The cover piece struck my eye. I've always loved asymmetry in my designs; you can see it in some of my earrings! I thought this was a beautiful incorporation of this idea and sent my imagination racing! I purchased the issue, raced home and poured over the pages and sketched out some ideas. I can honestly tell you this was the first time I had sketched anything! I'd always found myself inspired by the beads that I see, and when I actually touch them, I have a better idea of how I would want them to be presented in the piece.
Of course, I can't find the sketches now! The inspiration naturally came from the presentation of the necklace on the cover of the magazine, since I am biased about my love of amber. Being cost efficient, the dollar store beside my work sells stone chip beads for a dollar a package, as supposed to local bead and craft stores selling amber chip strands for anywhere from $6 to $10. Certain splurges were necessary, all in the name of 'art' and 'vision'. Some things just can't be compromised, you know.
