Little something for Mama :)

While at the gem show, I had a few items on a custom order list that I had to look for, so you know I had to do a quick run thru of the beads, just to see what was out there. While on the hunt for the custom order pieces, I ran across these......



I couldn't pass them up!!!

I love the faceted citrine, the multi color resin beads, and the beautiful faceted rutilated quartz. There was so much more I wanted to get, but I did practice restraint - for the first time in my life.

I wish I would have taken my camera, there is so much I would love to have shared with you, but then again, all of the pictures would have come out blurry and it would only have been frustrating.

If you went to a bead show, what would you not be able to pass up?

Pendants again

I can't stop with the pendants. I do love them so.

I made these yesterday in between calls at work

Pretty pink resin rectangle with copper swirls and a vintage rose button.




Marble cab decorated with seed beads and smoky quartz.



There is so much freedom with wire wrapping. I swear at times the wire moves itself!

April issue Bead Trends

I was fortunate to have had two of my pieces published in this months Bead Trend magazine. Now that the issue has been out on the stands for a while, I thought I would share my 'spread' with you :)


Sand Dancer - made from large resin beads * I got as a blog partner with Art Beads and beautiful scalloped copper bead caps I purchased from Rings & Things




They used two pages for this piece. The left page for the directions, and a close











And the facing page for the full piece.

Here I have used the purple and orange beads capped with copper as the focal of the necklace. Copper jump rings attached to copper links make the chain, and are accented with green spider cubes, topaz glass druk beads, rainbow carnelian squares, Czech glass and Swarovski crystals.




Random Elegance




Marbled ovals, faceted moonstone heishi beads, lampwork beads, and pearls are all from Sedona Stones. The vintage glass beads, seed beads and sterling are from my inventory.










On the facing page were two detail shots and the directions for making the necklace.











There is still time to submit for October 2010's issue of Bead Trends!! The are accepting submissions til April 30th.

Here is what they are looking for this month -

• Quick & Easy
  
• Fashion Favorites - Features designs from a variety of styles and mediums that can be a personal favorite or necessary staple in any wardrobe.
• Birthstones (Opal/Pink Tourmaline)
• Anything Goes - The beaded possibilities are endless and not just limited to jewelry. What about pillows, table runners, picture frames, lamps, clothing, candle collars, wine glass charms, and home decor. This category can contain jewelry and a whole lot more!
• Handmade Beads - Whether polymer clay, PMC, or lampwork, artists make the most beautiful designs with handmade beads
• Wire Artistry - Designs that include wire wrapping
• Sentimental Favorites - Designs that contain sentimental elements from recycled pieces of family treasures, gift beads, or symbolic new found treasures. We want to see your designs and hear your stories.
  
• Earrings

Get your creative caps on kids and get your submissions in!!!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

More ArtBeads Fun!!

Got home from work last nite, and there was my order from ArtBeads!



What was in this order?
BBA-EAR03 - Antique Brass-Plated Plain Earwire
SS-OJR30-F - STG Open Jump Ring - 0.030 x .210 inc
TOOL-101 - Nipper Tool - not pictured
SSWR12HHF - Sterling Wire Round 12 Gauge HALF HARD - not pictured
48722 - Copper Wire Wrapped Center Toggle Clasp
48712 - Copper Thick Rope Wrapped S Clasp
BCACH12 - Antique Copper-Plated Textured Oval Link
BCCH19 - Copper-Plated Oval Link Chain

I have to tell you, I am thrilled - THRILLED with that copper chain. It makes my heart happy!! it is beautiful.

That copper plated oval chain inspired me as soon as I opened the package. I gathered up the left over beads I had from the 'sand dancer' necklace and got to work. The large purple resin bead was set to be the focal of this necklace. I didn't want to take away from the beauty of the chain but use it to be the showcase for the pendant. I made a wire wrapped loop and attached a copper link to it. I packed the link with beads to add motion to the piece. Next I added a few beads up one side of the chain to help to lead your eyes to the focal.

Here, the purple resin bead as the focal, accented with green spider cubes, topaz glass druk beads, rainbow carnelian squares, Czech glass, amethyst rounds and Swarovski crystals.









While on the phone with my daughter I started this bracelet. I never make bracelets. I love the multi strand bracelets and the bulk of them. I thought the mass of the bracelet would be a nice offset to the simplicity of the necklace. I have made several of this style of bracelet but why I don't continue to do them is a mystery.








Finished off the set with a simple pair of earrings.



And of course, I am wearing them today!

ArtBeads Blog Partner Challenge - Large Resin Roundels

Music is a big part of my life, and a huge source of my inspiration. One of my favorites is Andreas Vollenweider. Each of his songs tells a story without using words. This morning while listening to Morgana Palace and I see the necklace in my head. I see her dancing on the sand with a bonfire burning in the back ground. It is a celebration.

The focus of this necklace is the Large Resin Roundels from ArtBeads. I love these beads. They are so bold and eye catching. The beauty of the resin beads is their weight. They are so light!! You can really bulk up a necklace or use them as focals for a piece and never have to worry about the jewelry being to heavy or uncomfortable.

Here I have used the purple and orange beads capped with copper as the focal of the necklace. Copper jump rings attached to copper links make the chain, and are accented with green spider cubes, topaz glass druk beads, rainbow carnelian squares, Czech glass and Swarovski crystals.

I love the copper bead caps on these beads. They accent them perfectly and make them look like little lanterns.






I want to dance in the sand when I wear this!




Here is the song that brought on the inspiration