Home for Orphans

I have had so many wonderful comments on my free form peyote bracelets, which I have not made in quite a while but rest assured fans, more will be coming soon.




I often buy "Orphan Beads" from Amanda at Rufus and Roxy who makes stunning lampwork beads. She will occasionally have a sale on a group of beads that do not go together so I buy them. This allows me to buy more lampwork (I love that part) and make a piece of original jewelry that always gets rave reviews!



If you have some beads laying around that need a home other than that tray you have them in, why not give them a home they can boast about? If you don't have any orphans of your own check out Amanda and adopt some!



Freeform peyote is so much fun and because you can use beads of any size and shape it is a great way to de-stash! With no set pattern, just a few simple rules you can make a one of a kind piece of wearable art. Give it a try. If you need some help getting started, just let me know.

Here are a few I have made in the past.

Som New Designs

O.k. So. I have been having lots of fun and staying really busy although I guess you would not know it from these pages! I have had some special orders keeping me busy and sold a Winter Frost so had to make another...remember? The first one is going to Bead and Button to be featured in the June 2011 issue! I had to picture the Winter Frost here again and then some others I have been working on. There are a few more and of course you can pop over to Divella Delights and see them.

Oh did you hear? I am now in a boutique in Harvard Square Dahling! Cambridge, Mass...nice!

Is that little fish lampwork bead adorable? It is made by Generations Lampwork, fun stuff!

Beware of "Artisan Created"

Whew...back from a few days in Boston and time to get back to work.
We left off discussing great jewelry findings (before the bath products).
Today I want to talk about Lampwork beads.
I have seen several sites lately who boast "artisan created" when talking about lampwork beads. This to me is misleading most of the time. When I saw that I could buy an unlimited amount of the same exact bead I began to wonder.
When I buy lampwork beads from an artisan each one is different, even if they are a "matched pair". This makes sense to me as an artist so I never gave it another thought. These mass produced glass beads are not the same. If you were ever curious about how these stunning beads were made I have a great link for you. After reading this you can clearly see that no 2 beads can ever be exactly alike unless you are melting the glass in some sort of mold. I do not consider that as artisan created. The beads that I use are truly artisan created, made by the artisan…one bead at a time with a torch and glass rod…by hand. This of course, does make the bead more costly but I look at it this way…I can buy an original painting or I can buy a print; a less expensive reproduction which a million other people are going to have. Perhaps if the prints are a limited edition only 500 other people will own them…still. The original makes it more valuable and there is not another anywhere. If you want to find some great (truly) artisan created beads check out my 'Link' page. Pictured here are some beads by

Generations Lampwork

and Rufus and Roxy.

Lampwork Stack Necklace

I found a great way to use up some of my lampwork so I can buy more!

A stunning array of Artisan Lampwork beads by a couple of different artisans combined with Silver Leaf Agate and Bamboo Leaf Jasper makes this truly a one of a kind piece. Measuring 18 inches to center the drop is another 1.5 inches.
The lampwork beads are stacked and wire wrapped on heavy gauge 14K gold filled wire. The lobster claw clasp is also 14K gold filled.
This is truly a stunning piece, even more fabulous in person.
I can make earrings to match if you like.

Free Form Peyote

I began this piece with the center bead, which is an original handcrafted lampwork bead by Rufus and Roxy. The entire bracelet is done is free-form peyote stitch to a length of 7 inches. Made with high quality seed beads Swarovski crystals, genuine pearls and a variety of glass and metal beads, this treasure reminds me of a beautiful summer garden.

You can see more photos at Divella Delightshttp://www.divelladelights.com where it is my 1/2 off special!

