What’s Old Is New Again – Artbeads Blogging Challenge

It is time to share another Artbeads Blog Partners Blogging Challenge design with you!  For this challenge, we were to create a design that took inspiration from the past and to incorporate at least one old or antique element, combining that element with modern pieces from Artbeads.

 

For the focal, I etched and distressed a large copper heart and brass washer, and used eyelets and rivets to connect them, giving it a steampunk feel.

For the chain, I used Artbeads’ antique brass-plated box rolo chain coupled with a large-link silver-toned chain from my stash.  I also created spring links from steel wire and filled them with amazonite rounds secured by copper wire to add more of an industrial feel to the piece.  The clasp is made by coiling wire onto a loop that fits over a fantastic steamppunk-themed button.  The rolo chain and button can be found in Artbeads’ steampunk collection. 

For the “something old” part of the necklace, I have been saving some antique sewing machine pieces and parts that fit perfectly into the piece.

I loved this challenge, and have a couple more designs up my sleeve to share soon.  If you are interested in purchasing this necklace, it is available in my Etsy shop.

Necessary Legal Stuff: I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com, and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Winter Enchantment at Artbeads

Do you remember that feeling you get when you open your front door to freshly fallen snow?  With the snow clouds hanging heavy in the sky, the world seems silent and insulated somehow.  The shades of whites and greys paint the landscape with subtle hues, and the only movement you can see is your frozen breath hanging in the air as you marvel at the icy beauty.

These images are what inspired my jewelry sets for Artbeads' "Winter Enchantment" Design Partner challenge.

"Winter's Breath"

Spiral Moon Pendant, Grey Polyester Chain, Czech Firepolished Beads in Crystal and Grey and Light Sapphire

I used the firepolished beads and combined them with sterling silver and the beautiful blue-grey pendant to achieve a simple yet elegant jewelry set.

"Icy Heart"

Czech Firepolished Beads in Crystal and Grey and Light Sapphire

For this set, I combined the firepolished beads with my own enameled heart. sterling wire and beads from my stash, and some beautiful deep grey leather cord.

Thanks, as always, to Artbeads for including me in their fabulous Design Partners program.   Take a few minutes to go out to their Facebook Gallery of Designs to see the other fabulous jewelry from the extremely talented design partners.

Necessary Legal Stuff:  I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com, and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Bead Table Wednesday and an Artbeads Teaser...

Hello!  I missed last week's BTW, and wanted to make sure I posted this week.  Right now I'm working with beads that I received from Artbeads.com for their "Winter Enchantment" blog partner challenge:

I just love the cool greys, smoky greys and antiqued silvers I have to work with.  These colors are so calm and serene to me, and I can't wait to get started on my designs!

Heather Powers of Humblebeads blog is the wonderful host for this weekly challenge, and anyone is welcome to participate.  Take a few minutes to check out what everyone else is working on this week at the BTW flickr site here.

So...what in on your bead table this week?

December Art Bead Scene Challenge

This month, Art Bead Scene gave us two paintings to use as inspiration for our challenge piece, both by John Anster Fitzgerald:

 

 

"The Storm"

 

"The Captive Robin"

 

What captured my eye in both of these pictures is the use of color to bring the subjects to life, and that's what I tried to do in my piece.

 

The piece I submitted is one I made a few months ago, but fit this challenge perfectly:

"Robin Redbreast"

 

The focal is made from an etched and soldered bezel with a digital collage topped with antique watch parts and filled in with ICE Resin.  The chain is made from Picasso finish glass lentil beads from Artbeads.com, and copper beads from Rings & Things.

 

As the cutoff is December 31st, it isn't too late for you to enter.  Check out the Art Bead Scene blog for more information and get creating!

Autumn With Artbeads, 2 of 2 and Creative *Sparks* Friday!

Earlier this week, I posted my first Autumn piece that I made with my gorgeous beads from Artbeads.com (you can see that post here).  Today, I finished my second Autumn piece and combined it with this week's "Creative Sparks Fridays" project. 

This week's sparks are:

And here are my interpretations of them:

"Wing And A Prayer"

 

I was immediately drawn to the graphic pattern in the moth's wings, punctuated with that vivid splash of red, and I knew I wanted to attempt to duplicate that feel in my pieces.

