BTW: Creating with Ribbon

On my table this week are the remains of the package that I received from Nina Designs. You can see the full loot here, but this week I'm focused to a few necklace designs.

I'm starting off this week's necklace series with a pretty pendant that I wire wrapped in a variety of Swarovski beads: bicones, a couple of squat bicones and a cube. I have lots of these pink beads in my stash as my oldest daughter has always favored the color pink. So I regularly pull them out when I'm creating a piece for her.

I also used a beautiful magenta silk ribbon (from Nina Designs) to connect the necklace and to kick up the color of the piece. As a final accent I used a pretty swirl toggle, a handmade gold chain I created with a few more pink Swarovski beads and a few spacers from Nina Designs. I had my daughter try it on when I was done, and it looked so pretty on her. Now if only I could get her to wear a dress!

The materials above were provided as part of the Nina Designs blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author. 

Freedom Friday: Dangle Earrings

Today is the second in a series of designs I'm showing of the pieces I'm creating with Nina Design materials. 

I love these bronze bubble links from Nina. I thought about including multiple stones from each of the loops, but these bubble links really need to stand on their own.

I decided to hang a setting from the bottom loop to accentuate the design. I paired them with a small square majapahit spacer, also from Nina, two wave brush gold discs and multiple gold chain. I love the wave discs; their shape reminds me of potato chips! I gave the discs an extra twist to show off the flare in their waves. 

I used a double wire loop (tutorial on double wire loop here) with a fine gauge gold fill wire (26g GF) which gives me a lot of flexibility to wrap the wire. Lastly, I used a kidney wire for the setting as I wanted to give some length to this design. 

I don't normally use only metal for my settings as I am forever looking to add beads to almost anything and everything I make. But I like how these look with all the various types of gold sheen.

The materials above were provided as part of the Nina Designs blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author. 

Thursday Favorites: Carnelian

Today's post is one of several featuring Nina Designs. These gorgeous earwires and matching onion shaped findings are part of a goody bag I received from Nina's team. I added carnelian rounds and brass spacers to this design.

Carnelian is one of my favorite stones. It has such a deep, rich honey color. But even more interesting is that it is one of the oldest stones found in antiquity. It has been set into crowns, swords, jewelry and architecture for thousands of years. I must admit that Taj Mahal is by far (for me) the most intriguing uses of carnelian, and it is what I used as my inspiration for this pair of earrings. 

Carnelian is used as inlay (right) for the motif of the Taj Mahal. The pattern uses flowers, which are considered a representation of paradise and symbolize the kingdom of Allah. The Taj Mahal was built by the Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in child birth with their 14th child. The Taj Mahal is her eternal resting spot and Shah Jahan wanted it to be her paradise on earth.

The inlay technique is called 'parchin kari' which is similar to the Italian technique know as 'pietre dure.' First the pattern is drawn directly on the marble walls using a red dye, called henna in India. These patterns are then chiseled out, and finally precious stones are inserted and fitted into the marble sockets. Various stones were used such as lapis lazuli, garnet, agate and carnelian. The color of the gemstone was important as it provided depth and shading to the flower motifs. The parchin kari at the Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest quality examples of the era.

The materials above were provided as part of the Nina Designs blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author. 

BTW: Nina Designs

I don't think I could be more excited to tell you that I received a goody bag in the mail from Nina Designs. Several weeks ago I sent a note inquiring about becoming a blog partner.  I heard in the beginning of August that they were sending me items to create with, and when they arrived I literally gasped. They were more beautiful then I imagined! The findings are gorgeous, silk and sari fabric, and the blue leather is so amazingly soft. I just couldn't wait to get started.

I've been itching to get back to my studio and start working with these pieces. I have been traveling for weeks, and this past weekend was the first time I've been home in my own studio in over a month. 

I'm going to do a series over the next couple of weeks to talk a bit about each design -- starting Thursday. So, swing back by my blog to see my first earring design.

The materials above were provided as part of the Nina Designs blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author. 

Featured: Amy Herzog Fall Sweaters

I was so thrilled to see my friend Amy featuring some more of my work as a pairing to her new Fall sweater release. Look how cute Amy is with these blue earrings and her new cowl sweater!

I can't help but get excited when I see one of my designs featured with someone else's work. And someone I think is so amazing at her craft. I just love her sweaters, but even more amazing is that she spends a lot of her energy on providing options to her patterns and tutorials for helping people find styles that best fit their body shape. No matter who you are, or what you look like this is some great advice!

