Beautiful beads!

 

(click on pics for larger view)

I wish my pictures could capture the real beauty of these lampwork beads by Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens (GlassBeadArt on Etsy).  She calls them "Sparkling Rocks" - and do they ever sparkle!  I bought some of these beads earlier this year and I begged her to make me some more.  Well, I received them last week and I am working like a mad woman to create more items for my upcoming shows (first one is this weekend). 

 

I think this bracelet came out so nice!  I have been making most of my findings of late - jump rings clasps, ear wires.  I made the toggle clasp based on a design I learned from Handcrafted Wire Findings (Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson-this is an AWESOME BOOK!).  I antiqued the sterling in Liver of Sulfur, buffed, and then it spent quite a bit of time in my tumbler.  I liked this bracelet so much that I used up all the beads from Maryse in the following two bracelets...

I also made this necklace with sweet beads by Nan Emmet of Spirited Earth. I was lucky to be in her shop while she was uploading!  Her beads go FAST!

The clasp design on this copper necklace is by the talented Cindy Wimmer - though I cannot remember the issue date, it was published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry Magazine. 

 

Donna Millard posted a picture on Facebook  of these cobalt blue lampwork beads in the shape of a snowflake, which she then fused with sterling silver.  Well, I showed a picture of the beads to my Mom and my sister - who then begged for multiple necklaces for Christmas for themselves and as gifts.  All I have to do is attach the silver chain to these and I am done.  Donna's bead are some of my all time favorites.

 

Hurricane Sandy is over now - I lost power for about two hours last night (Monday evening), but other than that, all is well.  My backyard, however, looks like soup.  SO.MUCH.RAIN. 

I will be back on Saturday for the Ears to You Blog Hop hosted by Amy Freeland of Copper Diem. This is a blog hop for earrings donated to "Ears to You" - a charitable organization that donates earrings to women who are in the hospital for cancer treatment - an excellent cause!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by - I love to read your comments!