Happy Valentine’s Day!

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

Well it’s been an interesting 2 weeks to say the least. My Tungsten lights blew out so I have no adequate light in which to photograph my jewelry until the new lights arrive. We had a wind storm that blew out the electric so we had to take ourselves, along with our 2 children (one is 2 years old and the other is 2 months old) to the Country Buffet for dinner the other night. Two pieces of the aluminum on one of the roof peaks blew off in that storm so now we have to replace the the aluminum on all THREE peaks so that it matches. The material isn’t much but the labor is where they get you, obviously.

I did have a few good things happen too, though. I bought a new camera so hopefully that will aid in better pictures for the future. Today was a first for me. Some of you might be able to sympathize with my plight, but probably not. I created several pieces of jewelry with a 2 month old napping in an upright position on my lap. At this very moment I am typing my blog with one finger and the wrong hand because I am feeding him with the other! Listen…you gotta do what you gotta do.

I have a new collection of handmade bracelets that I will be adding to continuously. I call it the “Breakfast at Bella’s” collection. These bracelets are all handmade sterling silver and they feature handmade glass charms made by Laurie of Mermaid Glass. She has my business for life. I LOVE these bracelets and the beads. I used sterling findings and Hill Tribes silver charms throughout the design, and each one is different. There is more breakfast to be served so keep your eyes peeled for new additions!

Also these Swarovski Crystal heart earrings were supposed to be for Valentine’s Day, but again, camera and lighting issues prevented me from listing them sooner. Anyway, they are great to wear anytime obviously and they are now listed in the store.

We have introduced 5 new Guest Artists for the month of February. They are in no particular order: Alexsandra Gifford - aka Wild Pearly. Alexsandra makes the most amazing handbags I have ever seen. They are creative and vibrant, and you definitely need to check them out. They are all OOAK items and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Here is an example of her work…

Next we have Connie Loyet of “Riverbed” creations. Here is another great artist who brings us unique gemstone and mineral pendants. Some of her beautiful creations are personally mined! Below is just an example of Connie’s work. Please click on the photo to view the item in the store as well as her other four offerings for a total of five showcased items!

Megan Huffaker of Tesoro Bella Jewelry is a 36-year-old stay-at-home mother with a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Genetics. Megan is joined in design, creation, and distribution by her sisters Becky, Katie, and Chris, by her nieces Kathryn (Kat) and Maddeline, by her parents Jay and Rosie, and by her close friend Kari. Please see a glimpse of what Megan has to offer below. Click on the picture to be taken to the store and explore some of Megan’s other wonderful creations!

Next is Manda Link of Manda Panda Creations. Her jewelry is as unique as her name. I know that you will just love her pieces. Below is my personal favorite from Manda’s submitted collection. Please click the photo to be taken to that item in the store, or just visit the store to view six more of Manda’s creations!

Jewelry Fetish is a relatively young business that grew out of three women’s passions for custom made pieces. Those women are Teresa Ellens, Stephanie Ponius, and Jocelyn Walker. Please see just one of the many creations that they have to offer. Click on the photo to be taken to this item in the store and read more about it, or add it to your collection before someone else does!

Tags: earrings, handcrafted jewelry, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade gifts, handmade glass beads, Holiday gifts, Holiday jewelry, sterling silver

Boro Bead Bonanza!

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry

Here are a few new items using some handmade boro beads that I happen to have in stock. The first two items are made using handmade “Journey” boro beads from Beau’s Beads. I used Hill Tribes pure silver throughout most of the bracelet with the exception of the Swarovski crystals and the Bali bead caps that accent them.

Each boro bead is flanked with handmade Hill Tribes silver beads caps and is then separated by Hill Tribes decorative spacers. The flower tube bead that are used in the “band” portion of the bracelet are also handmade Hill Tribes silver as well as the round toggle that terminates the bracelet. The citrine colored Swarovski crystals nicely accent the yellow color in the glass boro bead. This bracelet measures 7″ in length. Another of its kind can be made as long as the boro bead is still available.

