Multi strand necklace - Ink and Pink

I am really liking these multi strand necklaces with the one random strand.




It has an elegant feel, is bold, but light. I like that you can just pile on the seed beads for a bulky look and not have to sacrifice your neck with all the weight. The only thing that was thought out in this whole design was the focal. I wanted it to be in that exact spot - other than that, it just happened.

I gave this to my sister in law. She is one of my biggest fans.

Summer Fun

I am not ready to let go of summer :)

I had that little focal for a while. Just a little plastic textured star with a tiny purple flaw. Embrace the flaw I say, and use it to bring the design together.





4 separate strands -
One of random beads from the Designer collection (this was a close out deal, but you should see their bead assortments!! ) at Rings & Things
One of seed bead - peridot - from Michaels
One of seed beads - lilac (Michales), with added dyed crazy lace agate coins from Sedona Stones
And the last of light blue seed beads and the strand woven thru the design to give it a floating feel.

This piece thrills me - It is so fun to wear, and a real mood lifter!

Learning to love turquoise

I was not a fan, I'll admit it. The only reason I started working with turquoise is my husband. We were at the Tucson Gem show, I was completly in sensory overload, wanting to buy everything at the first table I saw. If it wasn't for my husband I dont' think I would have made it. He dragged me by the hand keeping me on a steady cruisng pace to see all there was to see, then let me go. By then I had calmed down and was at a mere froth as opposed to a frenzy, somewhat in control. As we shopped, he kept taking me back to the turquoise. I didn't want any, I didn't like it - he said, "it isnt what you want dear, it is what your customers want."

I hate when he is right.......

In my mind I see the squash blossoms set in heavy silver designs from the 70's. I can't do that. I am a stringer. On the flip side of that, when I would see turquoise, it was a single strand of nothing but turquoise. Elegant, yes, boring, could be. Stop making excuses, Tish. I had to get over what I thought turquoise was for and find out what it was about. Turquoise is a great stone, beautiful in color, a beautiful focus, and a wonderful accent. It really does have it all. I have had a lot of fun with turquoise since then and I have to give my husband all the credit.

This is a fun chunky necklace that came about from the focal. About a 18 months ago, I was playing with this chunk of turquoise, trying to figgure out how to wrap it. It is so round I was having a hard time coming up with a design that would hold it securly. It is a drilled bead so I went with the obvious. I didn't care for it and set it aside. I came across it again, that little lonely piece of turquoise needing to be placed in a design. So I sat down to work.

Turquoise has an earthy feel to me. A real connection with the earth and all the things around me, so pairing it with wood was a no brainer.

I used a triple strand design. First strand of solid tiger eye. The second of red toho 3/0 beads accented with turquoise. The third strand, the 'focus strand', a symmetrical pattern of turquoise, red beads, quartz and wood beads. I added the wrapped pendant stone to the third strand. Then loosely weave them all together for a fun and jumbled look. It hangs about 20" so it is great with about any style shirt.








That lonely pendant that started it all.



What projects have you started and then set aside? Try picking it back up and see what creativity comes your way!

With a little help from my friends - Green kyanite necklace

I am at a crossroads and I need your help.

I am working on this necklace -



I want it to have the feel or look that you are wearing more than one necklace. A layering look. I love to pair up necklaces and wear several at a time. With this one, there is no effort, the one necklace does it for you.

I love this green kyanite. Kyanite is a personal favorite of mine. It is used for so many things. From fire bricks for kilns to brake pads to spark plugs to your very own porcelain bathroom sink! Did you know that??

I have an appreciation for kyanite and its everyday worth in our world, but I love it because of its properties. Kyanite brings loyalty, honesty and tranquility, and diminishes anger and confusion. Kyanite does not retain negative energy and never needs energetic cleansing. (1)





I paired the kyanite with peach aventurine and quartz. They compliment each other so well.

Aventurine benefits one in all areas of creativity, and imagination as well as intellect and mental clarity. It enhances prosperity and brings career success. It is a gentle stone energetically that gives a sense of calm and balance and enhances happiness. It also helps one to see potentials in all situations, giving a positive outlook, courage and inner strength. Aventurine brings friendship to one’s life.(2)

Honesty and friendship - I can't think of anything better :)

I did a simple wire wrap with copper on this mother of pearl pendant to create the focal.



Now I need to know what is missing. I keep looking at it scratching my head. It is two great looks, simple and clunky. It should work, right? Do I need to add dangles on the chain? Coins? Copper beads? Crystals? Would that flesh it out more? Do I need to separate the two and leave it at that?

What do I do?

Help me Bead-Oh-Wan-Kanobi, you're my only hope.



(1) from http://crystalsandjewelry.com/goodies/metaphysical/crystals
(2) from http://crystalsandjewelry.com/goodies/metaphysical/crystals