Last minute this and that

Am working a later shift for the next two days, so I had some xtra time this morning to whip up some 'filler' for my booth this weekend. I started making more of the memory wire bracelets and had an idea. Being I am going to have more room than expected I wanted to have a great display and not to too sparse. Normally I put a few of the issues of Bead Trends Magazine out in the display next to the piece that was in that issue.

If I am going to have a book on the table, why not have a book mark or two? I also like to have a diverse offering for my customers, not everyone is into jewelry so I have the key chains, and zipper pulls to fill in that gap.

Today was my last morning for creativity. Tonite and tomorrow I will be getting things organized and stacked ready to pull out first thing Saturday morning.

I am already edgy because I have a couple of ideas knocking around in my head and I know I can't do anything with it till Sunday. I will have to jot it down I think.

What do you do to remember your designs when you don't have time to bead?


Dyed howlite, magnesite, carnelian, glass pearl, quartz


Tigers eye, agate, vintage lucite, glass pearls



Fluorite, crystals, citrine, turquoise, vintage Czech glass.


Fire crab agate, glass pearl, fancy jasper


Fancy jasper, vintatge lucite, Czech crystal, citrine


Rutilate quartz, malachite, vintage lucite, Czech glass


Raspberry 'quartz' glass, banded agate, vintage button, glass pearl, swarovski


Sesame jasper


Crazy horse jasper

New Design - Lepidolite and amazonite necklace

According to The Insider, bold, large, chunky, statement making jewelry is where it's at this 2009 fall/winter season. I couldn't be happier! Granted what was seen on the run way is an over the top statement of what will be in stores this year. My style is just that, chunky necklaces that are the focal of the wardrobe, not the accent to the ensemble.

This morning over coffee and between chasing the dogs up and down the stairs and around the yard, I wanted to make one of those 'non seasonal committed' necklaces. I wanted a big fun necklace that will go great during any season and with any wardrobe. I think I did it.

Great colors of purples, grays, and sea foam greens accented with copper on a warm chocolaty hemp cord. Perfect for fall, creates happy thoughts during the winter, cheers on the spring and cools off the summer.

Yup - it's a keeper.

Rings & Things September Blogger Challenge

Let me just say - WOW! - to Rings & Things and their gemstone choices. They have one of the best gemstone selections I have seen in an online supplier and their pricing makes shopping easy and painless for any budget.

I put together a necklace using the ocean jasper tip drilled 65 x 45mm tear drop pendant as the focal. This pendant was breath taking it was so beautiful. There were several places on the stone where it did not fully form and left wonderful crystal 'druzy' pockets. I could sit and look at it for hours, the colors, swirls, patterns and textures mesmerize me! This puppy nearly filled my palm it was so huge, and was only $8.00!! How do they do it?

I wanted to make this piece more earthy, fresher, that is why I used the wood beads and strung it on hemp. Something that would not be limited to season, that can be worn anytime but moreso by the person who is not limited by style or fashion. The person who makes their own statement will understand this necklace.


I accented the piece with wooden beads and jade rounds.




Close up of that beautiful focal

Trying something new

I don't know which retail chain I was in when I saw the necklace, all I know is it made me stop in my tracks. It wasn't the most beautiful but it was very interesting. It was earthy and chunky, very casual, but at the same time, I know me, I would wear it to black tie event just cuz I could :) It was beautiful gemstones of greens and browns with tiny copper charms worked in. Glorious!

The cord was knotted between each bead, I am guessing mebbe a silk cord, that looked like tiny rope, that is the best way I can describe it. it looked like it has a nice flow to it, not stiff at all.

So I decided to play around with this look. I really like it. It does justice to summer I think. I didn't have any soft cord, but I did have some hemp.

The hemp although was great to learn with - is scratchy!! OMG! I took it for a test drive, no no no no no, not on bare skin, just saying kids. Am looking for something softer. Also - I have to find new beads. Beads with bigger holes. But that is not a bad thing - new beads :)

Here is the first try - my daughter has laid claim to this one, naturally. It is a heat treated agate focal, with tiger eye, faceted carnelian, copper, and big rutilated quartz puffed ovals. I put tiny heishi cut turquoise in there for a splash of color and a bit of flirt.





I stopped by the LampworkDiva's blog and she has been playing with the bronze metal clay - the PERFECT material for this necklace. Her little charms are awesome!

This next one, I wanted something crazy busy and over the top. I had a box of mixed lampwork beads from Michaels, so I picked out all the beads that had the biggest holes and went to town. I took 6 different lengths of the hemp and knotted the beads randomly on each strand. I can honestly say, I wish I had used 12 strands. I need more. I wore this to work and got several compliments on it, which surpised me. It just goes to show, just cuz I am not happy with it, don't mean that it will not please someone else.



Now off to poke around for some interesting beads and see if I can find that silky cord stuff.

Do you already have some of these items in your inventory? Did you buy them from Rings & Things? From now till the end of July, they are having a contest for Product Review! It's easy, just go to www.rings-things.com and post a review of your favorite product.


Oh, and if I squint I can see the weekend! I am ready!