Also available is this matching boro ring. The band is handmade sterling silver form McDuck Creations and features a round topper. This particular ring is a size 7. Please contact me for available sizes.

The last addtion is another boro bead ring, which also features a handmade band from McDuck Creations. This is a sterling silver hammered band with a conical topper. This ring however is decorated with a boro bead in rich, deep colors made by one of my most favorite glass artists, Lisa Atchison of Touch Of Glass Designs. This ring is also a size 7 and due to the fact that there is only one of these beads at this time, this ring is the only one of its kind.

Tags: boro bead ring, boro beads, glass bead ring, Glass Beads, handmade glass beads, Handmade Jewelry, sterling silver, sterling silver ring

New Choker

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry, Uncategorized

I wanted to introduce you to a new piece that I’ve recently created. In past blogs I highly praised my friend Lisa Atchison of Touch of Glass designs for her amazing handmade glass beads. While hoarding all of the beads that I liked, I waited a long time before ever creating a piece using those beads, and when I did I used a design similar to that of Lisa’s own designs (with her permission of course). However, when I saw this black and white bead for the first time I was inspired to create something vastly different from the other designs I had already made using her beads. Hence, the “Black Sea” choker was born.

I call it “Black Sea” because the whirling waves in the bead along with the contrast of white used intermittently in the bead reminds me of an ocean wave in the dark of night. Along with this beautiful, sophisticated bead I used Swarovski crystal mystic black round and pear shaped pearls to complete the choker. The sides of the focal bead are accented with Sterling silver stardust beads, which bring out the CZ stones that Lisa incorporated into her creation of the bead. The choker is terminated with a silver filigree clasp and measures approximately 16″ in length. This is a one of a kind design. While there will be others that could look similar, due to the fact that no glass bead can ever be exactly duplicated this is an original!

Please click on the picture below to see a larger image of the bead. I hope that you’ll leave your questions or comments on this design. I can’t wait to make the next one!

In upcoming news, as the end of January is quickly approaching I am getting ready to introduce upcoming Featured Guest Jewelers for the month of February, and we have quite a few! All are talented each with unique designs, and I look forward to sharing their stories with you! If you would like to be a Featured Guest Designer on my site please E-mail me for details.

Tags: choker, Glass Beads, great gifts, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade glass beads, Handmade Jewelry, valentine's day gifts

Holiday gifts under $25!!!!

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

Here are a few new items that I have posted in the store. They are novelty watches featuring a glittering Santa or a Christmas tree for the holidays, and you can find them in the Holiday Collections section.

There is also one new addition to the Necklaces category. I have been busy with themed jewelry for the holidays so I haven’t made any glass bead necklaces in the past week, and I still have at least 10 one-of-a-kind beads left to use. I don’t have a favorite because they are all so very beautiful and believe me when I tell you that the pictures NEVER do them justice. This necklace is made with a deep ocean blue electroform bead handmade by Lisa Atchison. The leaf is hand picked from her backyard. This handmade pendant is gently suspended from a copper bail, which hangs on hand-dyed silk ribbon from Jamn Glass. With this pendant I did something just a bit different and made Swarovski crystal components in complimentary colors and dangled them from the base of the bead for added sparkle! As usual with the silk ribbon necklaces, the copper coil closure allows for an adjustable length before tying closed.

Are you looking for stocking stuffers? Check out our “Great Gifts” section of the store where you can search our inventory by price. We have a ton of great gifts that would make perfect stocking stuffers for under $25, and many wonderful and unique gifts under $10 from hair jewelry, to macramé bracelets, to brocade satin lipstick cases.

