AOTM June 2008 - Anna Richards

[Sarah]

Anna Richards






I started making jewellery in 2004, this was a time when i would work Saturday and Sunday in Stafford and my boyfriend (now fiance) Luke would work Monday - Friday in Selby. After a few days of daytime television, waiting for Luke to finish work, i was bored. Then i discovered Ebay and my world has never been the same...





I have studied art for as long as i have studied, and i achieve a First class degree in Graphic design in 2004. From making earrings to charm bracelets, i discovered lampwork and my first purchase was a Sally Carver Calla Lily pendant.





I took a lesson with Sally, i bought my kit from Tuffnells in November 2005 and the rest they say is history.





I love colour, and think this is reflected in my bead work. i am not a fan of anything murky and like things to be crisp and colourful. I recently started working with Dichroic and Gold foil and i love the glitzy, if not blingin effect you can achieve.






I took a class with Sarah Hornik in 2007, and i was inspired to think bigger. my beads are quite small, with 18mm usually the biggest i get. I had the most inspirational and memorable time and i would promote anyone to try and attend ANY master class they can, you will learn so many things, and things you would never expect.




I love the coast and this is reflected in my Beads on Coast range, i love blue and ivory together. Living in Selby, you don't get to see the sea very often, so my work is like having my own little seaside at home.






I don't like mucky, and so unfortunately i am not a lover of the vetro oddlots, but i am in love with dichroic, foils, cubic zirconia, frit and ALL blue glass.





I like quirky, and so beads with eyeballs or a sense of humour are always a hit with me. I love the work of Sharon Peters, and also Angele Davis, and i envy the scale to which Andrea Guarino works to and the enamels too of Jennifer Geldard.








I have included a picture of my starter beads which were made 2 1/2 years ago. Anytime i am feeling low or frustrated with my work, i look at these beads and realise how far i have come





My work is available on my website, through etsy and can be seen from time to time in my Dyson and on selected members of my family.