Buckle Bracelet

Enter the amazing Buckle Bracelet!!!  I just tried this project from the newest Beadwork magazine!!  This is just such a bold design.  It's so versatile - casual or dressy!!!  (I changed it a little - used larger beads for the cuff.)

This fired the imagination.  I think I'm going to try different variations using the buckle idea & see where it takes me.  Maybe different sizes and shapes for the buckle - a different type of cuff.  Still in the idea process - we'll see where it takes me!!  I'm open for ideas & suggestion. I will keep you posted!

Don't forget to let me know what you think!!  You can comment here directly on my blog, e-mail me through the blog, etc.

Bliss

Looking at this takes me to a tropical paradise where the waters are clear and refreshing!  Sometimes you just need a little vacation - even if it is just in your jewelry!  This set came from the crystals that are showcased in the center of the earrings and necklace.  The myriad of colors that they reflect just took me in and wouldn't let me go!  I decided to make individual "settings" in which to showcase the crystals (using brick stitch).  From there, the necklace just seemed to dictate to me which way it wanted to go!  The framework is done in St. Petersburg chain - I love how it looks like a fern!   The design slightly resembles a paisley pattern that is fun and graceful at the same time!  (The hand-crafted clasp is pure silver and the earring hooks are sterling plated.)**NECKLACE SOLD - EARRINGS AVAILABLE**

Diamonds are Forever

This bracelet is absolutely my newest creation!  The inspiration this time was directly out of Beadwork Magazine.  The three-dimensional design really caught my eye.  I changed it, but only a little.  The beads I used are all slightly larger than those called for in the magazine, which made it more bold!  (I used size 8 seed beads, size 10 delicas, and size 11 charlottes.)  Also, I "strung" it using two strands for more stability, and went with a flashy hot pink and black for the high contrast.  This was a lot of fun to make, and even more fun to wear!  ***AVAILABLE***

Rainbow Connection

So this is officially my first post that includes knitting! I've really been into making socks lately. These were fun just because of the rainbow colors involved. The socks include a cuff that is done in a waving lace pattern and a short-row heel. These fit a women's medium (approximately 7 - 8) The yarn used is from The Deborah Norville Collection and is made of 100% Dralon Microfiber. I also made the set of beaded split-ring markers which I used while making the socks (on the right). Fun, fun, fun!

Tigress

Can't you just hear it roar!!! I love the fun, bold statement this bracelet makes! The ceramic beads just beckon to be touched - especially when paired with the tiger-striped pillow beads. You may not be able to tell in the picture, but the off-white beads used are a satin-finish delica - they really do look like a shimmery, satin sheet. The pairing of decadence & wild earthiness make this piece special.

Tigress is the result of trying out a new concept. I worked the top of the pillow beads in patterned herringbone and worked up the back and sides with a modified peyote, using the idea of short rows (used in knitting) to make the half-dome shape. It worked out beautifully! The beading on the toggle and bar finishes the overall look as well as physically balancing it. I know you'll have as much fun wearing this as I did creating it!!!! **AVAILABLE**

Trillium Trio

I hope you enjoy this necklace - yet another adventure in asymmetrical design! It was inspired by the Labradorite rondelles I found at my local Gem Faire. Once I got them home, I rummaged through some books to start up the idea process, and again the book Shaped Beadwork by Diane Fitzgerald did it for me. The project for Trilliums (the little flower in the necklace) really inspired me. It's very fun and fast to create. (Relatively - as fast as seed-beading can get!) I added the Russian Leaf off the side to offset the three Trilliums, and the pendant was off a necklace that I've loved for years! The metal components are sterling silver plated. Of special note is the clasp which is the vintage-style design (which works like a box clasp, but in an orb shape). This would be the perfect something old (recycled pendant), something new, something borrowed (maybe not), something blue (definitely!) for that special wedding!
***Available***

Hanging Gardens

This set captures the feel of a summer garden full blooms and vines! It was so much fun to create! It started with the flower - a project showcased in one of my favorite beading magazines. From there the design gradually unfolded. I went to the local Gem Faire in Turlock and found some beautiful tourmaline rondelles (The colors that naturally occur in this stone - a gradual change from mauve to green -just happened to match perfectly!) Then I found the cubic zirconia briolette that is at the bottom of the necklace. From there it just happened. The pearls and garnets just seemed to want to "drip" off the necklace. The floral toggle-style clasp is off-center in front - another escapade in asymmetrical design! (The french hooks on the earrings are gold-plated.) Perfect for a Garden Wedding!! **AVAILABLE**