Treasures From A Sleepy Lagoon: Winner of 3 First Place Awards

by Pauline Applegate
(Palmetto, Florida)

This bracelet was conceived and made for a competition in one of my favorite bead stores in Sarasota, Florida and voted on by the general public.

It won First Place and went on to win First Place for original design in the Florida State Fair in 2010 - and the Susan B. Kean Award (most original and creative entry!) at the County Fair in 2011.

The original theme for the bead store was the item had to be tropical with the use of shells and pearls in the design.

I used Blue-Green Teardrop beads which are clear and look like water with a sand bottom inserted into a peyote base, then embellished with tiny pink shells, crystals and pearls.

The whole effect was one of a look into clear water and seeing the "treasures" beneath!

Almost did not make the deadline as it was originally supposed to be a necklace which did not quite jell and inspiration struck 5 days before entry and it took me three and a half days of intensive beading to complete!

It has been well worth it!

Pauline Applegate