My aim is to provide quality handcrafted beaded jewellery pieces that exude elegance and individuality. My designs are a reflection of creativity, passion, and attention to detail by using a variety of beads, crystals and other materials.  Visit the The Beading and What is Beaded Jewellery pages to find out more about the types of materials that I use.  

The jewellery is created in what is called stitches because the designs are in effect “stitched” together with thread.  There are many types of stitch including the popular peyote, Russian and flat spiral stitches.  That’s what I like about beadwork – it’s so flexible.  Different techniques can be blended together to make a fascinating piece of jewellery. 

I also studied for two years to learn about working with precious metals such as gold and silver and how to design and make pieces in both these mediums. I sometimes incorporate a blend of these materials into the beaded jewellery giving it dimension and uniqueness.

Some of my inspiration comes from Ancient Egypt as I’ve always had a fascination with Egyptian jewellery and marvel at what was created with handmade tools such as the delicate gold and silver necklaces, rings and bracelets worn by the Pharaohs. These pieces were mostly fashioned in fine gold, bronze or beadwork and in some cases all three! My other source of inspiration comes from geometric shapes.  I must add here that I was hopeless at the subject at school, but I do like the clean lines of shapes. Must be because I like things in their place and just so! I like to incorporate different shapes into one design if I can as I think it gives the piece depth and interest although putting individual components together can be a bit of a challenge at times – but then I never make things easy for myself.

Beading has been part of jewellery for thousands of years around the world, often as the main piece or as a feature and embellishment.  Wherever I travel, I’m always on the look out for creative inspiration or to pick up local materials that I can incorporate into my work to make it more interesting.

 Gill Lyon