Swarovski® Crystal Pendant Necklaces

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

Before I introduce the new crystal pieces I want to preface this blog with one more glass bead necklace. For those of you who have been reading you know that lately I have been focusing on Lisa Atchison’s glass beads. As I’ve stated before they are remarkable, one-of-a-kind beads unlike anything that I have ever seen. In most cases the pictures do not do the beads justice. Please review previous blogs for my most recent creations. I will introduce one new piece to you where I used the combination of a copper mesh necklace along with one of Lisa’s electroformed leaf beads.

This necklace is comprised of fine, Italian brass mesh. There is a 3mm leatherette cord inserted into copper-colored brass mesh for durability. The necklace measures 18″ in length and is terminated with a lobster claw clasp. I used copper findings, and pure copper wire to make the handmade bail from which the beautiful, ocean-colored bead is suspended. As you view both photos of the bead itself, notice that the bead is only electroformed with a leaf on one side, which adds to its versatility.

Back of Bead

Front of Bead

OK, now for the crystal. First I’ll begin very quickly with the introduction of the “more classy” version of the Christmas tree earrings. I featured the classic-colored tree earrings in a previous blog, which was a green crystal tree accented in red and silver. This new pair is made using clear Swarovski® crystals along with an aurum 2x crystal topper and Colorado topaz base. They dangle from fancy gold-plated ear wires. These adorable creations can be worn all season long so get yours now!

Swarovski® crystal is the finest crystal in the world. I absolutely LOVE what Swarovski® has done this season with their new pendants. Of course these are perfect for any occasion, but hey, the winter season is upon us and in celebration of it I offer you a Swarovski® snowflake pendant necklace!

This sparkling creation has a flat table and faceted edges. The light reflects brilliantly from this classic pendant. I have attached a sterling silver teardrop bail to the snowflake, which dangles from a 20″ sterling silver textured loop chain. I terminated the chain with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

Also new this season is the 18mm flat-faced heart pendant. With the amazing sparkle only Swarovski® can create, the feminine heart drop has faceted, beveled edges and a smooth center. Stunning glacier blue color, the crystal ignites flashes of blue, green and yellow. I used a sterling silver ice pick heart bail, and attached it to a sterling silver Italian chain for instant elegance. Makes a fabulous gift for any occasion!

I have started working with a new medium. I am not sure if I like it yet as it is very new and extremely delicate, but I feel that the potential for creativeness using this product is just itching to burst through! This woven mesh originates as an extremely fine brass wire, loosely woven and anodized into a glorious color palette. It can be used to create a myriad of styles. Because this mesh is very fragile, it is recommended that it be used like a ribbon with beads strung on the outside only. However, I am a bit of a rebel and I decided to string beads, twist the mesh, and even fill the tube with pearls! (I feel like I just ripped off one of those “DO NOT REMOVE” mattress tags)

Close up of pearls in mesh

This is a David Christensen cane glass bead necklace with sterling silver accents and Swarovski® pearls strung on, and in the mesh tube. The black and white glass beads are from David’s “Sophisticate Collection”. These are the finest manufactured cane glass beads in the world. I featured his “Harvest Collection” beads on another necklace, which was featured in another blog a short while ago. This necklace is approximately 18″ in length and is terminated with a tube-like lobster claw clasp.

Clasp

That’s all for now. I am expecting the birth of our son on December 10th so I am trying to get as much completed and listed on my site, before he arrives! Happy Holidays to all

Ciao!

Tags: Cane glass, Glass Beads, handcrafted jewelry, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade glass beads, Handmade Jewelry, Mesh, mesh necklace, silver pendant, sterling silver, Swarovski Crystals, Swarovski pendants

Not Just Jewelry!

Filed under: Holiday Jewelry

Hi Everyone,

In recent newsletters you were told that you would be able to find Holiday jewelry in our Collections section, and then to look in the appropriate category (For Him, For Her). This has been changed, as we have made it even easier for you to find your favorite holiday pieces. We have added a new category to the Collections section titled Holiday Items. Here you will be able to see all of the themed pieces associated with each holiday season as it changes. If there is something that you would like to see in this section please feel free to E-mail me and I’ll do my best to make it for you and list it in that section.

Jewelry isn’t the only thing that you’ll find here though. Take a look at our newest gift presentation items, such as the decorative wine bottle gift bags.

Wine gift bags in 5 radiant colors!

No more struggling to wrap wine or liquor in holiday paper! For only $2.50 you can present your host with a gift in style. Place your bottle in a decorative, oriental inspired rayon gift bag available in 5 vibrant colors!

You can make your color selection from the drop down menu, or simply click on the items individually in our store. Remember to read my blog to see all of the newest creations. The blog page is updated at least once per week, and it is much easier than searching the various sections of the store every week to see if anything new has been added.

We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!

Tags: decorative liquor bags, decorative wine bottle bag, gift bags, holiday gift bags, Holiday gifts, wine bags

Holiday Jewelry

Filed under: Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

If you are a busy person like me, you start your Christmas shopping early. (With a new baby coming, that has been absolutely necessary this year.) I have the most trouble deciding what to buy for the teenagers on my list.

With that in mind, I’ve been browsing my designs and found several beaded jewelry items that will appeal to the teens on your list. Beaded jewelry is especially “hot” this year.

Among my handmade beaded jewelry designs are several that are especially appropriate for the holiday season.

My Italian soul rejoices at the red, white and green colors of the Italian flag. But my Christmas cat’s-eye bracelet was actually designed with Christmas in mind.

Cats Eye Christmas

I used Grade A cat’s-eye beads in green and white. I like to use cat’s eye in my beaded jewelry because of its luster and depth. Here I combined cat’s-eye beads with red Swarovski® crystals for sparkle and sterling silver for added richness.

Like all of my beaded jewelry, each of my bracelets is made to order, so you can specify the correct wrist size.

I designed these snowman earrings for the young and the young at heart. I used two Grade A Freshwater pearls for the snowman’s body and Jet Swarovski Crystals for the hat. I added just enough magic to make them dangle delightfully, but not enough to make them run away like Frosty!

Pearly Snowman

As you may have guessed, I like to add a touch of whimsy to my beaded jewelry.

Remember that pearls need to be worn—it adds to their luster. Your teenager can wear these all through the winter season, and so can you.

These Swarovski Christmas tree earrings are also available with gold fill findings, and for a completely different look they will be available in white and gold crystal as well. Keep your eyes open for that new addition to Holiday jewelry in the next blog!

Swarovski Christmas

Also new this Holiday is this wonderful cat’s eye Winter Wonderland bracelet made with Grade A cat’s eye beads and decorated with sterling silver laser cut beads. For an added touch of winter, a sterling snowflake dangles near the clasp. Any sterling winter or Holiday charm can be substituted upon request.

Winter Wonderland

Ankle bracelets are especially fashionable for teenagers this year. I’ve made several using the amazing millefiori or “thousand flower” beads made in Murano, Italy. As on many of my beaded jewelry pieces, I’ve added sterling silver to accent the millefiori beads.

Beaded jewelry is a marvelous choice when you want jewelry both mother and daughter can wear. For a special gift, consider my “Siam Slider” cuff bracelet. I used Swarovski® crystal “butterfly” sliders accented with red Swarovski® bicones and sterling silver. It’s strung on memory wire so it will never lose its shape. Don’t be surprised if your teenager slips it on to wear with jeans—I do the very same thing!

I hope you’ll spend some time browsing my beaded jewelry. I’ll be making more gift suggestions as the holiday season nears.

Tags: Christmas tree, handcrafted jewelry, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday jewelry, snowman, Winter Wonderland