind, the easy courage that branches up out of a steady heart.
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This benchbead necklace features 60 handmade beads and an ornate clasp with my chunky sterling silver hearts and a couple cuts of supremely lovely old stock Ithaca turquoise (part of an old lapidary guy's collection) in an incredible shade of clear blue. This is a beautiful piece, sturdy and burly -- these beads are strung on chain so they'll have a lifetime or two to live before they need to be restrung.
The entire piece has been oxidized and satin finished by hand.
A true labor of love and a deep nod to Western tradition.
Want to keep it looking amazing? Wear the hell out of it...rather, wear YOUR LIFE into it, press into the hollow chamber of each bead your joy and sorrows and life experiences and let this piece be a container of the memories of the life you are living. And then hand it down to your daughter, niece or granddaughter or daughter-in-law when you are ready to part with it. Claim this piece and create a heirloom for your family to wear for generations.
Length: About 28 inches with a super burly handmade clasp.
+BUILT TO LAST+
+MADE WITH LOVE+
+OF THE WEST+