Buckle Ring

Here is another variation of the Buckle idea!  The Buckle Ring.

I can't take full credit for this.  One of my favorite bank tellers saw the Buckle Bracelet and mentioned that it would make a nice ring.  You just never know where ideas will come from!  The ring portion itself is made with non-tarnish square wire, and the wire wraps are sterling, half round.  I've included a picture showing the underside of the ring so you can see how it's put together.

 Again, the buckle itself it made entirely of cylinder seed-beads (This one happens to be made of the Toho brand.), and it is amazingly sturdy because I've also covered it with a protective clear-coat.This ring is a custom-made piece, so this particular ring (size 5) is spoken for.  But it can be done again!  Remember, I do custom work.

P.S.  I'm also toying with the idea of making some matching Buckle Earrings and Buckle Necklace.  The logistics aren't completely worked out in my head yet, but I'm hoping for a bolt of imagination-lightning soon! ;-)

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Drusy-Berry Necklace

Here it is just hangin' out in the garden!  Actually, this necklace was inspired by the material the cab is made from - something new to me - called Drusy.  Drusy is the name for any type of crystals that grow on rocks.  I encountered this one at this year's local gem faire, and wow!  I had to have it!  I wire-wrapped it into the pendant you see here.  (Here's a close-up so you can see the amazing detail of this tear-drop shaped piece.  I'm totally enthralled by Drusy - can you tell?!!)

Then I encountered the beautiful red crystals that you see here!  This two-strand necklace is a special piece because it also includes the metal spacers with embedded Swarovski crystals that my husband bought me as part of an anniversary gift when we were first married!

And last, but definitely not least!!! The clasp!  This heavy, crystal-laden, vintage clasp has been part of my collection for a long time, just waiting to be re-vamped and included in a special piece someday.  Finally that day has come!  This was a departure from my normal seed-bead items, but sometimes you just have to do what the inspiration calls for!

Embroidered Buckle Bracelet

Here is my latest variation of the buckle bracelet!  It uses a ceramic donut pendant as the buckle, and features embroidery that integrates the pearl clasp which is poked through a hole in the band!  My husband says this looks a little hippyish, but I like it!  Tell me what you think! (This image has been altered - but only by changing the background.)

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***