Due to my lack of internet....windows crashed...and Nicholas taking back his digital camera, I guess this is all on hold. :(

Simple drop pendants on leather cord

These are simple, everyday necklaces. Each pendant is linked onto a silver tube which slides along a thin black leather cord. The clasp is a lobster claw. They measure just over 16" long. Each drop is about 2". Hanging from the clasp is my "Inspire" tag. $25 each. Thanks for looking!

Teal Cascade and Chain Necklace

This piece is on silver plated chain which is a little larger than typical chain. I used a lot of different beads to create a cascading effect. I used chrysacola, freshwater pearls, swarovski crystal, chalcedony, quartz, and glass beads. It is 17 1/2" long and the longest drop on it measures 3". $45.00 Thanks for looking!

This can be a very SEXY necklace!

Calalily Drop

This necklace is natural tones and includes carnelian, sunstone, agate, and swarovski crystals. It measures 17 1/4" long. The calalily drop is about 1 1/2" long.

$40.00 Thanks for looking!

Turquoise and Coral

I LOVE this necklace. It is barrel turquoise with coral pieces! There is also some silver and pewter spacers to break it up a little. It is 17" long. $150

I have some coral leftover to possibly use with another necklace, but I cannot get this turquoise anymore. Thanks for looking!

Silver Chain and Leaf Necklace

This is cool. It is 16 1/2 inches long and the longest part hangs about 3 1/2 inches down. It is made to hang asymetrically, but can be moved around, too. There are 3 different chains used with 2 of them being silver plated, and the third is vintage. The center leaf is silver. $50.00

This is the first piece of my chain design obsession, and I plan to launch a lot more of this style, but with other color chains, too! Thanks for looking!

The Business of Jewelry

This week, my mother and I attended a lecture called the Business of Jewelry. It was my first official jewelry class. It was offered as part of the Bead and Button show. Mom and I had to meet in Milwaukee by 6:30, which meant she was probably up at 4:30 or so, and I had gotten up at 5:00. A VERY early morning for the ladies.

We had decided to take this class so that we could learn how to price our work, create a portfolio and a website...just how to manage a creative business.

It was taught by Viki Lareau who is out of Washington. She and her husband offer other classes, too, which if I was loaded I would definetly take. I would take a lot of the classes there. Hundreds are offered, its an amazing week-long event. You can check out the website at http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com/

Im glad I can do this with someone, otherwise, it would be a lonely activity. Im even luckier I can share this with my mother.

Last years canvas tote, that I hauled all my beads home in was lime green...it is pictured in another blog. This year, it is a teal blue! A tote was included in the price of the class, along with an admission card, so that was nice. I plan to make all my purchases on Sunday...so I will post after then!

First Try!

This photo was taken as my morning coffee was brewing, and it is an experiment to see if I can conquer this blogging idea. I guess I also have to master the art of photography, so that I can post nice photos!

I plan to incude an overall shot of the piece, and then a shot of my lovely model wearing it. Yes, my model has no head. I am starting with this necklace because it is my latest favorite. It has a collection of stones from turqouise to coral to flourite and more! The links are vintage links that I re-connected. It is a longer necklace than what I usually make, which is another reason I like it so much! Above all, I like the color variance, because then it goes with a lot of outfits. :)

I made another necklace of similar style since I had finished this particular one. The second is made with Tiger Eye and wooden beads and nuts that come from Colombia. That particular one is displayed at Blush in downtown Milwaukee.

So, my goal is to find more links, such as these, at the Bead and Button Show that is next weekend! I will also be on the lookout for chunky gemstones! Let me know what you think! Thanks!

"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles!" Sonja Henie ;)

Just in Time

I start my writing just before the 2007 Bead and Button Show. This is one event that I get very excited for, that I look forward to every year. It is a source of inspiration and a jam-packed event! Last year I went the last day with my mother, who also is becoming an addict to beading jewelry.

Im excited to pick out some nice gemstones and chain to make new summer pieces with.