I love the ocean; I know, who doesn’t? Even living in the heart of the Midwest, I feel its siren songs. Whether I’m writing or beading, I’m drawn to the colors and sounds of the shore.

Twenty years ago, I made these ocean-inspired beads and strung them very simply. I knew there had to be a better use for these little disks of blues and greens.

I’ve been collecting ocean-related beads for a long time. In my new pledge to use what I have rather than accumulating more stash, I decided to dive in. I gathered the materials together and this one of the necklaces I came up with:

The ring and dagger beads are all from Green Girl Studios, one of my favorite suppliers. Their pewter beads are original and fit my wabi-sabi tendencies. I’ve owned these for years. It feels great to finally use then!