Amy has written an entire series of tutorials called Fit to Flatter which helps knitters understand how to modify patterns that best fit them. She provides alteration suggestions based on your measurements and what works with their individual body shape. I just LOVE this about her patterns. If only I could knit! 

Amy usually shows various body shapes (literally with several test knitters) who use the same pattern. Each test knitter makes alterations to the pattern to best fit their body shape. 

Her patterns also provide variations on sleeves, use of trim (whether to accentuate or not) or length in torso. All these variations help to make a 'fit to flatter' sweater customized to you.  

A quick note about my earrings. I sent her earrings that were originally meant as a playful summer beach pair. We were moving into Spring and that was what was on my bead table at the time. They are Venetian beads with white foil as the focal and small aquamarine rounds. I also finished the setting with hammered silver waves at the bottom of each bead. Nonetheless, I have to admit that they look perfect with her Fall design. The deep blue absolutely works with her color choice.

If you are a knitter and looking for patterns; hop on over to Amy's blog and check out her site. Just to give a shout out to one of my personal favorites, Oscillate, it is simply gorgeous, lush and so feminine. Everything you want in a sweater. I just love her designs.

BTW: The 'Just Right' Black Earrings

So my sister-in-law asked for a simple pair of black earrings for her birthday this year. But the most important part of any story about my sister-in-law is making sure you understand exactly what she's asked for. She is not one to hold punches. If she doesn't like something you can see it all over her face, and she'll be sure to throw in a few choice words. THE most difficult person in the family to shop for.

It's become a bit of a game with us in the family to see if we can 'get it right.' My poor mother-in-law has returned more items than I can count. But I've been batting 1000 lately. so I'm feeling like I'm on a role.

When she asked for black earrings, I thought 'ok, I got this.' How hard can that be? But before I could finish that thought, she added 'you know, not too fancy, just something simple, certainly not pearls, not too long ....' That's when you know you're in trouble; when she starts listing stuff. It becomes a bit 'Goldilocks' with a 'not too hard, not too soft' guessing game. 

At this point I had already set out a few items on the bead table ready to create. I had a pretty little pair of spinel briolettes. I really like this stone. It has such a beautiful hue to it; especially with the faceted cut. But I decided that these might be just a little too small, too shiny (aka fancy) and without a complete closure. She also loses earring backs as quickly as I give them to her. I was thinking about getting her just a box of earring backs for Christmas.

Ok so pair number two I decided on a nice tear drop onyx stone. I did a long double wrap over the top and included a straight (nothing fancy) leverback. Sans the need for earring backs. This pair seemed just right to me for everyday. But just to play it safe, I did make a third pair. I had been meaning to replace my own black pearls, so I thought if she doesn't like these then I've got my new pair. Two birds with one stone; wait that would be four stones. 

I gave them to her this past Saturday, and as expected, the onyx pair was exactly what she wanted. Whew, still batting 1000!

In The Beginning

When I first started making jewelry I was trying all kinds of styles and techniques. Well wait a minute ... I still do that. That is how I keep learning and getting better at making jewelry.

But when I look back at the early work I can see my wire wrap isn't tight. The wrap itself is too long, doesn't quite come to the top of the bead. Even tho, when I look at these early projects I can see that I had so many ideas. I just couldn't bead fast enough to get them all out there. This was about 3 years ago. 

I am beader who rips things apart multiple times. And I am one who recycles materials. If I don't like the piece anymore, I rip, sort and reuse. So when I saw this post and challenge by Art Jewelry Elements to encourage beaders who are just starting out by showing our early work... I admit I had a hard time finding my stuff. 

I started making jewelry on a whim. My brother and his family were coming for a visit and my sister-in-law had mentioned taking a class while they were there. I told her that there was a local bead shop offering classes that I thought might be fun, and would she like to try that? We did. It was an hour class where the woman showed us simple wire wrapping. I walked out with pliers, wire and a handful of beads. From there, I just kept practicing, and practicing. 