Here’s an original idea…every woman could use a Purse Hanger. You don’t think about it until you actually have one. You never have to go to a restaurant and place your bag on the chair or on the floor, when you go to the casino and sit at the blackjack or poker table you can conveniently hang your purse close to you. They are available in 8 great styles! Select yours from the drop down menu when making your purchase.
We also carry Phone Finders. Keep your phone handy - just hook it to a “Finders for Fones” for a functional and fashionable way to decorate your purse. And we carry Key Finders so that you never have to dig in the bottom of your purse for your keys again! These unique gifts come in a variety of styles, more than 60 styles from which you can choose. Just visit our Cell Phone Accessories category or click on the photo below.

Meet Beary Spoiled Bear. These adorable “Kritters” can be used as either purse charms or key chains. There are 12 from which to choose and each has its own personality. Please see each one to make sure you select the Kritter that best suits your personality! You can find these in our Purse Charm section of the store.

How about gifts for your Children’s schoolteachers? These handmade beaded bookmarkers will be one of the best gifts they ever receive. There aren’t many listed in the store right now because the pictures are not very good, and many are already sold so I have to make more and then re-photograph them. However, all of them are custom made and I can do anything that you like in any color. The Millefiori bookmarkers to the right are customizable with over 10 different styles of Millefiori beads. Choose your favorite from the drop down menu when ordering.

If you’d like something custom made using other materials, please E-mail me for inquiries.

Tags: gifts under $25, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade gifts, handmade glass beads, holiday accessories, holiday gift ideas, Holiday jewelry, Holiday watches

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

Glass on Silk

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry

I wanted to start this blog off by touching on a few new additions. I have quite a few blog pages and all of them feature the same articles, however the main blog page, which is part of my website www.isabellasbeads.com, has several additions such as an event calendar and a blog roll featuring other talented bloggers that I discover along the way. I will try to get all of the blog links on my main site coordinated with these other blog pages so that I can share the talented artists whom I have been introduced to with you!

OK. In the past few blogs I have listed many new pieces of jewelry having various themes and using a multitude of different materials. Holiday jewelry will obviously be prevalent over the next few weeks with December, the holidays, and winter seasons quickly approaching. Here is an item that is new this year appropriately named “Cat’s Eye Christmas” necklace. It is made with Grade A cat’s eye beads, Swarovski Crystals and Sterling silver along with a handmade pendant with a Santa focal glass bead.

Cats Eye Christmas necklace with Swarovski crystal and glass Santa bead

I have also focused a lot on handmade glass beads and one artist in particular, Lisa Atchison. I know that there are many talented glass artists out there, but right now she is my favorite.

I have been hoarding Lisa’s handmade glass beads for quite some time now without ever turning out a design, until recently. Every aspect of these handmade glass beads is so very special that I really wanted to take time before I did anything with them. In the end it was once again Lisa’s own creativity in the art of handmade jewelry design that led me to make these amazing necklaces. One other thing about Lisa that I should mention is that she is never ever selfish. She is always willing to share with others and me the tricks of the trade as well as information on beads and suppliers, and for that I am very grateful. Thank you, Lisa.

I do my very best to support all artists who create handmade jewelry, materials, and findings. I believe that more love, care, and pride goes into the creation of each piece when someone takes the time to do it themselves rather than have a machine cut thousands of the same thing all day long. I know that for me creativity doesn’t just flow like a peaceful river, so I take a lot of time to look at the handmade designs of other talented artists for inspiration, and I am thankful to all of you for being instrumental in my work.

The following necklaces are created using Lisa’s handmade glass beads. Each design is a one-of-a-kind for the simple fact that no handmade bead can ever be duplicated exactly. Also, the metals and findings will always vary according to the size, color and style of the glass bead. For these handmade necklaces I have incorporated the works of 3 other artists. First, all of the focal glass beads are from Lisa Atchison at Touch of Glass Designs. The silk ribbon in three of the necklaces is hand dyed silk made by Heidi from Jamn Glass. Lastly, Mary Poineal of McDuck Creations makes the change-a-bead pendant bails.

(The first item is already sold so no link to the store is provided. For the remaining pictures you can view additional angles in my store by clicking on the photo.)

