Almost Here . .

About a year ago I promised myself I would someday make a Calla Lily Necklace.  It was a particularly good year for my garden & my Calla Lilies were especially beautiful.  So I took some snapshots and they inspired me. 

(Aren't these Lilies beautiful?  By the way, this necklace is still available. :-)

(This necklace has long since sold - but honestly - I'm just showing you the Calla Lilies, right?)

 

 

 

I've made a few things in lieu of that idea, i.e., these listings here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/73113973/wire-work-earrings-filigree-lily-in-rosy or https://www.etsy.com/listing/107639909/earrings-metalwork-lily-dangle-with-red.  But they weren't EXACTLY what I had in mind.  I wanted to make an asymmetrical necklace with a bead-woven Calla Lily as center stage.

So after a year of deliberating, and after learning to do the viking-knit wire-weaving technique, it all came together.  I have now created the necklace I had in mind, plus a pair of matching earrings.  I can't wait to show them to you, but they are off to be professionally photographed - another thing I'm extremely excited about! 

So, this is exclusive information.  Only a few people have seen these finished pieces.  As soon as I have the pictures available, I will let you know - before they're available in my shop!  Hopefully it will only be a week or two.  So let the count-down begin! . . . . .

Inspiration Journey

A couple of months ago my husband and I went on a simple outing - just to a local garden.  (And when I say local I REALLY mean local.  Just in the neighboring town a few miles away.)  We had been to quaint little garden that was owned by a very nice couple at their home.  They had run a business growing a huge variety of irises and selling the bulbs.  The last time my husband and I had been there was before we were married - so it was time to go back.

When we got there, it looked a bit different.  The irises were gone, and the owner came out and told us they were unfortunately no longer in business.  We were both disappointed, but she kindly gave us a small tour of her existing garden, which was still very nice.  Here's a snapshot of some flowers I thought were beautiful.

Next door was a ranch that had newly-sheared Alpaca's!  They were SOO cute - so I got a shot of them too!  I just love the way they left a little tuft of hair on the top of their heads!

 

 

 

Well, this doesn't have a lot to do with my creations, but you never know when some flowers like these will end up in some of my beaded jewelry.  Or, maybe I will be inspired to use more Alpaca fibers in my knitting!  When I do, I will think of this cute creature with it's big eyes!

Actually, speaking of flowers, I did make a calla lily necklace that was inspired by my own garden - I hope to share that with you in the next couple of weeks!  It combines bead-weaving and extensive wire-work in one piece. . . so until then,

Have fun!

Sincerely,

Terah

VICTORIAN PANORAMA PURSE

This is called the "Victorian Panorama Purse" despite the scene of a chinese bridge & almond blossoms because its overall style strikes me as more Victorian. The netted fringe is done in the style of a chandelier. It contains seed beads, glass drops, fresh-water pearls, fire-polished rondelles, garnet briolettes, and rose quarts. The body of this draw-string purse measures approximately 5"x6". It is lined with a chocolate-colored Shantung dotted with charlottes on the inside edge.

This little treasure took approximately 4 - 6 months to actually create (not including planning stages) and is probably one of the most extensive and challenging projects I've designed! The bead fabric was made using circular herringbone and was inspired by a scene found in a book at the local library. This particular project has a special place in my heart! Enjoy!