Bead & Jewellery Magazine Issue 138 Back Issue

Ryoko Dowling has a degree in teaching Japanese, but it’s the language of beads that has taken over her life in recent years.
An article by beadwork artist Chika Terai pointed Ryoko into an exciting new direction. She told us: “She introduced a new off-loom stitch she had developed—the plaited herringbone stitch—and I was immediately captivated by its distinctive structure and the texture of the fabric the stitch creates. It completely changed my perspective on bead weaving.
“Studying the structure of the woven beads and experimenting with ways to maintain cohesion while incorporating turns became my new challenge. The thrill of finally achieving it was unforgettable, and that breakthrough ultimately led me to designing my own original beaded jewellery.”
We’re delighted that Ryoko has designed a beautiful plaited herringbone bracelet for us this issue, so you can try the stitch for yourself. We hope you’ll agree that the modern, elegant piece, featured on the cover, is a joy to create and wear.