Findings Worth Finding: Clasps

There seems to be a buzz with art bead clasps, so I thought I'd feature another round up of them here on the ABS.

I found Amanda Davie through that intrepid bead scout, Lorelei. How does she discover such amazing finds? And yeah that she shares them with us. Here is a resin clasp with a crow.

Carrying on with the bird theme is this awesome pewter owl clasp from Green Girl Studios via the Beadlady on Etsy. I love that branch toggle, wish I had a million of just those!

Melanie from Earthenwood Studio has been experimenting with new designs. I'm smitten with the timber pendants. I could see this as a clasp. Just add one of these branch toggles from Nunn over at Bello Modo.

LeAnn at Summers Studio has created Victorian inspired key toggle bars - works for steampunk or more floral themed designs.

And now let's get into some clasps for seafaring jewelry designers. Lynn Davis has this wonderfully rustic looking hook clasp, it has a nautical vibe don't you think?

And speaking of beachcombers, here is a starfish toggle pendant from Humblebeads, yes - that's me!

And finally, maybe you are feeling a little DIY-ish today and want to customize your own clasp. Miss Fickle Media is offering these new bezel clasps, fill them up with your favorite image and resin. I've been eyeing them thinking some polymer clay belongs in there!

From the Beadmaker

From One Little Piece of Coral

This is a piece of coral my son found on the beach in Florida in 2007. It is an extraordinary piece of coral in that it reminds me of that precious time and floods me with wonderful memories each time I look at it. I remember the feeling of contentment and peace of mind seeing my family enjoy the sand, sun and ocean.

I first used it to create a mold. Something I do with almost every 3D trinket I own cause you never know what is going to make a really cool clay thing-a-ma-bober.

From that mold I created this simple but unique pendant;

But I also found that by just using the top section of the coral I could create this very interesting crackle effect in beads;

The sides of the coral added a nice texture to the edge of these clay discs;

And the back of the coral creates this texture;

I am thrilled to get so many uses out of one item! It has opened my eyes to looking at every little object with potential for so much more. A change of position and color of paint and I have a seemingly endless way to decorate polymer clay art beads!

Much Love & Respect,
Shannon
missficklemedia.com