In my Artbeads.com package, I received some beautiful Iron Zebra Jasper beads that have the striking graphic patterns I was looking for.  Using antiqued sterling wire, I combined those beads with 10mm carved wooden beads, a warm-toned 30mm wood ring and a striking tomato-red magnesite coin to create the effect I loved in the *spark* picture.

The necklace measures approximately 21.5", with the wooden ring hanging in front.  This allows the red to hang off-center, much like the streak of red in the picture.

These pieces will be available for purchase in my etsy shop.

As always, I really enjoyed working on this Creative *spark* Fridays project, and want to thank Becky of The Gritty Bird for all her work in hosting this weekly challenge. 

Happy creating and have a fantastic weekend!

Necessary Legal Stuff: I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com, and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Autumn With Artbeads, 1 of 2

"Autumn, the year's last,

loveliest smile."

William Cullen Bryant

If you recall, I posted a teaser in this post showing you the beautiful Autumn-colored beads I received from Artbeads.com as a part of their Blogging for Beaders program.  I've finished the first of two pieces, and I'd like to share it with you:

"Plum Mists"

The chain for this versatile lariat-style necklace measures a long 50", from the end of the 40mm Purple Resin Ring to the bottom of the Copper Round Small Hoop Pendant With Rings charm hanging from the gorgeous Purple Freestyling Lampwork Bead focal.

The chain is made from copper wire-wrapped 8mm Multi Tourmaline Round Bead links and dragon vein agate links in subtle shades of plum, mauve, sage and forest, perfectly complimenting the stunning focal and resin ring.

The ring is attached with a handmade coiled copper wire loop, and this loop, along with the copper charm  hanging from the bottom of the focal bead, add texture and interest to the necklace design.

I have always loved this color combination, and am quite happy with the design of this piece.  You can find all kinds of jewelry supplies and ideas for your own designs at Artbeads.com.

This piece will be available for purchase in my etsy shop.  Thanks for stopping by!

Necessary Legal Stuff: I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com, and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Artbeads Autumn Sneak Peek

Saturday I received a wonderful surprise when I opened up my mailbox to find a package from Artbeads.com with these fun beads to play with:

I'll be turning these beauties into fun Autumn-themed jewelry soon, so check back for the finished pieces, coming soon!

In the meantime, Artbeads.com has some fantastic deals going on, and if you spend $50, you will receive $5 off your entire order if you enter this code at checkout before 10/14/10:

ZZP5D50-S8R-0910

Happy shopping!

Necessary Legal Stuff: I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com, and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Summertime With Artbeads (Part 3 of 3)

Are you ready for the final  Artbeads.com "Summertime" Blog Partner post I promised you? 

I previously posted "Summer In Provence" and "Summer At Sea" , two very different summer-themed jewelry sets.  For the third set, "Summertime In The Country", I was drawn back to the beautiful lavenders, golds and olives of the French countryside: 

The necklace features a pendant made from an antiqued copper watch face with three olivine glass briolettes peeking out from torch-fired enameled cone-shaped bead caps.

The chain is made from wire-wrapped Czech fire-polished beads in shades of lavender, topaz and olive and torch-fired enameled copper beads to coordinate with the bead caps in the pendant.  A hand-made copper wire clasp finishes it off.

The bracelet is made from wire-wrapped Czech fire-polished beads in lavender, topaz and olive that compliment the colors in the necklace, closing with a beautiful copper toggle clasp.

The earrings feature pale lavender and olive Czech fire-polished beads that hang as a charm from handmade sterling ear wires.

ArtBeads will be posting all of their blog partners' designs in their “Summertime” Facebook Gallery starting June 21st, so stop by and check them all out!

If you are interested in purchasing this set, you can find it in my Etsy store.  Stay tuned for more "Summertime" designs!

Necessary Legal Stuff:   I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com,  and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Summertime With Artbeads.com (Part 2 of 3)

Earlier I shared my first Artbeads.com "Summertime" Blog Partner jewelry set, "Summer In Provence" (you can find that post here).  For the second set, I wanted to create something very different from the first, using the bright, bold cobalt blues, emerald greens and turquoises of water lapping up onto the beach.

