Going a Beading & Cruisin'!!!

Before I leave on vacation Saturday, I wanted to let you see a few of the items I have been working on.  Yes, I am going on a Beading Cruise, March 26th to April 4th!!!  I am very very excited but so busy trying to get my bags packed, beading finished, working two days, and working on cleaning the house before I go.

On the Rocks had this lovely bead that is coral and gold mixed.  It yelled at me until I bought all Donna had.  I made the necklace with a "peacock" amber Swarvoski crystal then used a much smaller "rusty" Swarvoski crystal for the bracelet.  I added a copper pearl between the round crystals.  I wanted to leave the cuff open so stopped at beading just the center then used my scrapbooking ink to shade the ultra suede edges. 

I have been working on this for a couple of weeks.  I took twisted bugles to cover various sizes of pearls.  I didn't have a pattern for this piece so I just beaded until I was satisfied or too tired to continue...lol  I love the pearlized/frosted drops as they pick up the colors of their surroundings.

Last but NOT least, I made three pair of ear rings this morning.  There is an article in April Bead and Button magazine that inspired these by Kimberly Berlin.  I think they will be a fun accent for a casual summer outfit.

Well, the packing is not getting done and I am already tired!  Have a great week.  I know I will..

Sharon

Another Creation (or two)

This week has truly been a blessing! After last week, about anything would be appreciated! When I got burned I could not wear a bra or a blouse so had to stick to bathing suit tops (strapless). It was NOT a pretty sight to behold. Because of the painful back I had to keep busy. I started to embroider. (I find this technique so relaxing and therapeutic.) I bought this lovely beveled crystal at an antique store and was just itching to make something with it. I started with the Ravoli in the center and began to build around the beautiful stone. I had a pre-conceived pattern of garnets that were rough cut flat and round. Then I filled in the empty spots with size 11 & size 15 tiny beads. It took me over, (way over) 80 hours to complete the front of the bracelet. I added a mauve ultra suede backing and stitched the two panels together with a bead called a delica. Tonight I FINALLY finished it! Praise the Lord for patience and perseverance. (I heard a quote recently that describes my feelings...."I am SO OVER THAT"!!!) I think it turned out lovely? (I have seen these on Etsy for $250.00-$350.00 and I DO understand why they charge such a high price!)
Next I just wanted to do something easier on my brain. Meslissa figured out the pattern & came over to teach me how to do this herringbone snake design. (I call it a snake because it truly feels like snake skin.) I made mine four beads wider then Melissa's but it was a pleasure to make. It is made with triangle colbalt blue beads and I added clear silver beads for an accent. Then when I got to the center I added Czech glass beads that just "happened" to be the same color. I closed it with a lovely rectangular button.
I wanted to show you how much wider and how much more work there is in the cuff as opposed to the "fun" snake design. This one is so comfortable and will be great with blue jeans or casual wear.
Oh, yes, I wanted to tell you that I sold the Guardian Angel necklace to a lovely lady just down the road from me! I sent it out with a lot of regret but I am so glad that it is going to a good home. She is a lovely Christian lady & will appreciate all of the work involved. (I have told you that I get very attached to my pieces.)
God bless each and everyone of my bloggy friends. I love each one of you. If you have time would you please leave me a comment whether or not you like my newest creations? I bead just to hear from each one of you!
Sharon