My early photography was with a camera that did not have the close up function (usually shown with a flower). But my husband bought me a point-and-shoot Kodak that I still use today. I didn't take pictures for several months because I really was just focused on trying to get the technique down. But after about 3-4 months, I was snapping pictures regularly. Once I had my point-and -shoot camera there was no stopping me. I was pulling all kinds of things into my pictures from around the house. Shells, vases, scarves ... you name it. I was trying to find my 'style' and I was constantly playing with color and background. You really can't do it wrong. It's really about what you like and how you want to show your work.

I started my Etsy site about a year after my sister-in-law and I took the class. She is the one who told me about Etsy, which I had never heard of before. I took the day off in 2010 for my birthday and dedicated the entire day to setting up my own shop on Etsy. I posted a few pairs of earrings, and just went from there. It really is pretty easy to set up an Etsy shop. I did it all on my own by just following the step-by-step instructions on the site. I recommend playing around with all the tabs once you get the shop operational.

I didn't start blogging until about a year later (this past Christmas). I honestly had no idea there were so many blogs out there, or such a large supportive beading community. I have another friend who knits and she said, why don't you try blogger? She told me it was really easy, and then showed me her site. Blogger is also pretty step-by-step. And I learned a lot by just flipping around through all the tabs and playing with the various functions. 

I still feel pretty new to all this, but I forget that there are things that I know that I can pass on to other beaders, and bloggers. This past week I did my first tutorial. I have never done one before, but a friend asked how I do wire wrapping. It's so funny. I don't think of myself as an expert, but I have certainly practiced quite a lot. So I decided to show how I do my wrapping. 

Honestly, don't be afraid. Get out there and try things. Push yourself to try a new stitch, wire wrap style or technique. What's the worse that can happen? You rip it out and give it another try! 

Freedom Fridays: Tutorial Double Wire Wrap Examples

Yesterday I posted a tutorial for how to do a double wire wrap loop. I hope that it was helpful to those who find a double wrap challenging. It really isn't that much different from a single wrap as long as you kept track of your wire. I had an excellent instructor that showed me the simplicity of wire wrap, and being methodical about how you hold your wire. The few tips can really help and can make all the difference in the world if you are trying to achieve a tight wrapping technique.

As a little bit of inspiration, I thought I'd post a few variations of this style. Same double wrap technique, same stone (African Opal - isn't it a gorgeous stone?), just slightly different styles. The first pair of earrings uses a 'long wrap,' or one that comes down all the way over the wire threading through the top drill hole in the stone. Personally, this is my favorite and most used technique. I also added a top bead -- a Swarovski pearl (a tough bead that can stand up to my wrapping!). I included a wrap around the bead to bring the wire back up to the top where I started to create a final loop. 

The second pair is an even shorter wrap than the one I demonstrated in the tutorial. This one shows off the wire triangle that frames the top of the bead. The style accentuates the long drop wire wrapping from bead to earwire. I also included a marcasite bead connector to give the pattern a little extra character. I love marcasite and use it pretty much every chance I get.

Thursday Favorites: Wire Wrapping Tutorial

I had a request for a tutorial on wire wrapping. I've never done a tutorial before, so I hope this is clear! This is a quick demonstration for how to do a double wire wrap.  I used a large stone (African Opal) and 22 gauge wire so hopefully the steps are easy to see. And just for ease, I also used a larger type size.


Step 1: Thread the wire through the top drill hole and leave an equal amount of wire on either side - about an inch to an inch & a half on either side. 


Pinch the wire together at the top of the stone to create a little triangle with the wire. I like to hold the pliers flat so I can make sure I make the loop tightly across the top (shown in Step 2).

Step 2: To create the loop, wrap both wires side-by-side around the round-nose pliers. 

Step 3: I use my flat pliers to pull the wire around. Start with one of the wires so that they are opposite each other. Watch the wire wrap to make sure that they wrap tightly -- one on top of each other. This will create a smooth wrap vs. clumping on top of one another.

Step 4: Pull the opposite wire around and tuck it right up next to the other. Again watching to make sure that it stacks right beneath the other wire and creates a smooth wrap. Continue this process for 3-4 more wraps (to the desired size and shape you want with your wrap).

Note: Some people prefer to continue wrapping all the way down the stone to cover up the threading, so if that is the case then add a little extra length to the wire. 

Step 5: Once you've finished wrapping, again keep the wires opposite each other and cut the ends. This way you can tuck each end up against the bottom of the wrap for a more level base.

Step 6: Tuck the last of the wire up to the base of the wrap and smooth/ adjust the wrap for any places where it might look a little out of line.

