Helen O’Donnell Designs

Welcome!

Evolution is in the air! I once owned a successful bead shop in Gahanna, Ohio; and in March of 2021 I retired to become a full-time bead and mixed media artist. This site is a place for me to showcase my work and to sell kits and tutorials. Additionally, I hope to sell finished jewelry in the near future. My work is crafted with originality and with care and I take pride in designing original, one-of-a-kind works of art and limited edition jewelry that you’ll be proud to own and wear.  Currently, I sell my jewelry at Hayley Gallery in New Albany and Art at 43023 in Granville, both in Ohio. My mixed media shadow boxes are currently being shown at Gallery on Gambier in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

 

Larger Works: Collars, Challenges, Contests, Etc.

Desert Museum

“Desert Museum” was created with Toho Beads mini-kit for 2025. The colors were inspired by a visit to the Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona many years ago and made use of a focal cabochon I made from dried plant material and resin.

When Bison Roamed the Plains

This was my first entry to Battle of the Beadsmith for 2025. It advanced to the second round but was then eliminated from future rounds. My inspiration for this piece was the tall grass prairies that we are cultivating on our land and features a patinated brass butterfly that was aged using household chemicals and several ceramic cabochons I created with plant matter from around the yard.

Bog Knees and Pine Trees

This was my second bead embroidered collar, inspired by a trip to the North Carolina cedar bogs with a college forestry class. It happened to be my anniversary, and I admit to returning home rejuvenated and filled with awe! It was a magnificent day topped off with an evening celebration with my husband.

Earth Bound

Earth Bound was the very first bead-embroidered collar I made. It remains one of my favorites. The piece incorporates my own hand-dyed fabric made into cabochons along with assorted metal components, pearls, and Japanese beads.

New Zealand Love

New Zealand Love came about from a very fine gift of seashells from my, then, future son-in-law. He met our daughter in New Zealand, and when they both returned to the United States, he came bearing the seashells as a gift. The ceramic pieces are handmade by my friend Irini Iossifidou, from Athens, Greece.

Grand Mesa

This collar reminds me of the Grand Mesa in Grand Junction, Colorado. It features flat cabochons of brown, black, and beige that I fused myself from scrap glass I bought at a glass-blower’s studio. This is one of my earlier works.

Welcome to my Nightmare

Welcome to my Nightmare began with a piece from Painted Lady Cabochons. She reminded me of Sally in Nightmare before Christmas! This piece also features glass slabs that I fused myself from scrap glass purchased from a glass-blower’s studio. 

Gone Fishing

Another early work, this piece incorporates various bone fish pieces, a gorgeous jade centerpiece, and assorted other natural elements. 

Disco Nights

Disco Nights is one of my favorite pieces and one I wear often. This piece centers around several pairs of clip earrings I wore in the eighties and which, for some reason, I held onto. Another early piece but one I truly enjoy wearing.