LilliansBeads
by Lillian Benrubi
Lillian has been attracted to and intrigued by beads and jewellery since she was a little girl. Of particular influence were her mother's and aunt's returns from world travel with presents of antique jewellery. Much of her own jewellery represents the collection of her maternal lineage. Although mostly silver and other metals, they were complemented by semi-precious stones and hand made beads. Lillian would often find broken pieces of jewellery as she grew older, and imagined designing jewellery with those pieces. In 1999, as a birthday present to her 16 year old niece, she took her to a jewellery making course. Lillian was hooked and began making jewellery with store bought beads for two years. In 2002, unbenownst to her, beads could be made. She took a three hour course and has been obsessed ever since.Lillian spends early morning hours and any other minutes she can steal to slip into her studio. She finds the process of making beads meditative, wondorous, and the perfect fit for her self-expression. Of late she has become increasingly comfortable with imperfection, allowing the beads to express themselves as they unfold. When not making beads, caring for her children or working, Lillian can be found selling her beads and jewellery at various shows in and around Toronto Ontario.
Lillian was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and has lived in Newmarket for the past 24 years, where she enjoys the hobbyfarm lifestyle with her husband and two children. Tickling her pink, is when a customer, friend or family member adorns themselves with her creations. Whether counselling a client in her office or witnessing her jewellery being worn by others, it is the act of giving and sharing her creativity with others, that she finds most rewarding.
