Hill Tribe Silver Beads

As I was cleaning up my studio and reorganizing my bead boxes so I can work more efficiently, I found a box of Hill Tribe Silver Beads that I had stashed away.  What a welcomed surprise!  As you have noticed in my designs, I obviously love working with Hill Tribe Silver.  I particularly love the fact that they are handcrafted and not machine made; each one just a little bit different from the next.  Matte finish or an antique look always does for me.  The high content of silver, which is usually higher than the required .925 to be considered sterling, is a real plus, too.  But the most important aspect of using Hill Tribe Silver is knowing that the different tribes are handing down their techniques from generation to generation and supporting their families through tradition!    Next time you are able to get up close and personal with a piece of Hill Tribe Silver, please reflect upon the time, energy and  personal touch that went into making that bead, as well as the lack of modern tools and equipment.  And let’s not forget how far that bead has traveled — from the Northern Hills of Thailand — to make a necklace standout and special! 

Now that I found my goody box that I had hidden so well, it’s time for me to get my creative juices flowing and incorporate those beauties into my designs.  What better way to get inspired!  So please sign up to my newsletter so that I may let you know when my new additions will be hitting my website.