Beaded jewelry is one of our most ancient art forms. Millennia ago, necklaces and bracelets reflected ritual and magic--they celebrated the hunt, or were used as charms to imbue their wearers with the mystical qualities of wondrous natural objects. They told a tale of life--of mankind's needs, fears, and hopes. And, of course, they reflected mankind's innate eye for beauty. The lovely beaded jewelry of Native Americans continues this tradition. But as civilization progressed, beadwork became more decorative. Precious metals and jewels replaced found objects. While beautiful in their own right, necklaces and bracelets began to reflect monetary worth at the sacrifice of their ancient roots.
      The beads I use for my jewelry allow me to explore endless fantasies with unlimited combinations of colors, patterns, shapes, and textures-- just like nature itself. Beadwork is self-discovery. As you will see from the Galleries on this website, my work sometimes draws on my own heritage--a return to the lovely designs passed down from mother to daughter in my European family. Other pieces are purely abstract--an expression from my heart and mind of the things I see around me.

            But no matter the genre of my work, I always adhere to the original tradition of beadwork. Necklaces and bracelets are never made from objects strung on a thread merely for their decorative value. I always attempt to tell a story of life.
            In addition to making my own beadwork jewelry, I teach others how to express their own visions with beads. I have Workshops for Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced students. You can find examples of my Workshops on this website.
            If you have never made beaded jewelry before, your first project will often involve the use of delicate golden fish.
            If you have already tried your hand at beaded jewelry, something in the Galleries of my own work or in the Galleries of work by my students may inspire you to attend a Workshop to explore new and interesting avenues of artistic expression.
            With Advanced students, I stress creativity through individual style, character and mood. Creativity is sometimes allusive, but it is always a profound experience when your design and the materials you use mesh perfectly.
           

February 1 - 12, 2008. Tucson EXPO Center
My classes schedules and descriptions are here.

          
            What is new? Fresh bead-works.
            INSTRUCTIONS.
            What my visitors write about me.
           
            Thank you for visiting.
            See you soon,
            Lana May