AJE Earring Challenge Reveal #6

These iridescent lampwork beads by Jennifer of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry have a very soft purple/blue hue to them.   They are accented with copper caps, and are sitting on an enameled headpin.  The copper rectangles have been gently touched with patina.

  

Since I have a thing for Chandelier Earrings, I felt I should make a pair.  We used some findings from our Store, crystalized them, and they turned into butterflies.  So...with lots of wire-wrapped Swarovski crystal, a hammered and texturized wire, and  lampwork beads by Jennifer of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry, they became Butterfly Windchime Earrings.

 

 

"Happy Easter" from all of us at Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry...and from my faithful blogging friend "Dave", my Vizsla Dog :)

The Bead Soup Reveal

Our partner for the first Reveal is Dana Hickey, of MagpieApproved.  Dana sent us these beautiful hand-made copper pieces.  There were so many different ways to work with these pieces, that it was kind of hard to decide :)  Things did change a few times, but here is what has been created.

  

It all started with the copper focal, the one with three loops, which just begged for a lot of dangles!  The linen fiber worked beautifully with the stones, and with the Raku Lampwork made by Jennifer of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry made it perfect.  When finished with the leather, it took on a Bohemian look - LOVE IT!

  

The earrings were made with Dana's matching wire-worked copper links and Jennifer's Raku Lampwork, tied together with the Linen fiber.

For this necklace, the beautiful copper and pearl toggle just needed to be the focal piece!  The copper side-drilled drops were perfect and looked so good with the toggle and the pearl medallion links.  The Czech glass, nuggets, and the rootbeer crystal dangle just seemed to complete this necklace.  The handmade hook finishes the back.  Such an elegant look!

  

With the copper piping beads that Dana sent us, we took them to the torch where they were enameled.  They turned out beautifully with a lovely purple.  They look very close in color to the purple lampwork beads.  All the beads were then gathered on 6 strands of leather.  We used copper sliders between the sections, pulling the bracelet together, and finishing it with a magnetic clasp.

  

This last necklace turned out completely different than I thought it would...you could say that it "evolved".  It all started with a filigree, and then a piece that had been etched.  With Spring now here, flowers seemed appropriate, and the wire-worked flower section was made.  So very happy to find these wonderful flower beads, they were perfect with the pearls and copper - VOILA!!!

Well, that's it!!!  Thank you, Dana.  We used ALL of your "Bead Soup" and it was very inspiring.

  Now, here's what we sent to Dana, you can click here to see what she has created.  Be sure to visit all of the other blogs for their creations.  You can find the list of participants at Lori Anderson Bead Soup Party.

Pearl Cuff Bracelet

With just a flick of your wrist, you can make a statement with this beautiful cuff bracelet.  This very light and flexible aluminum wire bracelet has been hand twisted and decorated with freshwater seed pearls and Swarovski Crystals.  It's the little details that make this bracelet special and unique.

New Arrivals!!!

The anchor and infinity bracelets and jewelry are becoming very popular.  There's an endless array of ways to use them.  Leather can be threaded through an anchor then wrapped around the wrist, a very fashionable look!  We carry a nice selection of anchors and infinity findings and you can find them here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Everything Old Is New Again

A little bit of yesterday comes through in this Vintage-Inspired necklace, which features a charming combination of pearls, crystals, quartz, and candy jade on four strands...and a lovely handmade ribbon rose as a decorative feature.  So pretty, yet a tiny bit edgy!  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.

Black Crystal Necklace

What a dramatic look these jet black crystals add to this necklace.  They will add elegance to any outfit.  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.  Or make your own, we carry a nice selection of Chinese Crystal in various shapes and colors.  You can find this designer strand of crystals here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Pearl And Crystal Cluster Necklace

This beautifully designed necklace has the elegance of freshwater pearls and the shimmer of Swarovski Crystals, hand wire-wrapped and accented in Sterling Silver.  A fashionable choice for the Modern Bride, or for a special occasion gown.  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.

Triple-Stranded Crystal Necklace

You can't go wrong when dressed in crystal!  This neckline, triple-stranded, faceted crystal necklace has four shades of crystals blending into each other.  This would look beautiful with a black business suit or a formal strapless dress.  You're sure to get attention with this one!  For information on this necklace, check here in our Etsy Store.

