AJE Earring Challenge #21

These adorable earrings above are made by Jennifer.  Torch-fired enameled filigree balls, fun fiber, and vintage findings make the perfect, but "funky" match!

 

More fun earrings from Gianna!  The peyote stitch surrounds these sparkly chatons!  Crystals form the ruffled edging.  How cute are these... and oh, so pretty in pink!



New Crystals!

 

Check out the beautiful new Crystals here in our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

 



Sherazade Beadwork Bracelet Class

Yesterday, guest instructor Peggy Lierheimer taught the Sherazade Bracelet Class.  A beautiful pattern using crystals or pearls and seed beads.  Please enjoy our delightful selection of creations made during class.

 

 

Hats Off Challenge Reveal

Here we are...and here's the story...

First Hat...

"Made With Color"

My first thoughts... to attract admirers wear a beautiful hat, or should I say necklace?  This crisp and colorful necklace all started with the floral centerpiece.  I've always had a passion for French Seed Beaded flowers.  It seemed to be the way to bring all those wonderful colors together.  Flowing from the centerpiece are two strands, one is a green matte agate with crystals, the other is the wonderful apricot stick pearls... just had to use them (kind of like the feathers in the hat).  On the opposite side is a filigree topped with a vintage accessory piece.  I think this necklace has a fun and bright personality!

Second Hat

 

"Three Little Words"

I love pendants that tell a story, and this one started with a butterfly, which was printed on rice paper and adhered to the back of a vintage chandelier crystal using Diamond Glaze.  Then the collage began with filigrees and bits and pieces assembled together, and finished with crystals (got to have some bling).  Paired together to be something meaningful, mixed with nostalgia.  A match made in Heaven. :)

Well, that's all folks!  Many thank-you's to our Hostess Bobbie, from Beadsong Jewelry, for such a fun challenge for us all to participate in!  Be sure to visit all of the particpants.

Arlene Dean www.aglassbash.blogspot.com

Bobbie Rafferty www.beadsong.blogspot.com

Charlie www.505indiechic.blogspot.com

Cheryl Dunham www.renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com

Chris www.furzalsjewellry.blogspot.com

Christine Altmiller www.onekisscreations.blogspot.com

Cindy Wilson www.itsmyseaofdreams.blogspot.com

Cynthia Machata www.antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Deanna Riles-Cox https://www.facebook.com/deanna.rilescox

Debbie Rasmussen www.kepirasmussen.blogspot.com

Dini Bruinsma https://www.facebook.com/dini.bruinsma

Jasvanti Patel www.jewelrybyjasvant.blogspot.com

Jean Yates www.prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com

Jennifer LaVite www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/

Karin Slaton www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com

Kashmira www.sadafulee.blogspot.com

Laney Mead http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.com/

Liz E www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com

Lola www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

Micheladas www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Nan Smith www.wirednan.blogspot.com

Robin Reed www.willowdragon.blogspot.com

Sally Russick www.thestudiosublime.com

Shiraz www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com

Susan Nelson Bowie www.susanbowie.wordpress.com

Therese www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com

Vera www.veradesigns.blogspot.com

Flower Pendant Necklace

Make a statement and add flowers to your outfit with this whimsical necklace.  The floral centerpiece has been wrapped and twisted with lightweight acrylic flowers and crystals secured on a filigree.  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.  Or...make your own creation!  We carry a nice assortment of these softly frosted, translucent flowers here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What's In Your Heart?

This silver-plated heart blank is decorated with a single red rose, hearts, crystals, and pearls, and speaks of love.  It is finished with leather, crystal chain and more pearls.  This necklace has matching earrings and can be found here in our Etsy Store.

This heart blank can be personalized by adding your distinctive flair!  Fill your heart with your favorite photo or altered art.  They can be found here on our Website.  What's in your heart?

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.  Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.”

                                                                                                                ~Carl Jung~

"Box of Chocolates" Heart Pendant

This beautiful antique copper heart-shaped pendant blank is filled with pearls and crystals, then colorfully wrapped with a red leather bow.  This sweet necklace has no calories!!!

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.”

                                                                                                 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Glittering Pearl and Crystal Necklace

A beautiful glittering pearl and crystal necklace that shimmers with every movement.  Large glass pearls, chinese crystal ovals with clusters of crystals mixed with organic, freshwater keishi pearls.  This necklace can be found here in our Etsy Store.  Or create your own necklace with one of the designer strands that you can find here in our Store.  These pre-strung strands are indeed a treasure!

Vintage Style Soldered Pendants

This vintage inspired hand-soldered pendant necklace is so charming.  It has added embellishments, such as filagrees, ribbons and resin flowers, and is finished with pearls and crystals.  This pendant necklace can be found here in our Etsy Store.

Another beautifully soldered pendant with the look of yesteryear!!!  This hand-soldered pendant has a vintage crystal flower component embellishment with a silverplated leaf dangle that is adorned with a pink resin flower and finished with a silver-plated chain.  It can also be found here in our Etsy Store.  Either necklace would be a beautiful addition to anyone's jewelry collection.

Orange Crush and Turquoise Necklace

This necklace reminds me of drinking an orange crush while floating in a sea of turquoise!  This is  the new silverplated cross pendant, which can be found here, the pendant has been filled with crystals and then combined with web jasper which can be found here.  This finished necklace can be found here in our Etsy store, along with the matching earrings.