Laura Humenik works wonders with wire, beads, Dichroic and fused glass and Precious Metal Clay.

Her bracelet, necklace and earring set shown here is also found in the recently released book
"Adapting Quilt Patterns To Polymer Clay" and features her distinctinctive flair for putting just the right pieces together.

The handmade wire findings fit right in with todays' current craze for copper and her wire wrapping skills link each part and festoon the wrist with crystals.

The Swaroski crystal beads and table-cut blue glass Picassa beads each complement the colors in the polymer clay Log Cabin style charms made by Judith Skinner.

Perhaps the most startling thing about Laura's jewelry work is that she's only just recently begun to do it!

Only a short year ago, Laura and her daughter Sarah were watching a Holiday Parade in downtown Longmont, when Sarah suggested they see what there was to see at the new store in town, Bead Lounge. While there, they purchased finished jewelry and got inspired...

Return trips to work in the Open Studio space provided practice and help with the technical aspects. After pinpointing areas of interest, classes helped her build skills in stringing and PMC or Precious Metal Clay.

Her previous experience as a crafty housewife and mother with time spent as a faux finish painter, seamstress and quilter had already developed her eye for color, texture, and placement.

Now her abilities have exploded into the new realm of beadwork, and she's learned to seek out the local bead store wherever she goes---there are always goodies and components to be found, like the box clasp that graces the asymetrical citrine and crystal necklace shown at left.

It was aquired on a recent visit to Canada, and now Laura knows to keep her eyes ready to spot beads and findings everywhere!

Precious Metal Clay and cubic zirconia were used to form the aquatic motif pendant shown at right. Strung with moonstones, Swarovski Crystal and sterling silver, this piece has a very organic feel to it, and mixes the media well.

Laura's daughter has also taken to the world of beads, and created the sterling silver and rose quartz bracelet shown here--talent obviously runs in their family!

Laura can now be found working part time at Bead Lounge, helping others learn the joy of jewelry creation and bead gathering. Her motto has become :

320 Main St. Longmont CO 80501  303.678.9966