"Summer At Sea", is the second of three sets that go with the "Summertime" theme:

The shaped copper links of the necklace are made to evoke the look of waves lapping up onto the beach, and feature Druk Czech glass beads in turquoise, emerald and deep blue.  What really makes this necklace pop, however, is the gorgeous copper fish toggle clasp.

 The bracelet features three strands made from the same Druk Czech glass beads in turquoise, emerald and deep blue, and closes with a handmade copper clasp accented with three glass bead charms in these same colors.

The earrings also feature the three colors of Druk Czech glass beads that hang as charms from handmade copper earwires.

 

ArtBeads will be posting all of their blog partners' designs in their “Summertime” Facebook Gallery starting June 21st, so stop by and check them all out!

If you are interested in purchasing this set, you can find it in my Etsy store.  Stay tuned for more "Summertime" designs!

Necessary Legal Stuff:   I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com,  I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Summertime With Artbeads.com (Part 1 of 3)

When I heard that the new Artbeads.com Blog Partner theme was "Summertime", my mind immediately went to two completely opposite places:  to the bright, bold cobalt blues, emerald greens and turquoises of water lapping up onto the beach and then to the lavenders, golds and olive greens of the lazy days of late summer, watching the sun set on the sunflower and lavender fields of Provence (ok...so I've never been to France, but a girl can dream, can't she?).

This set, "Summer in Provence", is the first of three sets that I'll be sharing with you over the next week or so:

The focal for the necklace is made from etched and antiqued copper sheet with a handmade copper bezel soldered to it. A Summer-themed collage is the backdrop for antique jewelry parts placed into the center of the bezel, which was then filled with ICE resin.  Fastened to the top of the pendant are handmade torch-fired enameled headpins with Czech glass beads shaped to resemble a bundle of lavender.

The chain is made from wire-wrapped Czech fire-polished glass beads in shades of lavender, topaz and olive, and it closes with a hand-made copper wire clasp.

The bracelet is made from three strands of wire-wrapped Czech fire-polished glass beads in shades of lavender, topaz and olive that compliment the colors in the necklace, closing with a beautiful copper toggle clasp.

The earrings feature pale lavender and olive Czech glass beads that hang as a charm from handmade sterling ear wires.

ArtBeads will be posting all of their blog partners' designs in their “Summertime” Facebook Gallery starting June 21st, so stop by and check them all out!

If you are interested in purchasing this set, you can find it in my Etsy store.  Stay tuned for more "Summertime" designs!

Necessary Legal Stuff:   I am honestly reviewing the products above which I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com,  I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to them.

Spring Has Sprung!

About a week and a half ago I opened up my mailbox, and to my delight there was a package from Artbeads.com!  Here's a peek of what I received:

I've always loved Spring.  The feeling that everything is made new and fresh gives me hope and excitement for whatever is to come.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I always knew that Spring was coming when I saw the first crocus poking its green leaves up out of the (sometimes still snowy) ground, and the first robin redbreast sitting in our crabapple tree.  As the days got warmer, I knew I would see waxy yellow buttercups and lavender purple bells along with brightly colored tulips, daffodils and delicately scented apple blossoms.

Along with the first signs of Spring inevitably came cleansing rains and, many years, another dusting of snow before the season was officially in swing.

"Spring Beauty"

The colors and design in the Blossoms and Bird Stoneware Pendant were the inspiration for this necklace, that consists of three strands from which the pendant hangs from a handmade sterling silver bail.

The first strand is made from matte red 6/0 seed beads that echo the gorgeous red color from the robin's breast.

The second strand is made from crystal 3mm Faceted Bicone Crystal beads representing the inevitability of that last dusting of snow sometime in late March, sprinkled with delicately shaded turquoise fluorite saucers representing the cleansing rain during the month of April.

The third strand is made from beautiful Amazonite roundels wire-wrapped with sterling silver wire, Metallite 6mm Antique Silver Oval Links, and tiny Czech bell flowers.

If you are interested in owning a piece of Pacific Northwest Spring, I will be listing this necklace in my Etsy shop within the next day or so.

I have another spring-themed necklace in the works, so check back soon!

Necessary Legal Stuff: I have received the following products free of charge from Artbeads and I am honestly reviewing them. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received: Stoneware Rectangle Pendant - Blossoms and Bird, 10mm Red w/ Light Picasso Lentil, Metallite 6mm Antique Silver Oval Link, and Metallite 13x7mm Antique Silver Floral Oval Rectangle Bead.

