They've Arrived!!!!!

I finally can show you my long-awaited Calla Lily set!  Both the necklace and earrings feature beadweaving and wire working techniques in one piece.  I've really enjoyed learning the viking knit, so I used pink colored silver plated wire which just spoke to me when I saw it.  Then I used the peyote bead-weaving technique to create two Calla Lilies with a silky, satiny delica bead finish.  (I have absolutely fallen in love with these beads!)  The center of the main Calla Lily is a beautiful, large Swarovski Crystal in a unique, modern cut.

It's kind of funny.  When I first made the flower portion of the necklace it actually looked like a very upscale corsage!  But I attached it to the woven portion using various other technique and included a few other Swarovski Crystals & a rose quarts bead at the bottom.











The earrings are also completely handmade using the same techniques.  I'm really excited to be including more wire-working, but I still love beadweaving.  I think it opens up worlds of design possibilities when fusing the two techniques together.

To top it all off I also got these pictures professionally done!
(The credit for these pictures goes to:   Kirsten Elyse of Elyse Photography.
www.elyse-photography.smugmug.com
www.facebook.com/KirstenElysePhotography)

P.S.  I'm also working on honing some more metal-working skills - including metal stamping.  So if you're interested in any of my pieces, and would like to have them personalized, I can add a small metal tag with your initials/monogram - just let me know!

If you want to sneak a peak in my shop - they'll be available by next week - so keep on the lookout! :-)

Have fun!

Terah  :-D

TerahClassyCreations.Etsy.com


 

Nautilus

A few years ago I stumbled upon a book called Beaded Beads.  I can't remember who the authors are, but it's a nice little collection of beaded beads to try out.  I found it at my local library, and now I can't seem to get it anymore, but I did try this amazing seashell bead.  I was drawn to it because I'd never seen anything like it, and I'm always drawn to the new, the untried - the challenge.

So I made the little Shell Bead in purple and white.  I was so excited when I finished it, but then I didn't know what to do with it.  So it went into my "Idea" box.  About a week ago I was going through the box and  rediscovered my cute little bead.  Suddenly everything clicked!  I don't know why I didn't think of it before!  I just added some bead caps, did some wire-wrapped loops to attach it to a chain and keyring, and voila!

So now I have this beautiful little treasure that looks like a beaded Nautilus Seashell.  The best part is that it makes me think about how people say you can hear the ocean in a seashell.  So when life is hectic, just glance down to this little keychain and think about the soothing waves lapping the seashore.  It may just be the small little thing that can make you smile - I know it made me smile!

Enjoy!

Terah
TerahClassyCreations.Etsy.com

Nautical

What would you think of if someone told you to make something with a Nautical theme?  That's just what Etsy Beadweaavers did.  I made something a little more abstract, representing the bubbles in the ocean, using grey and blue seed beads, swarovski crystals, and a metal focal piece with inlaid crystals. 

But if you'd like to see what everyone else came up with, feel free to visit: http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/. Take a look!  You can vote for your favorite through May 15, 2011. 

So take a look at all the wonderful pieces everyone made - a feast for the eyes!

Sincerely,

Terah
TerahClassyCreations.etsy.com

Here's Lookin' At You!

I just couldn't resist!  With my latest buckle bracelet design being in the shape of an eye, this catchy little phrase just seemed to fit!

I used my Swirly Bracelet Band Pattern (available at www.TerahClassyCreations.Etsy.com) in a little different color-way - varying shades and saturations of purple.  It really gives it a different look - almost more like a brocade pattern. 

But the reall clincher is the buckle.  I created it with silver, metallic beads and formed an eye shape (or a marquis shape, all depending on how you want to look at it)!  This was a challenge, and very enjoyable to create. 

And of course, the credit for this idea goes straight to one of my wonderful customers!

So, if you have any ideas you think I should try, feel free to contact me through my shop or by commenting on this blog!!

Sincerely,

Terah
TerahsClassicCreations, a.k.a.,
TerahClassyCreations.Etsy.com

Brought Back by Diamond Buckles!

Sometimes life gets in the way.  I've been very busy learning a new language.  It's exciting, and I'm looking forward to becoming more fluent.  It may just open up many more opportunities - a whole other world of people to talk to.  Anyway, I've been pouring myself into that and haven't had much time to create lately.  Here in California it already feels like spring and I found myself sitting at my keyboard justing playing and enjoying the bright, cheerful sunlight streaming through the window.  Ahhh, so nice.  Well, with all my blabber aside, I haven't been completely bereft of creating lately.  I just haven't had many chances to share them with you.  Here are some examples:

This bracelet is actually thanks to a customer who specifically asked for this diamond shaped design!  I'm so grateful for inspiring people like her!  It really keeps me going!  The earrings (bottom picture) were actually a product of making the diamond buckle just a little too small at first.  So instead of scrapping the work, I decided to create some bold, geometric earrings!  Thanks again for the wonderful ideas!  I am working on another design right now that uses a different shaped buckle. . . . So stay tuned for that one!  :-D

Thanks again for the wonderful inspiration and input from everyone!

Sincerely,

Terah

(If you'd like to see more, visit my shop at http://www.terahclassycreations.etsy.com/.)

Peacock Power!

I have really been intrigued by the peacock feathers I've seen in fashion, and jewelry lately.  Recently, while my sister was visiting from out of state, we went to Old Sacramento and had a really fun day.  When passing by a shop, I noticed a pretty top that had peacock feathers on it and little rhinestones.  Not overdone at all, but fun looking!  So after some well needed coaxing from my mom and sister, I ended up buying it.  Little did I realize that it had made a bigger impression than I thought.

Just The Feather So Far. . 

One day I sat at my beading table and thought, "I wonder if I could somehow make a free-form beaded version of a peacock feather?"  So I Googled some images of peacock feathers to see which ones I would like to use as my color inspiration.  They were ALL so beautiful.  Nature is always the best in the way of inspiration!  No wonder - It comes from the hands of the best artist!

So after playing around with color combinations from beads in my stash, and combining a few stitches, such as herringbone, St. Petersburg chain, and brick stitch, I had my feather!  It was so much fun and such a challenge at the same time!  The rest of the necklace was woven in herringbone and then surface embellished with dark colored gold-stone chips (a beautiful man-made stone).

Incidentally, I also made it for the December 2011 Challenge for Etsy Beadweaver's - Arabesque Style.  This style usually includes paisley patterns, interlocking vines, and motifs.  Granted, the style of this necklace is much less busy-looking than most Arabesque-style artwork, but I positioned the peacock feather in such a way as to evoke the image of a paisley pattern as well as attaching the crystal encrusted pendant which is in the shape of a paisley.  Additionally, the clasp reminded me of a curling vine that interlocks with the loop side when attached.  If you'd like see other bead artist's rendition of this style, go to Etsy-Beadweavers.blogspot.com between December 9 - 15, 2011.

So here's the final result - The Peacock Necklace.

 

The clasp is positioned on the side, with my tag - a new addition which I am pretty excited about!

The Whole Set!

Now every time I look at this necklace I will think fondly of the time I spent in Old Sacramento with my family - especially my sister!

Lemon Drop Earrings - variation 1

Tah dah!!!  Here they are!!  The simple, yet bold accompaniment to my Lemon Drop Necklace!!  This is only 1 variation.  The others are soon to come!!!