Intermediate project. Editor’s note: Kate Drew-Wilkinson is featured on page 38 of the December 2000 LJ; see “Sense of Drama.” Some of you may have seen my tide pool beads made with Spectrum flat glass remnants. The beads are layered with many kinds of latticcino – essentially, rods of different colors

For this project, use unfinished or bleached wood beads in you favorite shape or size. You do not want any stain or varnish on the beads you are going to paint.

This bracelet and earring set was designed by Leah Levin, one of the designers at my company, Nina Designs. The original was made in garnet, but you can substitute any gemstone beads you like. Amethyst, onyx, and labradorite are good alternatives.

Before embarking on this project, let me give you a little background on the evolution of this design. I originally used the forging hammer (necessary for this project) at the beginning stage of forging spoons. When I first began creating jewelry for my livelihood, I wondered how else these hammers could be used.