Playing with Sterling Silver and Beads

My absolute two favorite materials to work with are sterling silver and lamp work beads.  I was playing with the sterling silver wire I have on hand and came up with these:

My favorite style of earrings has always been hoops.  I first made a paddle shape out of heavy gauge wire, then added a sterling jump ring, which I then soldered.  The plain hoops, though pretty on their own, needed something, so I added these gorgeous lamp work beads.  I do not know where I got them, which is unusual for me.  They were not labeled in my stash.

These were fun to make, but took close to 2 hours  - most of the time was spent going through beads to find just the right ones!  I love them!

Thanks for stopping by!

It's All About the Beads!

In the past 2 weeks, I have done my part to support the economy...I have been on a major shopping spree for beads!  Many beads, some of which I would like to share here:

Gorgeous lentils from Unicorne Beads (http://www.unicornebeads.com/)

Green/Blue Marble Beads from Unicorn

I have more of these Ivory Raku lentils from Kelleys Beads - hoarded from earlier this year  (http://kelleysbeads.blogspot.com/)! 

More phenomenal lentils from Unicorn - denim colored!

Turquoise crackle beads, from Kelleys Beads

Baroque style beads from Sue Beads (http://suebeads.blogspot.com/) Her color choices in this set are SPOT ON!!

Dichroic flat beads - Unicorn

Royal Blues from Kelleys Beads

Lovely lampwork scrolls from Cheryls Art on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherylsart?ref=seller_info) - Cheryl also makes beautiful Christmas Ornaments!

It's raining on and off in Virginia today.  Hopefully, I can get to my "studio" and work with some of these lovelies.

My Grand Opening 25% Off sale in my etsy shop is still on!!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!