Pantone's Colors for Spring 2017

These are the top 10 colors for Spring 2017 according to Pantone, and I love them!

When I work on my designs, I use the metaphysical properties of the stones to relay an energy to the wearer, to offer healing to the soul. There is more to it as well, like the colors and patterns that are dictated each year to be the 'it' thing. I try to keep aware of what is going on in the fashion industry, as I work on my designs, because lets face it, I have to make sales as well. I try to find a happy medium of creating my healing jewelry and fitting in on the edges of fashion to be appealing to a broader audience. 

That being said, I peeked in on Pantone to see what was going on for spring this year. These colors are beautiful, and soothing. 

Then I set off for Firemountain Gems to see what they had ( no they don't pay me to name drop, it is just where I shop)

 I found these beautiful dyed agate beads

These colors are all over in the natural world, and some do have a little bit of help with some dye. This color pallet is also one that I love to work with. (it's orange )

Can't wait to see what I find at the trade show in March!!!!

Which is your favorite color? Which of these colors would you like to work with?

And as always, Be peaceful, Be kind. 

Remember to explore, create, dream, imagine and discover!

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

ArtBeads ‘What’s Old is New Again!’ Blogger Challenge

Hey, remember this?



BS-0038 6x8mm Dark Amber and Opaque Sky Blue with Picasso Roundel Bead Strand *

SW-BD245 Stoneware Brown with Light Blue Daisies Tube Bead *

LMP-0146 Yellow and Orange Roundel Beads (7 pcs) *

CR-RL131 5x4mm Opaline Yellow Roundelle Strand *

I got a great selection of fun items from ArtBeads for their 'What's Old is New Again' challenge. I got the new beads from Artbeads and am using an blue glass necklace of my mom's as the old.

I found these earrings that I had picked up last year when I was in St. Louis visiting my daughter from a thrift store and added them to the mix last minute.


I was really aprehensive about popping that necklace apart, but I finally did it! Here is the 'mess' of inspiration!



Let me tell you how much fun I had with this challenge. All of these colors are so bright and cheery, I didn't want to stop this morning!

Are these adorable or what!!!!! I can't help but smile when I see them.



Fun and bright, simply knotted hemp necklace. This is casual, but with an attitude :) It flirts with a tshirt and says "I dare you" with a plunged neck sundress - can you wear it?


and to complete the perfect summer ensemble, a bold and chunky bracelet.



I am not done!! I have more coming tomorrow!


What would you have made?


Want to see more creations inspired by the What's Old is New Again challenge? Check out ArtBeads Facebook page!!

*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.

Wishlist Thursday - Beadin Path Vintage Lucite

This is what I am drooling over today -



These are Vintage Lucite beads from Beadin Path. The description states:
Caramel Apple Red & Amber Mix Tube. Mixes will vary from tube to tube. Tube size is 1.25x5.5 inches, and approx. 94 grams of beads.

I am in a red mood - have been for a while. I am ready for summer and want to start designing for those hot summer nights.

How cute would these be scattered through a multi strand chain necklace, worn with a white v neck t-shirt dress........

Oh kids - I need some summer bad!!!

ArtBeads Colors of Fall Design Partner Challenge!

ArtBeads did a great design partner challenge this go around using the 2010 Fall color pallet as the guide. Choose components that co ordinate with the color pallet as your challenge. Great colors for fall this year:




Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially in the south. Coming out of those long hot dog days of summer into the clear crisp fall days is such a treat. Fall lasts longer here, mixing with the final hues of summer, the colors are amazing. As the summer fades, you still see scants of green hanging from tree branches heading into their winter slumber.

You ever smell grapes in the fall - right after a frost?? OMG - the best smell in the world. The leaves turn brown and the little vine "curly Q's" come peaking out, and there are just a couple little green grapes left. That was the inspiration for these earrings. Using the Fire-Polished Bead 8mm Opaque Turqoise Picasso beads (FPS-PI-OTU8) to represent the grapes, and hung them from copper curls - they look like little grapes don't they?? :)



Then you have all of those wonderful fall colors, warm and bright. Picasso glass from Art Beads, (white and turquoise) along with mookite make fun clusters at the bottom of this necklace.