BTW: Boho Leather Hoops

I am continuing to find inspiration in Lorelei and Erin's new book Bohemian Inspired Jewelry.  And, as with any recipe, I never follow it exactly. I typically take elements and mix things up a bit. 

One of the projects in the book uses 'leather fringe' on a pair of hoops, and I just had to try that! It really wasn't very hard. The hardest part was keeping the leather gathered together on the hoop, and so I needed to ensure I had a tight wrap on either side. 

I started with a scrap piece of leather I had left over from an upholstery project. I cut it about a quarter inch wide, and roughly 3-4 inches long. I then used a hole punch and spaced holes roughly a half inch apart. 

Once the leather was threaded I twisted it just a little to give the 'fringe' effect shown in the book. Lastly I added a flat silver bead and did a quick wire wrap (about 5 full wraps) which gives it a very secure hold. Also, to hold the wire in place I had wrapped it at the end of the fringe and threaded it through the bead along with the hoop. I originally thought about including pearls to the hoops to match the leather and pearl bracelet I made a few weeks ago. But it was just too much. I think I prefer the simplicity of the leather and silver.

I did also make my own hoops. I used a thick gauge (15 g) solid silver wire. I grabbed a spice jar, created a loop at one end and bent the wire. Then just added the hook to the other end of the hoop. A quick couple of whacks with a chasing hammer did the trick. 

These were really easy and fun to make. I'll bet I could use other thick ribbon or velvet? hmmm ... already thinking of variations.

Inspiration Board: Audrey's Pearls

This week's feature is a classic pair of pearl earrings. And nothing says classic like mid-century style by Audrey. One of my favorite types of pearls ... Tahitian. I love the luster and the unique shape of each pearl. I left this pair with my sister when I was visiting her this year because she liked them so much. But once home I realized just how much I wear these simple pearls. So now that they are now gone from my collection, it is time to make a new pair! 

Audrey's Pearls by antiquity-travelers featuring flat suede shoes

Celebrity Match Up: What Goes With Adele's Big Hair?

I was watching the Adele special several weeks ago and I remember thinking what is up with all the big hair? I flew to London in April and noticed that every stewardess on Virgin Atlantic had the same big hair. And once on the ground I saw quite a few people on the streets of London sporting this 'do.' It is so reminiscent of a '60s bouffant, I did a complete double take on the plane with a stewardess who looked exactly like my Aunt Betty in 1968.



Celebrities do seem to be showing up with this style, which I found in abundance at US Weekly online. And I have to admit the style really has a way of showing off jewelry, which of course I LOVE. So I went digging through the many earrings I've made over the last year or so to see... what would I pair up with these celebs and their 'hairdos?' Just to have a little fun.... you ready?

The first pair that came to mind is something with a shimmer ... it is all glam with these girls so you have to have a sparkly option. I grabbed a versatile pair that I made with Swarovski discs (pair #2). My Sister snagged this pair the last time I saw her. She said they are fun to wear to work, and then out for a drink with a girlfriend. So in that case, I suppose they could work with pretty much any one of these outfits. 

Next, I remember a pair I made for a girlfriend who loved the elegance of a simple aquamarine floret drop earring that has rhinestone flower posts (pair #1). She is tall, thin with beautiful long dark hair, and this pair looks stunning on her. Certainly this pair would have gone well with Katy Perry's outfit. Not quite so clunky as what she is wearing --- are those treble clefs?

Someone help me out here with who the first celebrity is? But anyway, this pretty little outfit is just crying out for earrings. Beautiful swoop to her hair (a ponytail bouffant), nice crew collar with a patterned fabric that would make any necklace fight with the outfit. But what about some feminine dangly earrings? I think the ice pink jadite drop earrings (pair # 5) would look fantastic with that shear patterned dress.

I can understand holding back on anything crazy with Emma Stone's dress, but the triple-pearl cluster (pair #3) would look fantastic with her dress and wouldn't fight with the pattern. It would also make more of a statement than the almost unnoticeable pearl posts she is wearing. Come on Emma, kick it up a little!

Okay, moving on to Busy Phillips' outfit. Now I think she's got on a good size earring with some swing to them, and the clear color doesn't fight with her outfit. So she gets an A+ for earring style. I would only offer an alternative. The amethyst drop earrings (pair #6) would look amazing with her outfit. The diamond cut of the stone makes them shine like, well ... two diamonds. They have a top drill, so they hang beautifully from the elongated wire.

