The Daisy Chain

Summer is here!!! The warm weather has arrived and the flowers are blooming.  Not only are they blooming in the park, but my work as well!  Below is a link to a  tutorial for making flower, or daisy chain, necklaces, which I have written for Cravehandmade.com.

http://www.cravehandmade.com/featured/basic-beading-weaving-the-daisy-chain/

Happy Beading!!!!!

Red Jewelry

I have been really busy preparing for summer shows, so it has been awhile since I have blogged. This week I have featured in my Etsy store bright red jewelry!  There is just something about the color of red that warms me up and puts a smile on my face!  In Asian cultures red is considered the color of prosperity and joy.  No matter what hue, and there are so many of them, the rich color comes through and stands out!

Here are a few I have featured this week in my Etsy store.

This necklace was featured by the Etsy Promotion Team 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/122848776/red-and-gold-long-lariatrope-1920s?ref=shop_home_feat

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129063017/red-paper-bead-hand-knotted-lariat?ref=shop_home_feat

https://www.etsy.com/listing/110048924/red-coral-right-angle-weave-beadwoven?ref=shop_home_feat

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117052393/red-tila-bead-netted-beadwoven-necklace?ref=shop_home_feat

Black Jewelry

Each week I am featuring a new theme in my Etsy store.  This week the theme is black jewelry.  Because black is a neutral color it goes well with anything in your wardrobe!  Below are a few pieces I decided to featured in my Etsy store.

I used black AB Tila beads with black and silver seed beads.  Fringe beads accent the ends.  I really love the look of the antiqued silver clasp

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153000008/black-netted-bead-woven-necklace-with?ref=shop_home_feat

Two sizes of seed beads and a right angle stitch are incorporated to make this bracelet. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117053937/black-beadwoven-right-angle-weave?ref=shop_home_feat

These were made from TOHO hybrid sead beads.  I love the way the colors marble!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107908112/long-dangle-diamond-shaped-black?ref=shop_home_feat

I wanted to make something fun and whimsical, but also a statement piece!  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/122145421/black-white-red-beadwoven-peyote-cuff?ref=shop_home_feat

A black and white double flat spiral bracelet

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117267079/black-and-white-double-flat-spiral?ref=shop_home_active

Choosing A Clasp For Your Beadwork

Here is a link to an article I wrote for cravehandmade.com!

http://www.cravehandmade.com/choosing-clasp-for-your-beadwork/

Enjoy! and Happy Beading!

Rose Gold Jewelry

Rose Gold  jewelry has become very trendy for this spring!  I love the gold tone with its hint of pink shining through!  Most rose gold jewelry is traditional yellow gold alloyed with copper, which gives it that blushing pink tone.  I have found glass seed beads, crystals and rose gold pearls as well. Swarovski has a beautiful rose gold pearl and crystal which made its premier this summer!    Below are a few things I created last week.

 I love this ring!  It is made from Swarovski rose gold pearls and rose gold tone copper wire.  I consider this my statement ring.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151920783/rose-gold-topaz-right-angle-weave-bead?ref=shop_home_feat

Rose gold topaz Hybrid seed beads were used to create this cuff bracelet.  These beads are special because of how they were made.   They are manufactured in Japan for precision and size and then they are shipped to the Czech republic where they receive their wonderful coloring! The marbling of the colors makes each look like a tiny gemstone!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151920783/rose-gold-topaz-right-angle-weave-bead?ref=shop_home_feat

 Rose gold tone copper wire caresses a Swarovski Crystal with AB finish (aurora borealis).

https://www.etsy.com/listing/152132475/rose-gold-tone-copper-wire-wrapped-ring?ref=shop_home_feat

Rose gold pearls with silk Swarovski  crystals complete this wedding set! 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127593336/bead-woven-swarovski-wedding-necklace?ref=shop_home_feat

Turquoise Jewelry

I love the color Turquoise!  During the summer month's it reminds me of the ocean and going to the beach, and during the winter it keeps me happy by generating those same memories! The gentle balance between blue and green really speaks to me. When researching its meaning online I found that Turquoise symbolizes strength and protection from harm.  It can be given to a friend as a symbol of friendship and love.  Upon further research I found that in some Native American cultures it represents the earth and the sky and represents the connection to Yei (Holy People).  It is worn as a way of honoring and recognizing them.

  Last week I pulled out my turquoise beading stash and started creating some pieces for my Etsy store.  I even made some paper beads as well!  Here is what I came up with;

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151301490/turquoise-right-angle-weave-beadwoven?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151452235/hand-knotted-turquoise-paper-bead?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/97846252/turquoise-netted-bead-woven-collar?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/94602335/turquoise-netted-beadwoven-necklace-with?

Choosing Crystals for Your Beadwork

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126090385/bead-woven-swarovski-wedding-necklace?

I love creating jewelry with crystals!  There is just something about the sparkle that makes me so happy!  Last week I wrote an article for CraveHandmade.com on choosing the correct crystals for your work.  There are so many colors and different types to choose from.  

Here is the link to the article;  http://www.cravehandmade.com/choosing-crystals-for-your-beadwork/

Happy Beading!!!!