Bracelet Update

I have the blues and golds bracelet all stitched and attached onto its base.  All I need to do is the edge stitching!  In the meantime...I started another one in purple, burgundy and lots of sparkle!  Hee are a few pictures of my progress. 

Off to the Mt. Dora Crafts festival next week so stay tuned for new inspirations from sunny Florida!

Cuff Bracelet

I love this color combination!  Carnelian cabochons, a vintage topaz domed cabochon and two vintage azure blue.  I used lots of tones of blues and brown to complete the palette.  Stay tuned for finished pieces. 

Bib Necklace

Almost completed bib necklace.  Just waiting on some beads I had to order to complete this large piece.  The center cabochon is a frosted vintage piece surrounded by different faceted and plain mirrored piece.  Black seed beads and a tiny delica sparkle around each cabochon. 

Earrings

It seems a recent buying trip has inspired me to make multiple pairs of earrings.  A lot of these are vintage cabochons of lucite and glass.  Here is a peek into what I have been beading...

Some Finished Projects

I decided to try and finish up some stringing and clasps today on some older projects that were almost, but not quite, finished.  I ended up finishing 3 before lunch! 

One is a pink quartz cabochon surrounded by lots of faceted garnets. I continued with more garnets in the stringing.  The second a lovely purple stone that I enhanced with a crystal at the bottom.  Strung with off drilled freshwater pearls, swarovski crystals and more garnets it is perfectly set off by a sterling handmade clasp.  And the third is lovely apple green cabochons that I paired with burgundy, black, gold and more green seed beads with matching faceted glass beads.  I made a pair of earring to match this one and was the more pleased with this out of the bunch.  I tried some new techniques with joining the cabochons together and like the effect I got.  I don't usually do fringe but this one just seemed to call for it.

Now I am off for more organizing and to search for more unfinished projects!

New Inspiration

Sometimes it is the latest "thing" you acquire that inspires you.  This weekend we went on a weekend excursion to Freeport, Maine to visit "The Beadin Path".  They specialize in vintage materials including great little flowers and beads.  And recently I discovered an old tray cabinet full of lots of vintage cabochons.  This is one of my favorite places to visit for materials and inspiration.  I got lots of cool new beads and supplies.  One of the things I got while there was a round piece of hammered metal in varying shades of copper .  I paired it with some different colors and love the result.  The tiny daggers dangling from the bottom  were also bought there.

I also got a shipment of new cabochons that included the rectangular cab I used to make a little fetish necklace.  I just love the tiny green, purple and brown beads I used on this piece.  Each one is coated with a fine film of glitter that sparkles in the light.  Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls encircle her neck. 

I also have a new monkey necklace almost done that should be posted soon!

Animal Necklaces

I have included a couple of pictures of some new animal necklaces.  The Monkey is now happily residing in Miami.  The tiger is still for sale.  There have been lots of new things flying off the neading board so stay tuned for new updates.  I have resolved to try and be better about posting more often!

This weekend we went on a road trip to view a gallery I am considering.  It was amazing and I am going to send in the paperwork soon.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!  This is also the time of year to figure out upcoming shows for the season so lots of office time and decisions. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Although quiet on here the outside world has been busy!  I had several orders for the xmas season!!  A monkey, gargoyle cat and wolf were among the animal inspired necklaces that went to their "forever homes"!  Thanks everyone!  And to a certain "collector" (who shall remain nameless in case "they" read this blog) I hope that you love what you are getting under the tree! 

Pictures are coming soon of some of the new things that have left the beading board so stay tuned.  In the meantime savor the holiday season!  I know mine will contain lots of comfort and joy and a certain amount of "bling" under the tree! 

Thanks again for a wonderful year of beading and living life to the fullest!

The Colors of Fall

I had a friend tell me this reminded her of caviar....to me the light catches it and I think of bubbly champagne!  Both are good analogies of the color and the way the light refracts from it.  Hand drilled agate beads complete this perfectly.

Apatite Necklace

I love this "cooler" color of blue.  I find it very soothing and love the pairing of bronze gold with it.

Updated Designs

After a very busy summer I am back at the bead board creating new designs!  I also found out that the April issue of Vanity Fair will the "one".  So stay tuned for updates and photo shoot info.  I am really excited about being in the magazine.  Here are a few pictures to let you know what I have been doing.

Foggy Maine Morning

This marble cabochon reminds me of a grey morning in Maine.  I saw just this scene the other day...a grey fog rolling off the water with mountains framed in the background.  Silhouetted in black...for those of you who have had the opportunity to visit or live here you know just what I mean!

Girl With Eagle

A carved bison piece surrounded by amber and amber colored seed beads.  Looking for the perfect stringing beads for this piece.  It is still a "work in progress".  I had initially done some antler slices and may add those into the mix as well or they may become earrings.

Fetish Doll Pendant

A long time ago I vowed to make a dozen of these.  I sold one yesterday which reminded me so here is another one!  Vintage cats eye cabochon body with handmade, and painted, clay face.  Embellished with brass colored seed beads and rose pink and black sparkly delicas.  Around her throat are a pink freshwater pearl, a brown freshwater pearl and sparkly crystal.  Ready to be hung from a black cord.

Finished Cuff Bracelet

Finally got the edge stitching done on this beautiful cuff bracelet.  Done in shimmering colors of metallic grey and pinks.  Enhanced with bugle beads, a center cabochon, rock chips, delicas and e beads.  Lined with the softest black ultrasuede.  A sparkle for any one's wrist!  SOLD

Chaos in Blue Boat

I am almost done with this piece titled "Chaos in Blue Boat".  A sterling silver boat sails thru an ocean of blue beach glass, beads and pearls.  Close to the rocks and amidst crashing waves.

August

August has a way of zooming in at high speed and keeping you running all month here.  I have been doing extra shifts at work leaving little time to bead.  But I do have a few things in progress on the board.  An antler slice and carved buffalo piece (girl with eagle hair).  I used amber seed beads and chips of amber for it.  Also a blue seaglass and sterling boat.  As well as a grey piece of marble with black and grey tones.  As well as an almost finished bangle bracelet that I am in love with!  I started it a long time ago and just got to the edge stitch and finishing touches.

I finally was given the gift of a perfect deer skull to start on!  It is perfect and special.  With shades of red, green and tan it is going to be spectacular when I get it done.  I have wanted to do one for so long now.  I will post pictures when I start the project which will take a while. 

Seaweed Froth with Mussel Shell

Black Onyx carved Mussel embellished with a froth of green oxidized seed beads and cream colored freshwater pearls.  Backed with green ultrasuede.  Strung with seed beads and freshwater pearls.  Finished off with a hand forged sterling silver clasp.  One of a kind and "simply Maine".

Maine granite with Pearl

Another Maine Inspired piece.  I like the way the pearl settles in this one.  Simple and understated.  Black seed beads, mauve freshwater pearl with green bronze delica's.  Backed with black ultrasuede and a magnet clasp cord.

Maine Beach China in Blue

Small shard of Maine beach china hand drilled and embellished with blue crystals and delft blue seed beads.  Backed with grey ultrasuede and suspended by a black magnetic cord.