Artbeads.com's 10th Anniversary Sweepstakes Giveaway!

There's only a couple of more days left to win a $1000 shopping spree at Artbeads.com's 10th Anniversary Sweepstakes Giveaway!  Here's the skinny:

Prize Details:  $1,000 to spend on a Shopping Spree at Artbeads.com for Beads and Jewelry Supplies!

Prize Eligibility:  Only persons residing in United States and Canada who are at least 18 years of age can enter.

Sweepstakes Starts:  January 06, 2010 @ 09:00 am (PST)

Sweepstakes Ends:  March 04, 2010 @ 11:59 pm (PST)

Need more Details?   Read the Official Rules at: Artbeads.com

Good Luck!

One More Romantic Jewelry Post...

Just a quick post to show you the newest of my Valentine-esque jewelry:

"Hearts and Pearls "

This set is made from more of Artbeads.com's fabulous copper heart beads, paired with blue and white potato pearls.  The copper has been patinaed to an amazing red/pink shade and sealed to protect the finish.

I love the contrast between the organic copper and the elegant silvers, blues and whites of the pearls.

This set is really different from most jewelry that I design, and I love how it turned out: feminine with an edge.

If you like it too, you can find it for sale in my Etsy shop!

Necessary Legal Stuff: I have received the following product(s) free of charge from Artbeads.com and I am honestly reviewing it/them. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the product(s) received: Large Copper Bumpy Heart.

A Simply Sweet Heart Necklace For Valentine’s Day

"Simply Sweet Heart"

 For another Valentine’s Day necklace I just finished, I wanted to create a simple and casual piece, and the Large Copper Art Deco Heart Pendant from Artbeads.com fit the bill. 

 Large Copper Art Deco Heart Pendant

With its beautiful craftsmanship and significant size (height 46mm, width 45mm), it definitely needed to be the center of attention in this piece, without distraction from a complicated chain.

 

With 'simple' being the operative word, I made this chain from small, handmade coiled copper wire links and green and brown glass beads that set off the rustic copper tones in the focal heart, closing with a handmade copper clasp.

For more beautiful Valentine's Day inspiration, check out Artbeads.com's Valentine's Day beads & findings, and if you would like to see more of my Valentine’s Day jewelry, I am selling this piece and others in my Etsy shop. 

Necessary Legal Stuff: I have received the following product(s) free of charge from Artbeads and I am honestly reviewing it/them. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the product(s) received: Copper Large Art Deco Heart Pendant.

A Valentine’s Day Twist

Lately I have felt compelled to push myself to improve my wire working skills, with inspiration coming from the beautiful artwork of artists like Cindy Wimmer and Connie Fox.  When my hubby & I were up in Prescott, AZ over New Year’s, I saw a “Coiling Gizmo”, and picked it up.

As I was laying out the design for one of my Valentine’s Day necklaces for Artbeads.com’s Blog for Beaders blogging team, I decided to pull out my new gizmo & incorporate coiled links into one of the pieces.   So without further ado, here is my newest piece featuring beautiful beads from Artbeads.com:



The Black, White, and Pink Kalera Bead focal is a stunning piece of art on its own, and it set the color palate for the rest of the necklace.




To compliment the pink, black and white in the focal bead, I incorporated vintage Pink and Black Striped Round Beads, vintage Jet Four-Sided Oval Beads, Pink Czech Glass Fire-Polished Roundelles, pink Porphyr Czech Fire Polished Beads, and some black and white scrolled beads with some black, white and pink lampwork beads I had in my own bead stash (you can find similar styles in Artbeads.com’s Lampwork Bead section).  I also added some handmade charms made from Metallite 5mm Antique Silver Heart with Granulations and Czech pressed glass tiny bell flowers randomly hanging on the chain.

The overall design is whimsical and very feminine, and this piece of jewelry can be worn all year long.
I am working on more Valentine designs, so check back soon!

Necessary Legal Stuff: I have received the following products free of charge from Artbeads and I am honestly reviewing them. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received: Metallite 5mm Antique Silver Heart with Granulations, Vintage Pink and Black Striped Round Beads, Vintage Jet Four-Sided Oval Beads, Black, White, and Pink Kalera Bead.