Next let's check out Eva Longoria's necklace, which is gorgeous. And yes it draws your attention immediately to her cleavage. I guess if you looked like Eva you would too. But those earrings. Where are they? Her hair is sexy as always, but covers up any trace of earrings. Just a simple drop earring that peaks out from her hair would have done nicely with this outfit. Perhaps pair #1 or #2?

And lastly Adele. Is it just me, or is Adele not wearing any earrings? Why wear your hair up, on TV no less, and not grab at least a simple pair of earrings? She is looking pretty somber in her black shirt, but her hair is really quite pretty like that. Why not wear the whisky quartz drop earrings (pair #4)? They are still simple and just a tad elegant. Certainly better than no earrings at all!

BTW: Bohemian Inspired

Lately everyone is buzzing about Lorelei and Erin's new book Bohemian Inspired Jewelry. I have to admit that I have read it through at least 6 or 7 times now and have started to use it to inspire some of my upcoming pieces. Like this blue cord necklace on my bead table this week.  

A week or so ago I was over at Kashmira's blog and loving a new pendant she had just created with beautiful knotting. She pointed me to Lorelei and Erin's book, and I realized that there are so many techniques they use that I am loving. And that photography is so wonderful --- eye candy to a beader. My husband laughs at me with my nose stuck in one of these books and completely ignoring him. I can get lost for hours in a good beading book.

I've been trying my hand at a few of their techniques, and once I get going they truly inspire all kinds of ideas for me. I have had these glass discs in a bead drawer for years now. And realized that the knotting that Kashimra was doing would work so well with these. I also had some beautiful silver balls, yes also in a drawer for much longer than I'd like to admit. A little polishing from a sliver cloth and look at them shine! There will be more to come with these knotting techniques. I'm just getting warmed up.

Next, I grabbed some spare leather that I had sitting around from a chair I recovered some 15 years ago. I figured eventually I'd find some use for it. Some of the leather that they use in the book is so unique and gorgeous I just have to try it. So I've got my shears and leather all spread out for the next project. Look for more pearls and leather coming soon from me ... they will match my Glam meets Boho pearl and leather bracelet.

So at the moment my bead table is covered in Bohemian inspired work. That will keep me beading for weeks ... I just have to find time to stop and blog a bit to show you all.

Freedom Fridays: Amy Herzog Designs

What a surprise I had last week when I saw a blogger that I follow wearing one of my necklaces in her photo. And she looks so great wearing it!

I met Amy through our mutual friend Thea, both whom are avid knitters with huge followings on Ravelry (the popular knitting site). While I've never met Amy in person, we've started chatting back and forth through our blogs, email and recently twitter. That was a first for me to chat away through twitter. Usually I use twitter to post (or announce) some new piece of jewelry. Hmm, a new use for twitter. Note to self.

Amy is modeling her new pattern -- a cardigan (in a beautiful plum color) called Caulfield. It is so cute. Apparently Amy's pattern is so popular that it's up at #2 on Ravelry as 'what's hot right now.' Go Amy!  She also has a version in a green sleeveless tank that is awesome. Her design has a 'choose your own adventure' feature to it. What she's done is written a knitting pattern that has several different options. You can pick and choose between making it a pullover with sleeves, or a sleeveless tank, or switching round the waist shaping options. How cool is that?

The necklace she's wearing is one I made last Fall that features a very unique turquoise slice. Frankly I totally forgot I made it! My friend Thea was visiting and I loaded her up with a bunch of samples for her to dole out at her choosing. I knew she was going to give a couple to Amy who might hopefully wear a few in upcoming photo shoots. Yep there are more, so hopefully I get to show you all another knitting pattern from Amy along with another jewelry piece by me.

Thursday Favorites: My Nielloware Ring

This past Spring I was in England and took a trip down to Brighton to visit an old friend. We spent all day Saturday just strolling through the narrow streets and various shops. There was a great flee market where I spotted a table full of silver, and was shocked to see quite a display of Nielloware. I picked up a great little ring with an unusual design. 

You can read more about Nielloware, the etched silver process, in my blog from last week. Many of these pieces depict figures from mythology, and my ring had a hippocampus on it. I didn't realize it at the time. I just liked the ring. But once home, my 9-year-old said "mom you have a hippocampus on your ring" ... "a what?"  She ran off to her room and came back with her large volume of mythology and pointed to a picture. Sure enough; it was definitely a hippocampus. But what IS a hippocampus?

