New Designs

I've been working on a few new designs...

Jeweled Bracelet made with over 100 Swarovski 4mm Jet 2AB bicones, 6mm Amethyst Rounds, 6mm Amethyst Cubes, Rondelles, Squaredells and custom coated 4mm rounds.  All of this was strung onto oval memory wire with 2 TierraCast 5-strand spacers.  A 3 Strand filigree silver plated box clasp was added to keep this tight to the wrist.

The earrings to match the Jeweled Bracelet.  Custom coated very large Swarovski Teardop Pendants, Jet 2AB bicones and 12mm Cosmic beads in Amethyst.  BIG AND SPARKLY!

Another color combo for the African Polygon Stitch using matte S/L Teal, Gunmetal seed beads (8/0) and Magenta Lined Amethyst 8/0 Triangles.  Accented with 6mm Swarovski Rounds and 3mm green iris Firepolish.

Roman Medallion Necklace was stitched using 13/0 pewter colored charlottes, Miyuki's new Duracoat 11/0 in Champagne, Swarovski 4mm gold pearls, several other Swarovski specialties.  The technique used is Bead Embroidery.  This was a simple stitching project--the colors seemed a bit odd at first but I really liked them--Gold and Platinum pearls, Champagne and Pewter and a touch of Lt Colorado Topaz and Black Diamond.

Enjoy and remember.....Bead Happy!

Sneak Peek

Just a little sneak peek into a project I've been working on....I think that I might try to see if there might be an interest in getting this one published....

I've been trying out some new stuff...it's been kinda fun to go outside of my box.

Do you go outside of your box? Whether it's color, technique or something brand new? I think I am most critical of my new endeavors...but it makes me think about the overall look. 

New Projects, New Technique

I've been happily working on some wirework....this is something new for me.  The picture below was my very 1st project with the coiling/wrapping technique.  I used 16 gauge copper wire as my base and 26 gauge silver plated wire to coil and add on the 3mm Firepolish.  The outside dangles are dyed quartz rondelles and the large central dangles are vintage German gladd beads purchased in Portsmouth, NH.

These delicate little beauties were my 3rd attemp and were just me fooling around.  I was inspired by a trip to the local box store and their costume jewelry selection.  I used 22 gauge wire as my base and 26 gauge copper wire to wrap/coil.  The accents are ivory ceylon 8/0 seed beads and small rice-shaped freshwater pearls.  These were a bit trickier because the wire is soft and thin but so worth the delicate, airy look!

Hope you've enjoyed my practice runs at some wiring beyond the basic earring.

Bead Happy!

Michelle

What's been shakin'

Ok...it's been awhile since I've posted anything new.  I've been working on several things--Christmas Ornaments for our Ornament October classes (we had 3 new ornaments this year) and then I totally got hooked on the new rivets from Vintaj. 

Above are my samples that I played around with to try out the rivets. Of course I had to add a bit of sparkle to some.  Our class is full for this project on November 14, but don't worry, we will be having this class again after the 1st of the year!

We've gotten in a bunch of cool new books including Seed Bead Fusion by Rachel Nelson Smith.  Isn't this a cool bracelet.  I used Met. Gold Iris 8/0 & 11/0 and Matte Met. Green Iris 11/0 and fushia Swarovski crystals.  This is really an easy technique! 

One of her projects--the Shiloh necklace--was offered as a class at the Bead and Button Show this past summer.  I almost took this class it was sooo pretty!  Can't wait to try this project.  We've sold out of some of the books that we've gotten in over the last couple of weeks...but we will be getting more in time for the holidays.  So put some books on your holiday wish list!

There are some new holiday earring ideas that we will have out...Aren't these candle sticks adorable!?! 

Thread on a 10mm Swarovski 3700 (Margarita bead), 3 4mm bicones, 1 4mm Swarovksi Rondelle and a Swarovski 5500 (9x6 drop bead).  Create your wrapped loop or simple loop and attach to an earwire.  These cuties are about 1 inch long (not including the earwire).

And these little cuties...Christmas Lights!  Thread on (narrow side down) a Swarovski 5500 (9x6 drop), a 4mm rondelle and a 4mm round (Swarovski 5000).  Create your wrapped loop or simple loop and attach to the earwire. 

There have been other things that I've been toying around with...I've been trying to practice my wire skills so that I can teach more wire classes next year.  I've also been playing with some new weaving patterns and wire knitting on a spool. 

What new things have you been working on or reading?

Oh!  And if you didn't know...I had my hair all cut off!  Talk about change...I donated 10 inches to Pink Heart Funds which will accept hair donations of 6 inches or more.  The hair is used to make wigs for children AND adults who are in need!  So if you or someone you know would like to donate hair but do not have 10 inches to spare this is the organization to use.  I found this organization through AARP magazine. 

All for now and promise to post more often! 

Bead Happy!

Michelle