Friday, July 23, 2010

Midnight Roses Lampwork and Pearl Badge Lanyard

Beaded Badge Lanyard - Midnight Roses
The roses within these lampwork beads are gorgeous. When I originally made the Midnight Roses badge lanyard, I'd made it with some similar beads that were round with little roses inside the globes but when I found these lampwork column beads, I found something so much more perfect for the design that I switched over to making it with these instead. I think it gives a far more unique look to than the round beads I'd been using previously.

Perfect for holding a badge, keys and more; like all of the badge lanyards that I create, nape of the strand is created to be comfortable against the back of the neck with the decorative beads further down along the strand so they are shown off to their best advantage.

This piece is made with a sturdy no-clasp design for added security so that it can just be tossed over the wearer's head and they're ready to go!



Thursday, July 22, 2010

Ripe Bing Cherries Badge Lanyard with Wooden Beads

Handmade Badge Holder - Ripe Bing Cherries
I love cherries. In fact, when I was a teenager, I spent a summer working at a side-of-the-road cherry stand and it was one of the greatest treats that as part of my compensation (in addition to a wage) I was allowed to eat as many cherries as I wanted.

When I saw the beads that I incorporated into this lanyard, they immediately made me think of ripe Bing cherries and I couldn't wait to find a use for them.

These round wooden beads in a deep shade of cherry have been combined with snow white pearls on a strand of black with just a hint of gold accents in this stylish beaded badge lanyard with a convenient 1 cm ring at the end.

Perfect for badge, keys and more, the nape of this strand is created to be comfortable against the back of the neck with decorative beads further down along the strand so they are shown off to their best advantage.

This piece is 35-inches (89 cm) in length made with a sturdy no-clasp design for added security. Just toss it on over your head and you're ready to go! (Like all of the badge lanyards I design, a magnetic clasp can easily be added for those that work in a profession where a "break away" option is required.)



Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Cherry Blossoms in Blue Rosary


It seems a little strange to some people when they hear me say this but, I love making rosaries. I love putting my focus and attention into something so important and beloved as a rosary can be. I believe that in such an important piece, being handmade holds special significance, creating a personal touch and attention to detail that commercial rosaries lack.

From the first moment I saw these cloisonne beads, I knew exactly what I was going to make with them. These beads feel special to me, and I wanted to make something special for them to be incorporated into and I couldn't be happier with the result.

Glass pearl Aves in shimmering white have been combined with these beautiful floral cloisonne cherry blossom beads to make this lovely and feminine 5-decade rosary that's then brought together with gold plated accents and 100% hand-turned links.

Pearl Aves: 7 mm
Cloisonne Paters: 16 mm x 12 mm
Centerpiece: 24 mm
Crucifix: 44 mm x 24 mm

Every one of the 132 links on this rosary have been carefully turned by hand.

The rosary is then finished off with a gold-plated wreathed Mary centerpiece and a detailed gold plated crucifix at the end.

The Cherry Blossoms in Blue Rosary is 22.75-inches (55.8 cm) in length from "nape" to tip.



Monday, July 19, 2010

The Elixir Series in Gold - A Set of Seven Pairs

Set of Seven Teardrop Wire Wrapped Earrings - The Elixirs in Gold
I am so very thrilled with how this set turned out. I made The Elixir Series earrings in both the warm tones of gold as well as a cooler set in silver and I'll soon also be making the set in clouded glass instead of clear. (I used to etch glass so I'm going to use my etching bath to cloud the glass by hand so you can look forward to seeing them in the future!)

These glass teardrop earrings are made with tiny transparent glass teardrop briolettes in seven different colors that have all been carefully and securely wrapped with gold filled wire then set to dangle on delicate matching gold-filled hooks. I designed the hooks by hand for a unique and graceful shape instead of using commercially made hooks.

Each pair of earrings in this set is 1.2-inch (3.3cm) in length and are made with care to be light-weight on pierced ears and easy to wear. In fact, I liked them so much I'm thinking of making a set to keep for myself as well!

You can find more of the (still growing) Elixir Series earrings both sold individually as well as in silver here: http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_query=elixir&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_8181103



Sunday, July 18, 2010

Amie ~ Genuine Aquamarine Gemstone Bracelet

Aquamarine Gemstone Bracelet - Amie
I absolutely love these stones. In fact, they are hands down my favorite to work with. I originally bought them to custom design a birthday bracelet for a special order (aquamarine is March's birthstone) and once I started working with them they quickly became my favorite stone to work with. They give off a soft, cool and clean "vibe" that I find very appealing.

Sleek and cool, this pearl and gemstone bracelet is the perfect accent to any outfit, made with genuine aquamarine gemstone coins combined with soft pearls and intricate silver charms. It's one of my favorite bracelets I've made to date, and I ended up making a second so I could have one for myself!

Metaphysically, aquamarine is believed to be a stone of order, courage and clear thinking. It's believed to enhance one's ability for rapid intellectual response (perfect for those who are witty and quick) and encourages the innate ability to always be prepared.

Dressy or casual, this piece is sure to make an impression. This aquamarine gemstone bracelet is finished off with a matching toggle clasp that makes this 8.6" (22 cm) bracelet both comfortable and easy to wear.

Like all of the handcrafted gemstone bracelets I design, the size can easily be customized at no extra charge.