(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!
