A few new things...

It's been a bit quiet here at Tree Wings Studio, but things are starting to happen again! Mostly beads, of course. Followed by more and more beads... and some quiet time to myself and the fluffy guy above... some time to daydream and design.... and some long talks with family. I'm so very blessed with a family of artists and entrepreneurs. I've been making lots of plans and there are a few changes coming about at Tree Wings Studio. Which mostly means more new beads going in to my shop, but probably in smaller batches and there will be more one of kind and limited runs so I can offer more variety, have more frequent updates, and hopefully make more of what I really enjoy making and continue to explore new techniques—my bead idea list is ever growing longer and I have so many new designs I want to complete. Yay! for new beads, right!?

 I really don't know what I'd do without my little helper! :-)

And now, for the new beads....

For some reason I've really been drawn to butterflies lately... maybe it's the dramatic and beautiful change they go through to become the gorgeous creatures that they are... or maybe the stunning colors (I do tend to keep to the earthy, "drab" palette, though)... or maybe it's simply the perfect symmetry of patterns of their wings... Yes! they so inspire me! So anyhoo, I let my ideas fly and I do have to say I'm pretty happy with the results so far.

Furled Wings pendant in caramel brown...

and in peacock brown...

For this design, I was inspired by the newly hatched butterflies resting just after its amazing transformation, almost ready for that very first flight.

All hand drawn from my own sketch and carefully transferred to the polymer and painted in acrylics. I truly have no idea how I made this color... it was one of those happy accidents and now I'm sad I only made two. Only one of them made it to my shop though... a bead maker does have to have a few beads too... sometimes. ;-)

And a butterfly needs flowers, of course! So I made a few sets of wildflower tube beads. All hand drawn, painted, and given a soft smooth finish with just a little rustic touch.

Normally I would go to great lengths to hide a seam, but for these beads, I love how it added to the rustic-ness!

You'll notice that I'm making my beads with holes that are a bit bigger than I typically made before... I like to be able to use fiber in my designs and a bigger hole is always nice for that, so whenever possible, I'm working to go with bigger holes.

Fluttering Butterfly rounds in cinnamon cream...

And two more butterfly designs...

.... in golden orange and rust...

... and in tan with golden peacock.

I made all these rounds with a very slightly domed, lightly carved back so they rest nicely for a bracelet or necklace... or even bead embroidery!

See them all in my shop here! And don't forget, these are all I have for these particular designs and colors, so grab them up while you can... more brand new beads are coming soon!

Happy Saturday and a wonderful Easter holiday to you all!