New Artbeads Goodies…

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I received a fun goody package from Artbeads.com with some new beads to play with, incorporating a Valentine’s Day theme.  Here’s a sneak peek of the beads they sent:
 

  Metallite 5mm Antique Silver Heart with Granulations, Vintage Pink and Black Striped Round Beads, Vintage Jet Four-Sided Oval Beads, Vintage White Barrel Beads, 6mm Fire Polish Mix Pink Tones (50 pack), Copper Large Art Deco Heart Pendant, Black, White, and Pink Kalera Bead

In addition to these beautiful beads, I purchased some others on my own, and I can’t wait to post pictures of the finished pieces - stay tuned!  :-)

In the meantime, take a look around the Artbeads.com site for fantastic deals on Valentine’s Day beads, Swarovski beads and elements, beautiful silver beads and findings, and an awesome vintage bead section – you’ll be hooked! 

To make it even more tempting, all of Artbeads.com’s Valentine’s Day items are currently 15% off!

Happy Shopping!

Necessary Legal Stuff: I have received the following products free of charge from Artbeads and I am honestly reviewing them. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received: Metallite 5mm Antique Silver Heart with Granulations, Vintage Pink and Black Striped Round Beads, Vintage Jet Four-Sided Oval Beads, Vintage White Barrel Beads, 6mm Fire Polish Mix Pink Tones (50 pack), Copper Large Art Deco Heart Pendant, Black, White, and Pink Kalera Bead

My Secret Santa Recipient

Back in this post, I teased you with pictures of the gorgeous ocean-colored and silver beads that I received from Artbeads.com to play with, as they are featuring glass and silver for the month of December. 

Beads pictured:  5x4mm Deep Ocean Mix Picasso Roundelles, 5x4mm Antique Denim Picasso Roundelles, Elegant Loops Clasp Set, 3mm Bright Sterling Silver Roundel Beads, Czech Fire Polished Bead - Montana Blue (6mm), Fire Polished Bermuda Blue 1/2 Metallic Coated (8mm), Fire Polished Full Coat Lumi Green (8mm)

I decided to incorporate them into the necklace design for my Secret Santa recipient, Riki Schumacher of Riki Jewelry.  On the questionnaire I sent out to all the participants, I asked them some questions about things they like, colors they wear and what makes them smile.  Riki answered that she loves the ocean, bees, and wearing blues and aquas, which worked beautifully with the products I had received from Artbeads.

Here are some pictures of the finished piece I sent to Riki:

“Pacific Northwest Summer”

To create an asymmetrical effect, I added beautiful large labradorite rectangle beads wire-wrapped using copper wire to soldered and hammered copper hoops on one side.  The size of the labradorite beads adds visual weight, allowing the strand to appear balanced with the opposite strands of the necklace.

The other side of the piece is made from two strands of copper wire-wrapped links made from the Czech fire-polished and picasso glass beads and the sterling spacers that I received from Artbeads.

The clasp is hand-made from  14 gauge copper wire, and both sides of the necklace have groupings of tiny glass flower dangles randomly attached to different links.

The focal is made from some of my etched and antiqued copper sheet with a handmade copper bezel soldered to it.  I placed an antiqued silver bee charm in the center of the bezel and filled it with ICE resin.  The focal is finished with another grouping of small flower charms.

Overall I love the how design of this piece came out, and I might have to make a similar one for myself!

I highly recommend visiting Artbeads.com and checking out their unbelievable assortment of glass, silver and Swarovski crystal beads.  While you are there, poke around in their copper section – I just know you’ll find something special!

To entice you even more, here's a coupon code for 10% off your next Artbeads purchase of $50 or more:

SCP10P-THANKS-1209

Expires 1/31/2010

Remember, Artbeads.com offers FREE SHIPING in the USA & $1 Shipping to Canada

Necessary Legal Stuff: I have received the following products free of charge from Artbeads and I am honestly reviewing them. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received: 5x4mm Deep Ocean Mix Picasso Roundelles, 5x4mm Antique Denim Picasso Roundelles, Elegant Loops Clasp Set, 3mm Bright Sterling Silver Roundel Beads, Czech Fire Polished Bead - Montana Blue (6mm), Fire Polished Bermuda Blue 1/2 Metallic Coated (8mm), Fire Polished Full Coat Lumi Green (8mm)