The Beauty of Lampwork Beads

The photo above is the piece I antiqued in liver of sulphur.


I am excited about my latest piece featuring gorgeous lampwork beads in great shapes and delicious colors. I purchased these beauties at the Philadelphia bead show last summer and have been anxious to use them in an interesting design. The copper wire seems to really enhance the colors in the beads as well as blend beautifully with the bronze toggle. I can't decide now whether or not to oxidize the bracelet in liver of sulphur to give it an antiqued look. I know that the copper will oxidize over time naturally and I do not not wish to change to color of the toggle which is so beautiful just as is. Any suggestions? Please leave feedback and let me know what you think. I will also post a photo of a bracelet I did oxidize in liver of sulphur for comparison purposes.

Stackable Rings

If you are a jewelry "nut" like I am, chances are you might wear lots of rings. My rings never come off my fingers and that is one of the reasons stackable rings work well for me. I can enhance my lovely petite rings with another one of a similar material or with a design that will make the ring next to it stand out like a frame on a picture. In my quest to add wonderful selections to my HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE, I discovered the newly opened shop of http://cosmosmoon.etsy.com/. She has been doing metalsmithing for over 2o years and has some outstanding pieces in her shop. Her stackable rings would make a lovely gift for that special lady in your life. The bracelet featured here is one of an award winning series of incredible one- of -a- kind pieces. I had to include it in this post!

Antiquing with Liver of Sulfur

I am so glad I decided to antique this piece. Thanks to my readers who voted yay. i put this piece into liver of sulpher. Copper looks so wonderful when it's bright and shiny,but we all know it doesn't stay that way. This piece has such a wonderful rich look now, due to all the buffing with steel wool and finally taking a tumble in my tumbler. It has made such a difference. Would love to know what you think!

The Joy of Wire Wrapping

I am very excited about my new creations. As I mentioned in earlier posts, I recently attended a woman's retreat at the home of Sharilyn Miller in Idyllwild, Ca. where I learned to make the wire components of many of my new jewelry pieces. These two pieces are a result of my effort and yes frustrations in Sharilyn's workshop. Although I found some of the techniques to be difficult everything I learned was well worth the effort.

Happily Handmade

I originally designed this necklace in the fall during a wire working class. It had lots of curves and zigzags and never lay right around my neck. I was convinced it was a lost cause until this past week when I decided to take it apart and start all over again. I used dead soft wire and was able to use my wire straightener to take the zigzags and kinks out of the sterling wire I was using. The gauge was fairly large so it was easy to straighten without damaging the wire. Then I decided to use wrapped eye pins to make the links , as well as some spirals and a handmade clasp. I am thrilled with the results and can't wait to do another one. See this and other one-of-a -kind pieces in my shop.

Beaded Beauties

If you are looking for something red for your valentine,then consider this exquisite design . Myfairladyvt4 makes these amazing bracelets using a variety of of seed beads and a gorgeous Czech glass button. Take a look at these bracelets and the lovely sets she sells in her shop before you choose your Valentine Day gifts.

Three in One

This lovely necklace by Berry Patch Designs has a unique design that can be worn three different ways. If you like a full look you can wear it as a double strand necklace. For a more simple look, wear it as a single strand by removing the shorter piece. The short piece can also be worn a s a bracelet. Berry Patch Designs carries many lovely jewelry pieces like the earrings you see below. Don't forget to read her blog too.

Plenty of Sparkle!

I found it very difficult to choose items to feature from Phyllis Mufson's etsy shop because I loved them all. These stunning pieces are classy and timeless. Please enjoy browsing through Phyllis' shop.

A Rose by Name

I just had the pleasure of visiting Anna's etsy shop was awed by her exquisite beading work. Her labor intensive bracelets and necklaces are so delicate and creative. She also carries beaded candleholders and other accessories. Her is Ana's bio.

Make sure to visit her blog as well.

"I am a self-employed wife and mother of two teenage daughters. I enjoy beading and find that it is my therapy for stress!My daughters and I first tried beading many years ago. Over the years, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate. Although my girls no longer bead, they enjoy wearing the pieces that I have created. My youngest creates cards. She thoroughly enjoys creating the original greeting cards that you will find here in my shop. She will also create custom cards...just let us know your preferences!"

Bold and Beautiful

These stunning pieces are feaured on http://thatsheadley.etsy.com/ The purple bracelet below is definitely going on my list of favorites. Please read Thatsheadley's bio above and check out her blog at http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com/

Chainmaille in Color!

I have seen and admired chainmaille before, but these colored pieces are truly unique and lovely. You can wear this jewelry with just about any color or style outfit. Please check for other unique designs by this talented artist at http://lunachick.etsy.com/. If you are looking for jewelry supplies she has this shop as well http://lunachickfindings.com. Check for new designs and information at http://lunachickdesigns.blogspot.com/.