This is a fun, almost beachy style necklace. Leather thong with copper coils to hold it together in a faux bolo style. The grouping of beads hanging from the ends look like groups of leaves hanging low on branches. There is a hint of sparkle from the Swarovski crystals, like that sparkle of dew in the mornings.


It has a fun and off center style.



Have you seen the colors on fire during the autumn sunset? Love the horizon during the fall. The sun is most spectacular during the fall.


There are more great designs to come using great supplies from Art Beads!!

Stay tuned!

*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.

Spring furnace glass fun with Art Beads!

Gumdrops and Easter, jonquils and daffodils, this is a celebration of spring from Art Beads!!
I kept the design simple wanting the cluster of furnace glass to get all of the attention. And you know how I am about that furnace glass!!!


Here are the components from ArtBeads.com that went into this necklace -
PBA-LX003 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Clover Shape Heart Link *
PBA-LX021 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Abstract Oval Link *
BBACH08 Antique Brass-Plated Figaro Chain *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz *
VIN-0041 Pink Glass Teardrop Vintage Patina Copper Head Pin *
BBA-HP15 1.5-inch Antique Brass-Plated 23 Gauge Head Pin 24 *


The holes in the furnace glass beads are large, so I used the green glass and seed beads as 'stoppers' and it was also a nice addition to the dangles. Gave it a bit more depth.

Bam! In your face colors of Spring!!


It explodes from your neck with bright springtime colors



Am starting to put away my sweaters and break out my short sleeve shirts. Can't wait to wear this!

*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.

January's Birthstone - Garnet

No wonder the saying 'slower than molasses in January' is so true. You ever try and pour cold molasses? When I think January, I think cold, then I think garnets!

Garnet is January's birthstone as we all know, but did you know that garnets come in a range of colors? Here are examples of some. I found examples of all of these different garnets online. Click on the picture and it will take you to the site for more gemstone information.

Almandine - Deep, dark, rich red to purplish red to orange red (probably the most common)



Demantoid - Medium green to slightly yellowish green



Hessonite - Brilliant yellow to yellowish brown (one of my favorites)



Pyrope - Deep, dark, rich red to slightly purple red



Rhodolite - Shades of pink through reddish lavender (absolutely stunning)



Spessartite - Medium orange to reddish orange (sometimes called mandarin garnet and makes me stupid happy)



Tsavorite - Medium, intense green to slightly yellowish green (now ya know why emeralds are the alternate birthstone for January)



Uvarovite - Bright green (most of the examples I found for this garnet were all druzy's)




Now I know you are all wondering "Where can I get garnets?"

Rings & Things
Faceted Fan, Tip Drilled (Rhodolite Garnet)




ArtBeads
Green Grossular Garnet Roundelles




Beadin Path
Garnet Graduated Faceted Marquis Briolettes



I know you have ideas running thru your head right now. Not only is garnet the birthstone for January, but garnets also represent romantic love and passion, making them perfect for your valentine!!

Carnelian and vintage lucite, with a dash of pearls, Recipie for a fun holiday necklace

It's Thanksgiving, you just bought a new sweater to wear to Aunt Sarahs for dinner and you want a new necklace to go with it.

That is what was running through my head as I was making this piece. I got caught up in the memories of watching my mom when I was little, getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner with family and wearing her new outfit and fussing about her appearance. It was important to her, and to her family to be their best on the holidays. Family would come in from all over the country for a long weekend of catching up, eating, sleeping, eating again and facing the Black Friday crowds at the local department stores to kick off the holiday shopping.

Loaded with fall colors, warm and inviting, the carnelian rectangles definitely make me hungry. They look sweet, like butterscotch candies, or pumpkin pie.

Your shopping list:
Carnelian rectangles - Sedona Stones
Vintage lucite Dark Rust Moonglow Heishi Rondells 4 x 8mm - Beadin Path
Citrine coins - Sedona Stones
Vintage lucite Cube Beads 10mm Smoky Quartz - Beadin Path
22-gauge Copper wire - Rings & Things
Fresh water pearls - Sedona Stones
Faceted red agate - Sedona Stones



Wrap seven carnelian rectangles with the copper wire.
Add copper links with vintage lucite beads - set aside.