The hippocamp, or hippocampus is from Greek for 'horse monster,' often called sea-horse. It is a mythological creature depicted as a horse in the forepart with a coiling, scaly, fish-like hindquarter. Homer called this character Poseidon Hippios, God of horses. Roman imagery uses a sea-chariot drawn by hippocampi. The statue here is of Triton with a hippocamp at the foot of the Trevi fountain in Rome. Huh, well I guess I learned something new from my daughter.

BTW: Glam Meets Boho

A little over a year ago I began my adventure as what's known as the train jeweler. There are older posts (this one or this one) that takes you through the origin of my commuting crowd calling me this. But what started it all was my Turkish friend asking me to create a pretty bracelet from the Sundance catalog. I almost never follow a recipe exactly, and my beading is the same. But I did like the idea of creating a bracelet that was a little elegant, a little boho. That is how this pattern came into my repertoire. 









The original bracelet is the one with the darker suede, which I found difficult to work with as it kept breaking in my hands as I knotted, or sewed the loops. Sigh. I did manage to finish this first version of the bracelet, but with much swearing. Kids, cover your ears.

Months later I was at a gorgeous Japanese ribbon store (Mokuba) where I spotted a synthetic suede that works like a dream. I normally hate anything synthetic, but I have to tell you that this stuff feels like the real thing. And the best part is that it holds up to the roughest beaders - that would be me. You can see the Mokuba version in the lighter suede ... wouldn't you agree that it looks gorgeous! A bonus was that it was about $2 a yard. what? I mean no brainer for me.

I forgot about this bracelet until a week or so ago when my Turkish friend came to me and said that she really wanted the bracelet to be a tad smaller. I took one look at the bracelet and remembered how much I loved this bracelet. But also how difficult working with real suede (a thin strip of it) can be. I decided not to pull it apart, and I would keep her's as is for myself. And for her I'd make a new one - enter new suede! So she has the new one with the lighter colored suede, and I kept the original one in the darker color. That's whats on my beading table this week.

Featured: Christine Kemp my 100th Follower

I have been blogging now since Christmas, so just 7 months. At 14,000 page views, 84 posts and 100+ follows ... I'm really starting to get the hang of this blogging thing. I have enjoyed meeting so many new people in the blogosphere, reading about their lives, seeing how they create, and well just getting a wonderful daily dose of encouragement.


Last week I hit my 100th follower, which is a milestone for me. And to celebrate, I thought I'd highlight the follower who clicked the button. Thank you Christine Kemp of Golden Lilly Crafts! Now let me tell you a little about Christine. 


She writes a blog about her art journey from her home in Australia. She has been doing a course with Tamara Laporte from Willowing Arts Arts called Fabulous Faces. And the picture to the left is her recent piece. Isn't it amazing. I'd say those classes are paying off. Christine has many forms of art on her blog that she's been learning through online courses. I love that you can learn through the internet like this! She is learning to draw, paint, collage, art journal and letter. But Christine also likes to experiment with fabric, buttons and beads. Perhaps we can get her to join one of our beady blog hops!? What do you say Christine!

Blog Hop: Bead Soup

This is the first reveal date of several that Lori is hosting for the next Bead Soup Blog Hop. There are over 350 participants, so Lori has been one busy lady setting this up and coordinating the hosting of 3 separate reveals.


My partner is Cindy over at Mommy's Dream who sent me a beautiful stash of beads to work with back in the beginning of July. I didn't quite get through all of the beads she sent, but I did make it through most! I made four separate pieces starting with the pretty shell focal she sent me. I created a simple helix chain for the base of a choker and added a peyote stitch loop to hang the shell from. I used peyote again in the back to create the triple button closure where I used some antique mother-of-pearl buttons. The necklace is very light weight as I used wood beads and small seed beads, so it is very comfortable to wear. 


Next I got to work using the silver toggle. I recently found some pretty black & brown agates, which I had never used before. Their color is somewhere between carnelian and amber. Very pretty. I decided to use a simple macrame knot bracelet so the focus remains on the stones and the toggle. I used black waxed linen which brought out the veining in the stone. 


