The Perfect Bead

by Patty Lakinsmith

Now that I'm up and rolling in my new studio space, I'm thinking a lot about new bead designs. Since I wear two different hats, that of a bead maker and a jewelry designer, I started thinking about what I would do if I had to choose or make the perfect bead. What would it be like?

Would it be large, and self-supporting as a work of art on its own, or would it quietly add interest to other beads? Would it be round, or some other shape? Would it give its user a number of choices when it came time to using it in a jewelry design, or would its one purpose be obvious and well thought out?

Would it be soft to the touch, or prickly, or smooth? Would it be in a color that played well with others, or would it shout out loud that it was unique, and vibrant?

Would it make you remember an occasion, or think of what you ate for dinner, or would it remind you of a dear friend? Would it be heavy, or light? Would it make you laugh, or cry, or draw your eyes in for another look?

I don't know if I could describe just one perfect bead. But maybe you can.