french

Bonjour mes amies! Today, let’s take a trip over to Gaul – well, selected parts of Gaul at any rate! Gaul was a region of Western Europe during the Iron and Roman ages (anyone else read Asterix when they were wee?) encompassing not only France, Belgium, Luxembourg, but most of Switzerland, and parts of Italy, the Netherlands and Germany. As our monthly challenge is beautiful Van Gogh rendition of Montmartre, and also as I recently returned from a very lovely trip to Paris, I thought it would be apt to create a treasury of French art beads and buttons. I must say, I struggled a little so opened the doors to include Belgium and Luxembourg. Some very lovely and unusual pieces I’m sure you’ll agree – some are tiny lampworked sculptures, not technically beads – but can’t you just see them wire wrapped into a beautiful and unusual piece of jewellery? 

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

{OK, I cheated a little. Two of these are technically finished jewellery, but as they were a simply strung pendant and lampworked earrings made from start to finish by the artist, I thought you’d let me off sneaking them in here!}

And before you ask, yes, I did go bead shopping in Paris! I had my trusty little guidebook maps marked up with a couple of bead shops I thought I could find under my own steam, both veritable treasure troves (although sadly no art beads). One was a stand at a very old flea market – Les Marché aux Puces St-Ouen de Clignancourt – which sold the most amazing vintage beads and findings. If you are ever in Paris I do recommend checking it out! Just look at these delicious vintage lovelies.

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer and singer, currently living in Manchester, England. You can read more about beads and singing at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com.