by Bella Erakko
Mary Jae, featured member artist, constantly explores new techniques for making jewelry. While she continues her popular glass bead, gem, and pendant necklaces, she is utterly fascinated by the peyote beading technique. Searching the Internet for interesting bracelet and necklace patterns, she creates dramatic pieces, often using geometric designs. With tiny glass beads and thread, she uses straight peyote designs for bracelets which can have a delicate fern leaf patterned into it, or an undulating wave, or with bigger beads, even a piano keyboard. Using a netting technique, she creates softly draped scarves and necklaces with a lacy filigree effect. Most unusual are her PWAT, or peyote with a twist, designs. She explains, “A tube is inserted to keep them from flattening. The end result looks like a beaded cord. One advantage to peyote beading: it is easy to take with you in a purse. Mary Jae can create on the go, but she gets the same satisfaction of a jeweler working with color, design, and creation.
An opening reception will be held Saturday, April 13, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. A piece of Mary Jae’s work will be given away in a free drawing held at 6:00. This reception coincides with Hannibal’s Second Saturday Gallery Night.
