Guest Designer for Prima Bead - Assignment for February

My first assignment for 2014 from Prima Beads is to be a guest designer - so exciting!  This assignment is a little different than others we have done in that we can only use Prima products (no supplementing from our personal stash) and we had to follow directions from their Turquoise Dream bracelet and make it our own while staying within the scope of the project..  

Now for those of you who know me, you know that I really don't like to follow directions - I'm a bit stubborn that way.  But I followed the directions, put my spin on it and really like the results:

Stormy Seas

To make this bracelet, I used the following items:

#34719178  Gemstone Toggle (1pk)

#34741038  70pc 4mm Bicone Mirror Beads

#3202302 .8mm Clear Stretch Cord

#34720024  Dark Grey Seed Bead Mix

#34712131 Silver Crimp Beads

The colors in the clasp and beads are so beautifully rich, and the clasp is a gorgeous focal for the bracelet.  I added some clear bugle beads to lighten the look and add some texture.

For my second project, I wanted to carry the three-strand design to a necklace, again using the clasp as a focal point:

On Wings of Angels

To make this necklace, I used the following items:

#34719180 Silver Wings Toggle Clasp (I pk)

#3467656  36” Oval Black Chain (1pk)

#3467657  60” Black Link Chain (1pk)

#63815146 34” Silver Oval Chain

#34709065 Acrylic Red Crackle Beads (1)

Assorted Cross Charms from the Cross Culture Collection

#65019128 Metal Knot Large Hole Spacer

#34712131 Silver Crimp Beads

#74100049 7 Strand Beading Wire .015in

I really like the graduated look of ombre styles, and wanted to try and reflect that in my design.  I also felt that the piece needed a pop of color, and added in the large red bead with the blacks and greys of the design.

For the tassel, I used the three kinds of chain that I used in the main part of the necklace and added cross charms to the ends of some of them at different lengths, giving it a lariat-ish look.

I love the way this necklace turned out, and will be wearing it this weekend!

Have a fantastic rest of your weekend, and check back this month to see what my March assignment is!