An image very commonly seen recreated in art bead form is that of the humble owl. Renowned as a symbol of wisdom, owls seem to hold within them that winning combination of reverence and whimsy; sophistication and humour. I love that the collective noun is a parliament – it goes so well with the idea of their quiet wisdom, but with the twinkle you just know that the art beads at any rate, have in their wee eyes. I can’t get enough of them, and I thought I’d share some of my as yet unused parliament with you.
Outside circle from bottom centre going clockwise – Green Girl Studios, Glass Daft, Daisy Chain Extra, Soul Silver, Humblebeads, Round Rabbit, Summers Studio, Floridity, Soul Silver, Glass Daft, Humblebeads.
I love that each of these is so recognisably an owl, but they are all so different – especially the five polymer clay owls! Two beads, two pendants and one polymer charm. Each has it’s own character and mood – you can just read it in their faces and their wide eyes!
Here are just a few of my favourite favourites:
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| Soul Silver |
Sally is an glass artist based in my homeland of Scotland. Her glassy creations are truly astonishing and she is quickly becoming one of my very favourite bead artists to work with. Along with owls, her signature dolls are popular in her easy shop, but watch out too for her wee elephant beads that pop up from time to time! I have a selection of Sally’s owls and one of my favourite things about her winged creatures is that she doesn’t feel restrained by the colours that nature prescribed. This beautiful pink and blue owl is the perfect example of that, and quite possible my favourite Soul Silver owl so far. I love the eyebrow decoration – there’s something a little bollywood about this one!
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| Daisy Chain Extra |
He’s come out a little fuzzy in the photographic wash, but trust me, Jo’s limited edition antique copper owl clasp is a beauty. I believe she originally designed him for one of Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Parties (check out her blog for details of the next event which is just around the corner!) and then decided to make a few more for her component shop. I was lucky enough to snag one, I hope he’ll be happy with his owly friends for a little longer as I’m just not ready to use him yet! Special pieces which I know I may not be able to work with again usually hang around in my bead stash for a good while…
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| Round Rabbit |
And speaking of special pieces which I know I may not be able to get my hands on again due to their limited nature……this unglazed owl is a couple of years old now, but still absolutely one of my favourite Round Rabbit pieces from my ever-growing collection. However, can you see my problem? He’s been kept alongside some other art beads and goodness, he needs a good wash now! Anyone have any tips on cleaning unglazed porcelain? If not, he might just have to stay with me forever – a little dusty but well-loved nonetheless.
Do you have a favourite image that you can’t help but covet when in art bead form? Do owls capture your imagination like they do mine?
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.