Margaret M. LaRose,  Artisan

    expertly crafts her beads by hand in her Connecticut studio using Polymer clays, Precious Metal Clays, fibers and various papers.

Margaret especially enjoys producing “faux stones” that are both beautiful and a delight to wear.   Being very lightweight, a large faux stone or bead is more comfortable than the real thing.

Ms. La Rose creates “One of a Kind” Art Jewelry .   Only the highest quality findings are used to complement each unique piece.  Her jewelry creations are accented by Swarovsky crystals, imported and domestic lamp worked glass, imported Japanese natural pearls, Hill Tribe Silver, Bali Silver, Indian Silver, Vermeil, and antique beads lovingly garnered from yard sales, flea markets, estate sales and travels around the world.

Precious Metal Clay is an exciting medium allowing the use of many of the same techniques as with Polymer Clay, but producing a 99.9% pure silver component.  This product, made by Mitsubishi Corporation, is a putty like substance.  It is then worked by the artist into a bead or pendant and then fired in a kiln at a temperature of up to 1650 degrees. What is left after firing is a pure form of silver, devoid of nickel or other alloys.  These properties are great for those who have sensitive skin and may be allergic to lesser grades of silver. The piece is then burnished and polished into either a high shine or a soft brushed finish. Some items are “antiqued” to bring out the fine detail.

In addition to jewelry, Margaret weaves intricate colonial reproduction overshot patterns into wonderful wearable art.   Her bags and accessories are vibrant testimony to the nearly lost art of floor loom hand weaving.  Items are often accented with her own hand made beads and charms.

• Beadesigner International: The New England Bead Society
  
• The American Craft Council
  
• The National Polymer Clay Guild
  
• The Southern CT Polymer Clay Guild
  
• The CT Bead Society
  
• The Handweaver’s Guild of America
  
• The CT Handweaver’s Guild