String a pattern of pearls, vintage lucite, citrine and red agate and work into the design.
Add a clasp



Polish off the fingerprints (this step I forgot)
Wear with a smile.



Perfect recipe for a great holiday necklace

Celebrating sping - Beadin Path Design Partner

*blink* *blink* Celebrating spring? whaa???

I can't help myself.

Here in NC it isn't so bad in the fall. It is pretty temperate all year actually. The problem lies in my mind - there I said it.

In my mind November is cold, frost on the pumpkin, crops comin in out of the fields, sweaters, blazing fire places, dark mornings, and gaining 15 lbs.

I am already projecting myself into April's cool moist mornings, fragrant with freshly tilled earth and early blooming flowers. That is the inspiration or mebbe even the desperation that channeled this bracelet.

Close your eyes and think of spring and the grass that is trying to grow. Clumps, spotty through the yard, with tiny violas, jonquils and crocus' pushing their way up. I am there, barefoot, wiggling my toes in the cool morning grass.




I used the LUC4525OR Vintage Lucite Tangerine Moonglow - 7mm rounds from Beadin Path as one of the strands.

Pink fresh water pearls or the second strand.
Lampwork, crackle quartz and opalite for the third strand

Give them a good mingle.




Three strands for a bulky sunshiney spring time celebration bracelet.
I'm ready.

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!

Beadin Path - Design Partner October Challenge

Today was one of those overcast cool fall days that made me want to stay in my jimjam's and bake cookies all day. My pantry was empty and I needed to go to the store so I made jewelry instead!

I worked on several pieces today made from vintage lucite from Beadin Path. I have the delightful honor of being one of their design partners. Beadin Path is so gracious to send me a sampling of their beads and in return I review the products on my blog.

What is vintage lucite I hear you say? To quote Heather DeSimone, Bead Diva of Beadin Path:

"DuPont Corp. introduced lucite in 1937. Since it was more cost effective to produce than the currently used bakelite, lucite was used in production of costume jewelry as early as 1940. The most easily recognized form of lucite is the “moonglow” style that is used in the popular “jelly belly” jewelry which was produced in the 1950’s & is now highly collected. During WWII, many other colors were introduced including marbleized opaques, jewel tones in transparent stripes, and other styles.

Our collection was the contents of a warehouse that stopped producing beads & jewelry components in the 1970’s. Most of the stock was overages from production in the 50’s & 60’s for companies such as Trifari, Coro, Monet, Avon& Napier. All of our stock is new & uncirculated so it is in pristine condition.

What makes our beads different is the quality you’ll find in lucite vs. other plastics. It is a heavier material & the beads that were produced lend themselves nicely to mixing with heavier beads like stone & glass. Most of these beads are also “lathe-turned” carved from a long tube of lucite, vs. press-molded & therefore you won’t see seams. We hope you like the old lucite beads as much as we do & we’re happy to help you start growing your palette of lucite."

Now that you know a little more about lucite, let me show you what I made today!

I didn't intend for this to come out as a set - it is just how the beads lead me. I combined both -
LUC4759RD - Vintage Italian Lucie Marbled Red w/ White - 12mm rounds and LUC4725RD - Vintage Lucite Transparent Siam Ovals - 10 x 12mm along with freshwater pearls, faceted opalite, sterling barrels and wooden beads from my supplies. I want a bulky multilayer look. I brought it all together with a fun chain off of an old re puposed necklace.




The bracelet is a great accent using the middle strand of the necklace as the guideline and finishing it off with some more of the re purposed chain.



I separated a couple of the links of the necklace and used the links as accents in the earrings.

We are going out tonite with friends - I am gonna take this bad boy for a test drive :)



Going a little on the lighter side, I wanted a longer style but still a layered look. I think it would look great over a sweater. I added swarovski crystals and some vintage crystals I have from a necklace of my grandmothers.



I love the side drilled beads. I love how they 'cluster'.






I had a little bit of left over chain, so I thought why not! A little something for him too!