Cindy also sent me some really pretty Venetian foil beads that I love. I wanted to use these as a focal and decided that I'd use them in a hoop drop earring design. I used several of the seed beads she included in my package to create a fun pair to wear with you hair pulled up.


The last piece I made used some pretty amber and blue beads that were included. I love this color of blue and wanted to pull the color out by using come cord to braid a bracelet and weave in the beads. I also stitched on another row of beads and finished it with a robin's egg blue wood button. Very comfortable and light weight to wear, and quite Boho.


I pushed myself with this blog hop to try all different types of beading. I used beadweaving, wire wrapping, stringing, sewing and macrame. Perhaps I can come up with a few more ways to challenge myself since I still have beads left. Thanks Cindy for a lovely bead soup! 


Check out all the other beaders (here) participating in this first reveal.

Freedom Fridays: Peyote with Spirit Bead

Recently I received a large hat-full of beach glass from my sister-in-law who had been visiting the Maine Coast. She pulled out a small aqua piece of glass and asked if I could make something with it? Hmm, it is pretty small. So this might take some creativity to figure out how to include this.


At the time I had been working on a beaded bracelet and she commented on how much she liked the blue colors of the beads. So I thought I'd try to combine the two. Originally I tried a beaded bezel around the piece of glass, but it is simply too small and left very little of the glass to see once complete. Ok, so scratch that. I also considered gluing a silver piece with a loop on the glass that I had used recently on beach glass pendants. The only problem was that the leaf design on the piece would have covered the entire surface of the glass. So I created my own hammered silver to wrap around the glass and glue into place. I decided to use it as a charm hanging off a custom hammered silver toggle. I wanted to create a special piece for her to remember her trip back East this summer that she could wear and remind her of her time both at the Maine shore and her time with us up in the Adirondacks.

The other design element I used was the Native American tradition of peyote and a spirit bead. I've been enjoying reading a book I recently picked up by David Dean called Beading in the Native American Tradition. It is a fabulous book that takes you through all of the various bead stitches used by the American Indian tribes like: gourd stitch (peyote), the Comanche stitch (brick), lane stitch (from the Cheyenne, Crow and Sioux) and loop stitch (Cheyenne), running stitch (Crow). Just to name a few.


Specifically he talks about Peyote and the origin of the stitch. The stitch is also called the Church design. Native American's used beaded feathers (gourd stitch that wrapped around the handles) as part of the peyote ceremony that involved prayer and the peyote cactus as sacrament. The bead stitch associated with their 'church' rituals was said to be done in the 'peyote' style. 


The other tradition used by Native American beaders was to include a 'spirit bead.'  This tradition dates as far back as 800 A.D. and served as talismans against threat.  The spirit bead is one that stands apart from the rest of the pattern; sometimes a bead of a different color. Native Americans believed that each piece should contain an intentional mistake (or spirit bead) somewhere within the pattern because humans cannot achieve perfection. If we attempt perfection it could be bad luck. And the spirit world would not enter into anything that was flawless. So a spirit bead was sewn in among the others to provide a flaw where the spirit could enter and flow through the beadwork. A spirit bead is a reminder anything created by human hands cannot be perfect. These Native American beaders would intentionally include a wrong colored bead as a way to honor the Great Spirit and express humility. 

Thursday Favorites: Nielloware From Mom

When I was a girl my mother had a necklace that I always loved. It was of a dancing lady that I found so pretty and exotic. Years later my mother gave me the piece and I noticed that it said "Siam Sterling" on the back. I new that it came from Thailand, and that it must have come from the Mid Century time frame given the silver stamping. But that was all that I really knew about it. 

A quick search online identified it as Nielloware. Specifically it is vintage sterling silver (c. 1940s, Siam). The process involves first engraving the silver design, then carving out background areas which are then filled in with a sulfur power mixture. The piece is baked at very high temperatures and then polished. The final step is to re-engrave the silver. In Thailand it is call khruang thom. This process dates back hundreds of years, and was especially popular in the 13th and 15th centuries in places like Russia, India, Japan as well as Thailand. 

Nielloware became popular in the US from the 1950s to 1970s when it was introduced by US servicemen during the Vietnam war who sent jewelry home to their sweethearts. My father was in the Airforce during this time, and no doubt how it ended up in my mom's jewelry box.

