by Cindy on January 31, 2010
It’s almost February and that means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! I got a jump start on designing with this holiday in mind, thanks to being a part of the Artbeads blogging community.
When I thought about what I could make for Valentine’s Day, my first thought was something classic. Charm bracelets are traditional favorites, and I decided to create one that included classic, well-loved components: sterling silver, sparkly crystal and creamy white pearls. All of the sweet sterling silver charms you see here can be found in the charms section at Artbeads. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, but I do love the little lock and key you see in the center of this picture. I chose 10mm Swarovski round crytals to add a little glam to this piece. This jingly braclet can be an accessory staple, worn long after February 14th has passed!
Simply stated, “Loved” features Swarovski crystals in Ruby…a color perfect for Valentine’s Day or year ’round. I decided to pick a crystal shape that I had never worked with before, and found this little 16x11mm Baroque pendant. I really like the Baroque shape – reminds me of a vintage chandelier crystal. I forged and stamped the “Loved” tag from sterling silver sheet. I went to town wire wrapping the 5mm Ruby crystals with patterned chain. The combination of rustic and sparkle is a favorite of mine, so I oxidized the necklace in liver of sulfur.
When Artbeads announced they would launch new Valentine’s Day-themed Stoneware pendants in January, I just knew I wanted to add those to my list! I chose an assortment of handmade stoneware clay beads in round and tube shapes…and my favorite is the heart with flowers. Rather than design a piece using the heart as a pendant, I decided to use it as a charm at the clasp of this steel wire-wrapped bracelet.
Sold, thank you
I cut and hammered nickel sheet, riveted some tiny flowers, and textured the metal with my trusty chasing hammer. And did you notice that upside-down “e”? It blended in so well but I caught that pesky mistake before I assembled the bracelet. It added a little whimsy, so I decided to let it sneak past me.
There’s still time to create something special for the big day, so stop by Artbeads to see their Valentine’s Day selection of beads and components… you’ll be inspired!
Please note: The beads and components reviewed were received free of charge by Artbeads as part of their Blogging for Beaders program. I have not received compensation for my endorsement of these products.
by Cindy on January 23, 2010
Hello friends
Sure hope you’re in the midst of a great weekend. It’s sunny and beautiful here in Virginia. I thought about what I’d like to share with you this time around and a few handmade goodies came to mind! It was a great week from a mail perspective….the mailman brought me a few surprises.
Isn’t this a sweet scarflette? This gift came from the uber-talented Kerry of KABS Concepts. Her knitting projects grace the pages of her blog almost as often as her wonderful lampwork beads. I love the bright color she used – perfect shot of brightness on a drab winter day.
You may remember this beautiful piece by Sharon of Livewire Jewelry. I fell in love with this piece as soon as I saw it and we made a trade….now this lucky piece is mine (lucky – the back of the Green Girl Studios pendant is inscribed with “a thousand wishes”). One wish already came true as Sharon tucked some of her wonderful mixed media pieces in with the package.
…now on to what I sent out earlier in the week. My bead partner in Lori’s Bead Soup Party is an amazing lampwork artist in Texas named Lyn Foley. Lyn makes INCREDIBLE lampwork beads and jewelry…she won honorable mention in the seed bead category in last year’s Bead Star competition (actually, she has won many awards – no surprise). You just have to visit her blog and see her awe-inspiring work! Just to give you an example, here’s one of her necklaces entitled “Amber Bubbles” –
I had asked Lyn if she had a preference on what type of beads I should send for the Bead Soup party, and she asked that I send something handmade. Hmm…I don’t exactly make my own beads so the next best thing was to create something with wire. My Bead Soup set is below….and to see what I make with Lyn’s beautiful beads, check back on February 10th!
It’s been fun meeting other Bead Soup participants and seeing what the “ingredients” in their soup mixes!
‘Til next time – thanks for stopping by!
by Cindy on January 19, 2010
What glorious weather we had yesterday! It sure felt like Spring in January. We just had to get out and enjoy the day…and this time we took a tiny drive over to another favorite backyard locale. Old Town, Alexandria is a super quaint town just south of Washington, DC. George Washington was responsible for the layout of the town’s streets. There are many historical landmarks to see when strolling through the picturesque streets: Robert E. Lee’s boyhood home, Gadsby’s tavern, the Torpedo Factory (now home to many artists), and Market Square to name a few. Good thing I brought my camera because there was beauty in the variety of doors to the shops that line the streets.
If you ever visit the state of Virginia, you won’t want to miss this beautiful port town.
Have a great week, everyone!
Follow Me on Pinterest
