Pearls on Abalone Shell

Pearls on a Shell....the center of the "shell" is a silver flower motif with silvery grey pearls. I happened to find silver pearls that perfectly matched. I know it is a little fussy for some jewelry lovers but it just seemed to "speak" to me that it just had to be done in this fashion. I found, in my stash, grey Swarvoski crystals that were from a broken necklace that belonged to my Momma. Walla! This necklace was born.....
First I encased the round abalone shell with tiny teal delicas then I just started adding the pearls where ever they wanted to go. Next came the cluster of pearls to make four beads. I did peyote stitch beads over a piece of tubing then added the crystals and larger and smaller pearls in between.
Someone left a comment that the projects that I make "must take hours", yes, they truly do take numerous hours for each piece. This one took me over 22 hours! A while back my hubby and I figured out, if I sold a piece for $85.00 then I would be getting paid (something near) $.08 cents an hour. If I did not love this process so much then it would not be worth it but I loose track of time when I am beading. One can not charge for anything that they love to do.
I hope you like this piece as much as I do. Now on to another new project that I just came up with tonight and I am anxious to get started....
Don't forget to turn in your ideas for my dollies name so that you too might receive one of my creations!!
Blessings to each one of you, Sharon

Flower Motif

This is another pattern I tried this week. It was a pleasure to see it come together. I went to a couple of bead stores in Wilmington, NC, a couple of times, and I was going to go to a beading get together on Sunday but I missed my hubby & each one of you, so I came home two days early, to him & to my computer access!

The "Floral Motif" pattern was in a book I purchased but I can not find the name of the author. (I am so sorry but when I find my book, in this mess, I will let you know the designer's name.) Anyway, I wanted to share this gorgeous necklace & ear rings with you. It is extremely comfortable & very light on the neck.

I also made the same pattern out of copper & bronze. It is certainly a different necklace all together. I used up all of my copper metallic delicas, (which I was so sad about. Now I have to go find a source for those lovely beads. I can not remember where I got them but will be out looking on the morrow.) There was not even enough to make a matching set of ear rings. The center of the flower motif is a cluster of bronze crystals to carry through the same bead as the ones that attach each "leaf" together. I closed this necklace with a beautiful hook & eye copper clasp.

See, I have been busy working while relaxing at the beach. Let me know what you think of this design.

Your sweet comments are what keeps me creating and I appreciate each one of you for taking the time to let me know what you like & what colors you appreciate. Thank you, dear friends, for all of your encouragement & kindnesses towards me.

Bless you,

Sharon