Ornamental beads have been worn for centuries, whether they were blown Venetian glass, tumbled semi-precious stones, drilled Pacific shells, or Southwestern piñon seeds. Mother-and-daughter team Barbara and Nina Briggs, of SPLENDID LOON STUDIO, became fascinated with the possibilities of making their own porcelain beads 30 years ago, and they have been constantly evolving new designs and techniques, as well as unearthing unusual materials to frame their creations. Nina is currently molding a silver metal clay, developed in the ’90s by the Japanese, around and on top of large porcelain beads. Barbara is painting designs on fancy porcelain beads and then stringing necklaces by setting off the larger beads with freshwater pearls, coral discs, or horn-shaped silver beads. They are stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces, guaranteed to wow that special someone in your life. |

Splendid Loon Studio | 726 Tuckertown Road, Wakefield | 401.789.7879 | slsstudio.com