Before I began crafting tiny metals, I worked as a production assistant for a couple of beaded jewelry designers. When I started to do my own work, I felt limited in just stringing beads and so I went on to Penland School of Crafts to hone my skills in metals. Lately, I’ve been going back to my beaded roots and mixing it up with some hand-cast pieces. Here are some results.

Cast Auger Shells & Clasp strung with Kelly Green Thread and Granite Agate Beads.

Cast tiny Cocina Shell with Teal Seed Beads and accent Gold Seed Beads.

Cast mini Anchor with Poppy Seed Beads and accent Gold Beads.

Cast Blackbird Cameo strung with Poppy Thread and Indigo Seed Beads and Black Matte Heishi Beads.

Detail of cast Bronze Clasp.

Knotted Turquoise 6mm Beads with Gray Thread and finished with Braided Bronze Clasp.

I’ve been busy making new work for a holiday trunk show I’m doing tomorrow. Here is a new design using 6mm natural beads knotted and finished with a hand cast bronze braided hook clasp. I like wearing the necklace with the clasp resting on the side, around the clavicle area,  instead of the back of the neck. Bohemian Cool.

Beth Elaine Coiner is BEC ~ handcrafted JEWELRY using repurposed raw materials.
Along with her signature organic designs, new creations will include beading and threading techniques finished with bronze and blackened silver castings.
Beth is also known for custom/bespoke projects of repurposing old fine jewelry into new designs, so keep that in mind for a future gift for yourself.