Beads to Buckskins

We are pleased to introduce to you a unique style of beading. Gemstones have always radiated an air of elegance. Their delicate colors and depth of beauty, enchants even the novice. The use of stone cabochon with glass seed beads has been briefly exposed in Volumes Two through Eight. However, in this volume we cover in depth, how to use stone cabochon and stone beads along with glass beads to create a definitive, magnificent wardrobe of jewelry. Each enchanting piece created exhibits superb taste to that individual and becomes a "one of a kind" rarity to cherish. Precious stones are a luxury item that few people can afford to use in beadwork. However, the semi-precious stone beads and cabochon are abundant these days and quite affordable. Don't let the words "semi-precious" lead you to believe that these stones are not beautiful. The color photograph section in this volume show how lovely they can be arranged into an outstanding piece of jewelry.

The more common stones used for these beads are agate, jasper. quartz crystal, onyx, and pearl. Just to give you an idea of the many stones that are available, I will name a few specifically: Amethyst, Ammonite, Aventurine, Black Onyx, Bloodstone, Blue Lace agate, Carnelian, Dolomite Fluoride, Garnet, Gold Stone, Hemitite, Howlite (white), Jade, Leopard Skin Jasper, Picture Jasper, Lapis (blue), Malachite, Mother of Pearl, Freshwater Pearls, Quartz Crystal (clear and smoky), Rodonite, Rose Quartz, Sodalite, Crazy Lace, Tiger Eye, Turquoise, Unakite and Montana Moss Agate. There are many, many more. However, to name them all such as the Moss Agate and Paua Shell and Coral's would take more pages than we have room.

These bountifully done peaces are by Jennifer Tallbear. I sent Jennifer a large assortment of stones cabochons, pearls and beads and asked her to arrange them into jewelry. Jennifer's outstanding talent for design and coler is quite apparent and greatly appreciated.

Very, Very nicely done Jennifer. Thank your very much.