Shirley Hughes
I discovered beads entirely by accident while studying silver smithing in Vermont. During a search for stones to set in my silver designs, I was drawn to a sparkling array of beautiful strings of beads in every hue imaginable. Entranced by the shapes, sizes, and colors I began to integrate these beauties into my silver designs. From that point on I recognized my true passion, creating personal adornment from dazzling beads from around the world.
Part of the creative process is the never-ending search for unusual beads and beautiful objects to enhance my original designs. Like an artist with a brush and a pallet of paint, I combine colors, shapes, and textures to create a unique piece of wearable art.
I frequently embellish designs with my handcrafted wirework or include pendants, charms, clasps, or beads I have designed and created from .999 Fine Silver. The Fine Silver items are created from a unique malleable material consisting of microscopic particles of pure silver, blended with an organic binder, and then molded, sculpted, shaped or carved into the desired shape. Many of these items are hand molded from impressions I take from antique glass, vintage buttons, or items from nature such as leaves, corn husks, bark, or shells. After the kiln firing process the binder is burned away and the silver is fused, resulting in .999 Fine Silver. Some of the Fine Silver items are enhanced with 24K Gold, bonded by an ancient Asian diffusion process, Keum-boo. As with anything handcrafted, each piece of jewelry will have its own unique character and no two will be exactly alike.
The natural beauty of my surroundings has always energized my designs. I'm originally from New England and found it exciting to capture the vivid reds, yellows, and oranges that would erupt in the fall. The wild blues and greens of the crashing ocean waves have enhanced many of my designs. I now call New Mexico home and am frequently spellbound and motivated by the spectacular sunsets, brilliant rainbows or the rosy hues reflected on the Sandia Mountains. I also draw immense inspiration from the vibrant blooms in my flower gardens from spring until fall. I work intuitively and there is always an element of surprise in the final piece.
Jewelry is an intimate possession and each of my designs has its own character and creates its own mood, as it becomes part of the wearer's persona. I sincerely hope you enjoy the spirit of the design and that it will become a loved and favorite piece of adornment.
 Hand made Fine Silver Beads with various semi precious stone beads |
 Hand made Fine Silver Charms molded from vintage buttons, various semi precious stone beads |
 Turquoise Beads, hand made Fine Silver Clasp and End Cap |
 Hand made Fine Silver Beads with hand carved Lapis |
Web design donated by www.jfarresta.com