Hello!
It’s been a while, I know. With all of the activities and the kids home for winter break, I’ve certainly been away from the computer. I miss you all though and do hope to make my blog rounds again with more consistency again in the new year. I felt the creative urge to work on one last piece for 2011 and wanted to share a few pictures today. I’ll admit that working on the photography at the end of creating a piece of jewelry is really the icing on the cake for me, and equally as fun as designing the piece. I found the perfect backdrop for necklace made with an antique button: one of my favorite Victorian albums.
I was drawn to one particular antique button this past week and decided that this would be the focal for a new necklace. I’ve been collecting buttons with a renewed interest over the last few months, looking for certain kinds in particular. I did a little fancy wirework around the metal shank to keep the integrity of the button and to be sure that the button does not flip over. I really like the two-tone metal used in this button, as well as the riveted flower in the center.
I created a simple strand of golden pearls accented with tiny Swarovski crystals in Vitrail Light.
Next I created a second necklace – the main necklace to highlight the beautiful, old button. I used large, faceted Swarovksi crystals with brass bead caps, rhinestone beadcaps from AD Adornments, and a detailed brass chain for the finishing touch. A double-stranded necklace is what I initially had in mind, but then I had a better idea. By creating two separate necklaces, there is the versatility of simply wearing one necklace alone, or wearing both for more impact. Either way I think they will look great for both casual and dressy days. I’ll add this one soon to my Etsy shop.
I’ve been reflecting over the past year, as many of us are doing in these final hours of 2011. I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of my friends who have given me support and are always there with words of encouragement, and for all of you who take the time to stop by even if you have never left a word here. It sure makes my day that you take the time to visit sweet bead studio. I’m looking forward to all that is to unfold in 2012 – may it include good health, old and new friends, and many new adventures.
Have a Happy New Year!
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
You always come up with the most beautiful designs Sweet Cindy!! I can see why that button inspired you.I want to thank you also for a magical 2011.Your friendship means so much to me and even though we have only seen eachothers faces but once,your kindness,generousity and beautiful family will always be a part of my heart. Here’s to 2012!!Love,Cat
What a lovely button to use as a focal. I like that you can wear the necklaces together or alone. Either way, they are both gorgeous!
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog this past year, and look forward to another year of beautiful inspiration. Thank you for all the kind words and encouragement you’ve sent my way through the year.
Wishing you and your family a Very Happy New Year!
Hey Cindy, first I love the necklace. I think wearing both strands is the statement I would make with this lovely piece. I too collect buttons, however, I don’t seem to be able to part with them. Maybe someday. Wishing you a another successful year on all of your endeavors.
Beautiful! A simple little button are do a lot to make a design look spectacular! I love how its two necklaces, gives the wearer such versatility. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!!!
Cindy, if this is how you end the year, I can’t wait to see how you start off the next one! What a gorgeous piece with the button, the crystals perfectly complement it! The pearls are a nice “background” and finish off the whole look. The 2 separate necklaces always make it more versatile. Spectacular photography, as always! In other words, Great work, Sweet Girl!
Very pretty. Nice way to see out 2011. Happy New Year!
This is absolutely gorgeous Cindy!
I wish for you a beautiful, healthy, and peaceful New year!
I too love buttons and find your design very inspiring, it’s beautiful! Also love the photo of that handsome boy waving goodbye to 2011. All the best to you and your family, Cindy, for 2012 – hope to see you again sometime over the year!
Happy New Year Cindy! This necklace set is beautiful. One of the things I want to collect more of this year (instead of de-stash) is beautiful buttons. I really like how you made it a great focal point of your necklace.
Oh I love old buttons. I had a friend who had a trunk full and it was so much fun to dig though it. Love your design.
Your two necklaces are so you, Cindy, elegant, a bit vintage, but so chic !
I wish you the best for you and your lovely family for 2012.
Have a peaceful, creative and full of love, new year.
With all my love,
Vero
Love both necklaces and they look spectacular together! Happy New year!
Totally love that necklace! And I remember the rhinestone rondelles we picked up at ADAdornments but I’m still in the hoarding phase.
Love this whole idea as well as your execution of it. It’s such a pretty button. No wonder you picked it as the focal. Perfect! And I love the idea of 2 necklaces that can be worn separately or together. Very nice! Happy New Year, Cindy!!
Beautiful necklace Cindy, and making it so one can choose to wear one or both is a good design idea.
Happy New Year to you and yours wishing you all the best in 2012!
Therese
I am having a hard time deciding what I like best…your necklaces or the pictures of the necklaces! You have such a flair for taking the best pictures! Unlike you, it is my LEAST favorite part of the process! Happy New Year to you and yours!
Happy New Year, Cindy!!
(And the necklace is gorgeous, by the way!)
I wish you and your famly a great, happy and healthy new year. And I know exactly what you mean about blogging and hopping. Same here:-)
P.S. Gorgeous necklace!
Love your necklace!(s) Cindy…my favorite colors……the perfect backdrop for your treasured button. And your son is just the cutest….all of your boys are adorable..you must be such a proud momma. Happy new year my friend.
Hugs
Diana
What a beautiful necklace! The focal button is gorgeous, I can see why you were drawn to it.