Blue Jean Bead with CZ

Sea of purple and blue waves

Pretty Pastels

I take pride in using only the finest materials available in my designs. For example, the silver spacer beads are Hill Tribes fine silver rather than just sterling silver. And, when I use crystal in my designs, you can rest assured that the only crystal you will see is Swarovski crystal. I am sure that the less expensive beads have a place, but right now that place is not with me.

This next design is also an example of the quality of the glass beads that I incorporate. Although these are now manufactured, David Christensen is without a doubt the best maker of cane glass beads in the world. No one seems to argue this point. David’s beads are special in many ways. Perhaps you’ve wondered how David could compete in the marketplace with prices over $100.00 or more per pound. The fact is that the Chinese do not use as high of a quality of glass as David Christensen. Also, their caning process is nowhere near as sophisticated as David’s process. The edges of their glass beads are square while David’s are slightly rounded.  The slightly rounded edges protect the medium on which the beads are strung, and when using them on silk like I have done in this next design that was obviously very important. In this necklace I used beads from his “Harvest Collection” symbolic of the fall season.

David Christensen cane glass on silk

Again, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any place for Chinese cane glass. It is a great alternative for a new or young beading artist, their beads are also nice if you want to create many inexpensive bracelets, and they’re wonderful if your customers are looking for a fashionable item at a low price. As for me I prefer to stick with David Christensen and the American made cane glass beads.

I think that I have rambled enough for now so I’ll see you again soon. I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

Ciao,

Mariealena

Tags: Cane glass, David Christensen, Glass Beads, handcrafted jewelry, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade glass beads, Handmade Jewelry, Necklace, silk, silver pendant

Handmade Glass Beads

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry

I love to work with handmade glass beads. The variety is amazing, and the colors are heavenly. And all made from sand and fire!

Glass beads can be made with very little resources. In Mauretania, the Kiffa people crush bottles and jars into a powder. They use their own saliva to bind the crushed glass into cone-shaped beads. They add designs by applying crushed colored glass to the cone with a needle. Then the beads are fired in small containers—often sardine cans.

Furnace glass beads, such as millefiore beads, use glass-working techniques first developed in Italy. Millefiore beads were popular in Roman days, two thousand years ago. Then as now, these handmade beads were formed from rods of colored glass, bundled to form the exquisite designs that give them their name, “thousand flowers.”

After the fall of Rome, Europe made little in the way of luxury products such as glass. When the Crusaders brought glassmaking techniques from the East, Venice became a glass-making center. The rulers, or Doges, kept glassmakers on the island of Murano and threatened them with harsh penalties if they revealed the secrets of their trade.

Artists who make lampwork glass beads first coat a metal rod with a substance called “bead release.” Then they melt a glass rod and spin the metal rod in the hot glass to form a bead. Once they have the base of the bead, they add colors in layers to complete their design.

My favorite maker of handmade lampwork beads is Lisa Atchison. I’ve included a picture of one of her beads with this blog. Nature inspires Lisa, and she often combines glass with electroplated natural objects, such as leaves, to make her beads. Here are two of the designs that I have created using her beads.

Lisa Atchison Brown Bead Necklace

I’ve been stringing Lisa’s beads on Silk Ribbon from Jamn Glass. This is a type of ribbon made for jewelry makers to be hardwearing. I use leather cord, too. And, of course, some of her beads seem to cry out for copper, sterling silver or vermeil.

I love the organic feeling of Lisa’s beads. Her craftsmanship is extraordinary! My Italian soul resonates with the intricate patterns of millefiore beads. Handmade glass beads always seem to inspire me. Perhaps they carry with them the feelings of the artist who made them.

I know that something of myself is within every piece of jewelry I make. As Lisa says, a bead is not truly art until someone wears it.

Ciao,
Mariealena

Tags: electroform, Glass Beads, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade glass beads, Handmade Jewelry, jewelry, ribbon, silk