The woman on the piece from my mother is known as Mekkala, the Goddess of Lightning (an atmospheric diva whose power comes from the gem in her hand which creates lightning) ... one of the many mythological characters that show up on Nielloware. Mekkala plays an important role In Thai's version of The Ramakien (Hindu legend of Ramayama). The story is told through dancers with elaborate costumes and masks. It is about a prince, his wife, his parents (the King and Queen of Siam) and the evil King of Ceylon. The prince struggles with mortal flaws to endeavor to find the right path. Mekkala steps in and helps the young prince at one point in the story when he is struggling in the waves after the wreck of his ship. She carries him in her arms back to his home. Your usual epic. 

For me this piece of jewelry reminds me of being a young girl and sneaking into my mother's jewelry to marvel at the things inside the box.

BTW: Herringbone

I have been on a bead weaving kick lately. After joining the 'Time to Stitch' blog hop, I've been pushing myself to do more bead weaving, and one stitch that I've been avoiding is herringbone. I had tried it a few times, but couldn't quite get the hang of it. But this time around I pushed myself to just keep going, and found that this is actually a fun stitch once you get going. 


I got hung up on how to finish the bracelet. I wanted to use a ribbon clamp, but that is tricky with glass beads. While of course I tried it, I broke several beads in the process. Sigh. Right, rip out, restring a couple of rows, and start again. Yes, a clamp with glass beads is a bad idea.


I decided that perhaps if I stitched some suede at the end of each side of the bracelet it just might work with the crimps. Okay, now we're talking. But I didn't like how the thread stitching looked on the suede, and so I added florets of beads just at the edge.


The other hurdle I found was trying to keep the toggle short. Given the size of the crimps; I thought it would look too awkward with a large, or long toggle. I decided to create my own eye and hook closure. It was easy to make, and turned out to work quite well. So, that is what is on my bead table this week.

Polyvore: Spanish Flare

I keep hearing about Polyvore, and I decided that I needed to figure out what this was all about. So I played around with the site, loaded up some images of my jewelry, sifting through various outfits and 'clipped' a Hobo clutch for my first collage. The earrings are ones that I made in reverse colors. The first is with white amethyst and pearls, and the second is onyx. Both use a marcasite connector.

Clearly I'm going to need some practice before they start looking like some of the amazing ones I've seen on people's blogs. And obviously I'll have to change my jewelry photography to a white background. But this could be kinda fun. Any tips for a newbie to Polyvore? Let me know ....

Spanish Flare by antiquity-travelers featuring christian louboutin sandals

Blog Hop: Wizard of Oz

One of my favorite movies when I was a kid was the Wizard of Oz. I would beg my parents to let me stay up and watch the whole thing. Oh, the days before we had VCRs, DVRs or VOD. I loved Munchkinland and those lollypop guys, Glenda the good witch and the guy that popped his head out the door when they arrived at the Emerald City. And I would scream every time those flying monkeys showed up, or when the wicked witch would shake those bony fingers at Dorothy. I had nightmares for weeks about witches outside my window. But there was a large tree beside the house whose branches would scratch at the window during a storm. Great sound effects for nightmares.


A few weeks ago Linda at Old Baggs 'n Stuffed Shirts asked people to join in a blog hop and tell people what we love about the Wizard of Oz. I had to think about that for awhile since it would be hard to narrow it down to just one thing to use as inspiration. But I realized that my absolute favorite part of the movie was when Glenda told Dorothy "you've always had the power to go home, just tap your heels together three times..." Those ruby slippers were amazing and I wanted a pair. The whole movie is dripping with morals, but the one that hit me between the eyes is that life is all about what lens you choose to look through. Kinda deep for me... when I was eight.


So for my project I decided to make something that was ruby red and sparkly. I found some faceted garnets that I paired with small hematite rounds. I finished the piece with a gorgeous marcasite clasp. I love working with marcasite... it just says deco-vintage style to me (the movie was made c. 1939). What girl wouldn't want to wear this bracelet with a pair of those ruby slippers?


My youngest agreed to model my sparkly bracelet for you all. She even put on her special party dress that flares up when she twirls. And who doesn't love a good twirl in a dress?! She also decided to show off our rose of sharon which is going bananas in this heat. She noticed that the inside color matched the bracelet perfectly. I'm guessing that this bracelet makes its way onto her dresser in the near future.


Check out all the other bloggers talking about the Wizard of Oz today. You can find them here on Linda's blog: