Beadwork Dec 2020/Jan 2021

 Hi Everyone!

It's been awhile since I posted.  Helping out with online kindergarten with my granddaughter keeps me very busy!  I know there are lots of grandparents out there stepping up to help their families.  It is a pleasure for me to help my little granddaughter learn her sight words and numbers.  She is delightful.  She also has more energy than anyone I know (except maybe her little sister!).

A few months ago, I managed to create a couple of designs that were accepted into Beadwork magazine in their Dec20/Jan21 issue.  I got an advance copy, so I couldn't wait to show you.  

I just love the pendant on the cover.  It's a Vintaj piece with added beadwork stitched around it.  That and many wonderful designs are inside the magazine and it's well worth getting a copy.

Layered Leather Leaves (above) was so much fun to make!  It's in a boho style that's really quick and easy since it uses a die cutter and leaf die. 

 Another style that is a favorite of mine is the vintage look, and the necklace below with its dark brass, filigree and blend of moonstone and pearls fits that style.

There are five more lovely Fast and Fabulous designs for your making pleasure by designers you are sure to recognize and loads of stitched designs.

Happy Beading!

We're All Ears :: August Challenge

Hi everyone!

Today I'm playing along with the We're All Ears Challenge for August on the Earrings Everyday site.  Our challenge this month is to create earrings evoking a campfire. 

Here's a pic from the challenge:

[Photo Credit :: Alex Holt :: Unsplash]

This one captures a lot of wonderful memories of times around the campfire for me.  Camping was a big part of my life as a child.  Most of our family vacations involved camping.  And, I continued it with my own family.  Now, my kids are continuing the tradition with their own children.  That just makes me happy as I think of the traditions passed on through the generations.

I created earrings that capture the glow and warmth of the fire and these memories.  I happened to be working with some copper sheet and had cut and hammered some rectangles.  These make a reflective backdrop for some swinging Swarovski crystals.  A wire-wrapped wood bead represents the firewood and contrasts with the copper and crystal. 

Dancing Embers Earrings

Here's a couple of photos that shows the reflection of the crystals on the copper.

Dancing Embers Earrings

Dancing Embers Earrings

What a fun challenge!  Thanks, Erin!

Book Review: Wanderlust - Travel Inspired Jewelry

Hi friends!

Today I'm reviewing a jewelry craft book I received from Leisure Arts entitled Wanderlust .  These easy travel-inspired jewelry designs  are created with different destinations in mind.  Whether you like the beach, the wide open west or you are more of a city person and favor New York or Paris, there is something for you in this book.  You can create them to wear in your travels or in remembrance of them.

Wanderlust

I especially recommend this book for those who are new to jewelry making.  The only skill needed to create these jewelry designs is opening and closing jump rings.  That's it!

The designs were created by the very accomplished Lena Prima, a singer, recording artist, songwriter, artist and author.  She also has her own line of jewelry "Pennies from Heaven".  Her jewelry line is named in remembrance of her father, Louis Prima, who was a famous singer.  Depending on your age, you may remember his rendition of "Pennies from Heaven".  If you are younger, you'll remember the song "I Wanna Be Like You" from Disney's The Jungle Book.

Here's the design I chose as inspiration.  It's called New England Weekend, and I thought it would be perfect for the upcoming fall season.  Plus, I happened to have some of these brass leaves in my stash!

New England Weekend

This set is created with beaded chain, which makes it super quick and easy.  I didn't have that, so I created my own chain with beads in fall colors.  Turning a simple loop is the only added skill. 

Here's my version:

You might notice that there is some variation in the color of the leaves.  I added some brown alcohol ink to give the leaves more interest and dimension.  I added more dimension by curling and twisting the leaves with pliers.  These filigree leaves are so easy to bend, you can do it with your fingers.

Here's another photo of the necklace in different light.

You can see the effect of the bending and the ink more clearly on my earrings.  You could also use patinas on these leaves for interesting effects.

I recommend this book especially for those of you new to jewelry making.  With the use of only one skill and pre-made chains and components, you will become a jewelry maker in no time!  Those who are more skilled will also find lots of great ideas.  You'll love the looks created with layered necklaces and chains to create a trendy fashion statement.

Have fun creating travel-inspired jewelry while you listen to Lena's music.  You can find this book on the Leisure Arts website here.  And, listen to the wonderful song styling of Lena Prima here.