Florida’s Barbara Bechtel paints and distresses her polymer beads so that they fit more easily with the old things she loves. She explains that, “I love thrift stores, estate sales and auctions. I like to share and sell my finds. Sometimes, I even put my little mark on them by making them into new things for others to enjoy.”
These recent watercolor beads are painted and sanded to achieve a nostalgic, summery look. Her worn shell beads in polymer give the same vibe.
To learn more about Barbara, read this month’s interview on ArtBeadScene and browse through her Etsy shop.
claire maunsell ,
I love Barbara’s work, am so happy to see it here. These beads are just what I would want in a necklace….
carissa nichols ,
Just delicious!
Carol Shelton ,
Barbara Bechtel’s beads are not distress(ing); they are exhilarating! It’s like buying a lemon and making lemonade.
Anita Brandon ,
Subtle, nostalgic and very lovely!
JeannieK ,
Barbara does some awesome work