Spring Flowers Woven Bracelet

Although you wouldn't know it by the weather, spring is officially here.  In honor of the first weekend in spring, bead-woven art jewelry was created in the class today taught by Peggy Lierheimer.  A very enjoyable class, where everything from serene shades to vivid hues were chosen, make such sparkling and dazzling bracelets to wear.  There's no happiness in making things you wouldn't wear yourself!

 

 

Maybe not very springlike, but fitting for today.... Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes !

Shades Of Purple Necklace

I so love the soothing shade of purple, and this tasteful necklace has many shades of it.  Chinese Crystals and Czech Glass have been wire-wrapped throughout, with a sparkling crystal Fireball, adding such a beautiful touch.  Purple looks so lovely with strong blue tones.  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.

Beautiful Sea Glass Rings

You can make such unique jewelry with Sea Glass!  The Sea Glass in this hand-knotted necklace brings to mind the look of ocean Sea Glass, except it is more uniform in size and shape.  It has been tumbled smooth and has a soft matte finish.  Our large selection of colors and more information on this beautiful necklace can be found here in our Etsy Store.

Lampwork "Sand Dune" Cylinder Beads

This funky set of six handmade lampwork cyclinder beads are a neat Tuscan deserty color, with a very earthy and organic swirling design.  They would look great with so many different color palettes and the choices are endless.  As always, our lampwork has been annealed for durability.  You can find this set here in our Etsy Store. 

Dangles And Chain Necklace

This bold and beautiful jewelry design is made from fashionable aluminum chain.  This necklace has added touches of Sea Glass, Chinese Crystals, and Czech Glass, all hand-wrapped and dangling from the chain.  A pretty blend of textures!  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.

A Variety Of Jewelry Has Been Made

I love being surrounded by piles of ribbons, jars of buttons, and boxes and walls full of beads.  I feel like a lucky person.  This has been such a fun challenge, with a trinket here and a flourish there, a variety of jewelry has been created.  We can't wait for the reveal to show what's been made with the beautiful Bead Soup we received from Dana Hickey of Magpie Approved.  One thing for sure...it's so easy to make things that you love work together!

Reveal #5 AJE Earring Challenge 2

The copper really accents the Sea Glass in this pair of earthy earrings.  I love the look of the torch-fired glossy enameled circles with worn-looking edges.

Reveal #5 AJE Earring Challenge 1

The earrings above feature lampwork beads by Jennifer of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry.  They were hand wrapped with brass wire, then accentuated with crystals and finished with solid brass dangles.

Back To Basic Class

First of all, the Basics of Beading was mastered today in this fun class taught by Kristin Girard of Kristin's Laboratory.  It's sometimes said that the hardest part is deciding where to begin, but not today!  It was all great fun, and we were all delighted by the end results!!

And then, second of all....................................!!!!!!

Crazy Lace Agate Necklace

Crazy Lace Agate is somtimes referred to as "Happy Lace".  This gorgeous Crazy Lace Agate pendant has a beautiful combination of colors, opaque white patterned in multicolors of soft greys, tans, creams, and golds.  Combined with raku, sea glass, foil beads, chinese crystal makes this necklace very "happy".  You can find this here in our Etsy Store.

Copper Dangle Necklace

A little bit of chain can go a long way!  The copper chain in this necklace makes a bold and beautiful jewelry design.  The combination of the metallic blue crystal rondells with the copper is simply stunning.  You can find this chain, along with many others, here in our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website, and you can find the necklace here in our Etsy Store.

Metallic Blue Lampwork Necklace

This metallic blue luster lampwork focal has been accented with fine silver wire.  The graduated metallic blue crystals and Thai sterling silver findings are a beautiful compliment.  This necklace is so very pretty in person!  For more details on this lovely necklace, check here in our Etsy Store.

