Golden Leaf

The inspiration for this necklace started with the lovely art-deco style leaf pendant made by swarovski. I went with simple stringing to accentuate the little pendant. It's strung with fresh-water pearls and swarovski crystal bicones, so even though it is more diminutive, it catches the light beautifully. The clasp detail continues the foliage theme. The earrings are a simple cascade of crystals hung from a gold-plated chain and french hook. **AVAILABLE**

Symphony

This was my first escapade with true wire-working! The cabochon was mined in Oregon and I encased it in a swirling sterling-silver bezel. The finished pendant reminds me of the big, open motions made by a conductor at the symphony. The silver-plated chain contains hematite links ending in a custom clasp also made with pure sterling-silver. **AVAILABLE**

Confetti Pearl

The classic faux pearl is entrapped in a confetti-like spiral which continues around your neck, in this fun, but classy lariat-style necklace. The warm, lipstick mauve against the gunmetal grey charlotte edging is a nice warm vs. cool combination which will keep the comments coming. **AVAILABLE**

Princessa

This design is a more down-to-earth variation on a design by Lisa Kan. I used chocolate colored charlottes to weave the main part of the neclace, and the loops are decorated with fire-polished rondelles, swarovski crystals, garnet briolettes and pink glass drops. This necklace is princess length and sits just about at the collar-bone. The french hooks on the earrings and box clasp on the necklace are gold plated. Wearing this makes you feel like a princess. **AVAILABLE**

Pacific Peacock

This necklace started with the metal feather piece (which actually doubles as the clasp). When I found this piece, the rest of it fell together. I love the bold statement made by using the large peacock-blue shells, and swarovski crystals combined with the asymmetrical design! **Sold**

Celtic Reflections

Talk about adventures in beading! This design was the real epiphany! I wondered if some traditional knitting cable-patterns could also be translated to beadwork with the new herringbone-cable technique. Excitedly, I tried it out, and voila!!.. This bracelet emerged! The waving edges are just a product of the technique. The same amount of beads are used throughout the width of the piece. I used cubes (1.5mm) for the background, matte triangle beads for the edges and size 8 two-cuts (I believe) for the rope pattern, and size 8 delicas for the end sections. I later added the berry-colored button pearls for a finishing touch. **AVAILABLE**

Wave Bracelet

This is the second progression in my fun with cabled bracelets. These are also done in herringbone, cable style, but in this design I added increases in the center to accommodate swarovski crystals and used delicas. The drape of this bracelet style is fluid and can work for casual fun or dressy occasions. It was fun to play with different color placement in each of the bracelets which slightly changes the effect! This is the design I taught at the local bead shop, Envy Beads. Is there a custom color combo you'd like? Remember - I do custom work!

Twilight Bloom

This was the first of a few bracelets that stemmed from a new technique I learned from Beadwork Magazine! The herringbone twist on the body of the bracelet came from the project called Cabled Bracelet. This was my first attempt. However, I added a snap closure and this little bloom that's colors are like a fiery sunset just about to drop off the horizon. I love this little thing! **AVAILABLE** (This new technique really fired my imagination!! My next couple of posts show how I tried varying the technique, and what it produced.)

Denim Rose

This bangle was made using spiral herringbone in different sizes of beads, 11 delicas to 8 seed beads around a memory-wire core. It doesn't need a clasp - just pop it on and go! The indigo matte beads in this set are reminiscent of denim and would be fun on a casual day. **SOLD**

Melange

This was fun free-form bracelet to make! The beads (a mix or "melange") were randomly stitched together creating this kind of wavy edge, and the texture just calls to be touched. The more serious earth-tones balance out the haphazard style of construction perfect for the office or a night out. **AVAILABLE**

Moonlight Sonata

The colors of the pearls in this bracelet remind me of the moonlight - thus the name! The pearls and black goldstone chips (a deep purple, man-made stone with shiny flecks) are "caught" in a circular-netting of silver-colored seed beads. This is a very open feeling bracelet - the netting shifts and you can get a whole other view - sometimes goldstone sometimes pearls! **SOLD**

Leaf Set

I love the colors in this set! The triangles the entire set are made with sparkle and refract the light - at different angles you see a hint of a different color. The openwork style was refreshing and very elegant and feminine. I call this the Leaf Set because it reminds me of a stylized leaf that you might find in a stained-glass window. The french ear wires are gold-plated, and the bracelet has a cloisonne button-loop closure. **AVAILABLE**