Sweet Bead Studio — Handcrafted jewelry by Cindy Wimmer

one last design for 2011

by Cindy on December 30, 2011

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!

– Cindy

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Sharing some Christmas cheer

by Cindy on December 22, 2011

I’m sending some Christmas cheer your way today in the form of a must-try dessert recipe. If you’re looking for a crowd pleaser to serve over the holidays, look no further!

I found the perfect BREAD PUDDING recipe, courtesy of Paula Deen’s book, “Christmas with Paula Deen”. In case you’re groaning thinking about the amount of butter that might be involved, it can be reduced a bit. I’ve made this recipe a couple of times now and I found two things:

1. You can easily reduce the amount of sugar (the amounts listed below have already been reduced).

2. Everyone will want seconds. 🙂

You probably have everything you need on hand to make this decadent dessert, except for the loaf of bread. It’s easy and DELICIOUS.

BREAD PUDDING

1 1/2 c. sugar

5 large eggs, beaten

2 c. milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 Large loaf Italian or French bread, cubed. Allow to “stale” overnight (or place pieces in a 250-degree oven for 10 minutes) *I used French bread

3/4 c. packed light brown sugar

1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter, softened

1 c. chopped pecans, optional

SAUCE

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted – can be reduced as well

1 egg, beaten

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 c. brandy, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Grease a 9×13″ baking pan.

2. Mix the sugar, eggs, and milk in a large bowl; add the vanilla. Pour over the cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes. In another bowl, mix and crumble together the brown sugar, butter, and pecans. Pour the bread mixture into the pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from the oven.

3. To make the sauce: Mix together the sugar, butter, egg and vanilla in a saucepan. Stir together over medium heat until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over the bread pudding. Serve warm or cold.

I hope you’re enjoying the season…..and remember while you’re off nibbling some bread pudding, Santa likes chocolate chip cookies! 🙂

– Cindy

Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design. She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. See her best-selling jewelry design book, The Missing Link.

Tagged as: Recipes

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Holiday Ornament Swap Blog Hop

by Cindy on December 17, 2011

It’s time for an ornament swap! Back when Sally of Wireworked announced that she was going to host an ornament blog hop, it sure seemed SO far away. December 17th? Ages away. Now here we are on the day of the hop already!

I was thrilled to be paired with the incredibly talented crafter – artist – jewelry designer – and Mom, Patty Gasparino. I’m sure many of you know Patty as she is a constant support in our blogging community. When I think of someone who radiates happiness, it’s Patty. If you’re not familiar with Patty, you’ll love her blog, My Life Under the Bus (what a great blog name and for good reason!). 🙂

We were asked to be sure to include an art bead in the creation of our ornaments. That was easy for all of us, I’m sure! My inspiration came from lampwork beads by Sea of Glass. There’s a sparkly bronze underneath the encased layer of glass and I thought it was just right for holiday sparkle. The vintage crown stamping came from Judy Glende’s Etsy shop. I love it when she shares her antiquing treasures with us, especially components for jewelry.

I shipped my package off to Connecticut…

And look what I received in return!

Patty is an incredibly creative soul – I know you’ll agree with me if you follow her blog. I knew I would be in for a treat when I opened my package! Did she choose this beautiful teal fabric intentionally? Cream and teal – some of my favorite colors! But what really caught my eye was the rare, vintage mother of pearl carved bird nestled right on top. Patty and I both love mother of pearl. Mother. We do have a bond as Mothers of 4 boys. They say we deserve a special place in heaven! 🙂

And just look at these pretty lampwork beads! The perfect addition.

I admired every little detail. The crushed velvet trim, and touches of silver are just perfect.

Patty created a sweet, dimensional shadow box – complete with a tiny bird who sits watching the festivities (or in our house, the ruckus). Patty spared no detail, as the entire oval box is covered in pretty papers. What a cute bunch of mushrooms too! I can only imagine the time it took for Patty to create such an ornament, and I truly appreciate it.

When the holiday decorations are taken down, this special ornament will be moved straight in to my studio where I’ll be able to admire it all year long.