Spring Flowers Woven Bracelet Class

Create this stunning bracelet using elegant pearls and sparkly crystals in a bead-woven pattern.  This beautifully finished bracelet is fun to make, in whatever color combination you pick.  Peggy Lierheimer will be teaching this class Saturday, March 23, 2-5pm.  For more information about signing up, check here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Mother-Of-Pearl Necklace

This beautifully finished necklace is special!  The focal pendant is surrounded with Swarovski crystals, and the mother-of-pearl flower frames add shimmer and a playful touch to the lampwork flower beads.  This delightful mother-of-pearl jewelry looks great for any occasion, from casual to dressy.  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.

Ochre Ruffle Disc Beads

This set of pretty ruffle lampwork disc beads are a favorite.  The color of the earthy ochre is very inviting, it is complementing and adds warmth as a lovely accent in jewelry designs.  You can find more information on this set, here in our Etsy Store. 

Lucky Four-Leaf Clover Charm Bracelet

Avoid getting pinched and show off your Irish this St. Patrick's Day with this charming bracelet.    This is a great way to add a little sparkle and incorporate the color green into your outfit.  This charm bracelet is full of lucky four-leaf clovers, green quartz and crystals.  No need to search for the end of the rainbow because you can find this treasure here in our Etsy Store.

Peacock Pendant

The glorious peacock makes a showy display.  This antique brass pendant is sparkling and colorful, with its pops of pink crystals layered throughout.  You can find this pendant here in our Etsy Store.  This peacock is just waiting to be customized in your own beautiful color scheme. 

Soldered Bird Pendant

A pinch of Shabby Chic is captured in this vintage-style pendant!  Spring fever reflects the inspiration of the bird in the soft color palette of this hand soldered pendant, which has been finished with a light blue crystal chain.  The blue vintage flower is a lovely decorative feature on the silver filigree, with a crystal drop hanging from it.  This finished pendant will be fun to wear and can be found here in our Etsy Store.

Blue Lampwork Set

This beautiful set of handmade lampwork beads are made by Jennifer of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry.  These beads are vibrant with multitudes of blue and green color, and with purple frit that adds some playful touches.  They are then encased in clear glass to enhance and magnify their appearance.  This set will make a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry and you can find it here in our Etsy Store.

Just The Basics

Do you love jewelry?  Learn how to create your own.  This class, taught by Kristin Girard, on March 16th, 2-5pm, is an introduction to jewelry making.  You will learn the basics of bead stringing, crimping and finishing your designs using the correct tools.  Make earrings using wire and headpins, and much more!  Check out our website, here, for more details. 

Springtime Flower Necklace

The color of Springtime has been captured in this creation.  Just by adding vintage green crystal treasures and pearl jewelry components to filigrees, has turned this necklace into a beautiful statement.  Just love mixing the old with the new.  Wear this beautiful design with an evening dress or casually with your jeans.  Just let your imagination dream!

Reveal #4 AJE Earring Challenge 2

This special pair of Borosilicate lampwork Yo-Yo Beads, are from Unicorne Beads.  We finished these beads with a Sunburst of square seed beads and Swarovski crystal fringe.  Sterling Silver Earwires complete the pair.

Reveal #4 AJE Earring Challenge 1

These beautiful Borosilicate lampwork beads were made by Steve Rhodes of Bokomo Designs.   We paired them with hammered brass discs, finished with a patina, then topped with a lovely antique brass filigree that reminded us of the lampwork.

Spoon Jewelry Class

I love being around other artistic people.  Kristin Girard, of Kristin's Laboratory, taught the Spoon Jewelry Class today.  This class was fun, we learned a lot, and had a good time.  A variety of jewelry was created today by using the bowl of the spoons for pendants, and the handles for bracelets.  One thing for sure, recycling spoons for jewelry adds such an artful touch.  I just loved seeing all the beautiful and varied handiwork.  It only takes a little effort to make an ordinary thing special!

And for the finishing touch............A Triple Chocolate Mousse Treat!!!

A Little Bit Goes A Long Way

In this carefree and creative bracelet, a little bit goes a long way!  The contrast between the sparkly Chinese Crystal and the rougher texture of the pink magnesite works out very nicely.  The dark pink artistic wire section with viking knit added the perfect touch to this piece.  You can find this bracelet here in our Etsy Store.