Free Beading Instructions

As some of you know I was invited to participate in the "Blog for Beads" segment that Artbeads.com has been doing for several months now.
The way it works is I get to pick out a specified dollar amount in materials and create jewelry according to a theme chosen by Artbeads.com. Following that I have to give my honest opinion about the materials I have chosen. In addition the fabulous materials they carry the shipping is free which makes the next part of my scheme easy for all of you! Beginning with the next segment when I post the photo of the design I create for Blog for Beads, I will also give you a materials list and easy to follow instructions. All you have to do is sign up on my e-mail list and I will e-mail you the info FREE!
Here is the feedback I received from Artbeads.com about my latest creation. pictured here.
"Wow, what a beautiful ‘Mermaids Choker’ you’ve created! The pendant is breathtaking against your luscious mix of seed beads, crystals and amber. Your choice of colors for your beads is outstanding and the two gold satin rounds add a lovely touch framed up against the side of the gorgeous lampwork pendant. I’m delighted to see your beadwoven clasp too! This is the kind of design, that if I saw it in person, I would want to pick up and touch as it has a wonderful warmth and vibrancy to it. An absolutely gorgeous piece and I thank you for all of your hard work creating it. I also appreciate your work on your blog, photos and links as well."
Be sure and check out the feedback from my customers on my Guestbook page!

Zipper Pull

Have you ever lost a zipper pull on a jacket or a bag or had one break? Here is an easy fix… This one is the first. You see, the zipper pull on my favorite wool jacket broke so I whipped this one up at 4 AM before I had to wear to go to work. I need to work my wire better for the next one but considering this one was done before sunrise, I am OK with it!I used a beautiful lampwork bead, 2 silver round beads, a scrap of felted wool I cut into a bead shape, one head pin and about 4 inches of silver wire and a bog lobster claw clasp. If you have some odd beads lying around this is the perfect item! If you want step by step directions, let me know and I will do a detailed demo with photographs for you. Thanks for stopping by!

Handpainted Hurricane Lamps

I found this fabulous site that you have to check out. She has beautiful vases, frames, pitchers and other household goodies. These bottles with spouts are great! You can put your olive oil in them or liquid soap. Much nicer to have one of these on your kitchen counter with your dish soap in it than those ugly plastic bottles or put one in your bath with your favorite liquid hand soap. Everything she has make great gifts when you just don't know what to buy. I did some of my Christmas shopping here and I am glad I did! Her work is truly lovely and the superb packaging and quick shipping were a bonus! She is a delight to do business with. Her prices fit any budget and you will be proud to give these as gifts. In her shop you will find gifts perfect for a birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas and they make great Hostess gifts too!
Have you ever broken one your hurricane lamp tops? Check these out!

She has many different colors amd floral patterns to choose from. Makes me want to break a few more!

Divella Delights Daily Special

Every day at Divella Delights I have one item I mark at 50% off for the day. Today's special item is this bracelet.

A bouquet for your wrist and a smile for your heart…
I had a wonderful compliment on one of these bracelets from a customer. She said, " It makes me smile every time I look at it"...that is what I call a success!
In this garden created in bright, sunny summer oranges and blues you will find Treasures such as 4 artisan created one of a kind lampwork beads, Hand Blown glass, Vintage Lucite leaves, Czech glass, and a variety of other beads carefully selected and woven together. The clasp is a button and loop closure. This bracelet is a standard length of 7 inches. Each bead and gem is individually knotted in a core of waxed Irish linen for a lifetime of wear making this series perfect for any day when you need a smile or for that matter every day!

Bengal Bangle

The focal point of this tiger stripe bracelet is a 1 1/8 long artisan created lampwork bead by Generations Lampwork. The entire piece measures 7 inches by a little over 1 ¼ inches and is beaded with coordinating seed beads, vintage Lucite flowers and genuine Citrine and Onyx. The clasp is an 18mm Swarovski faceted crystal making it truly lovely all the way around. The bracelet was woven with braided nylon for strength. Keep in mind that due to the width your wrist needs to be less than 7 inches. Mine is 6 ½ and the fit is perfect for me as I like my bracelets a tad loose. Come on by Divella Delights to see the completed design, there are lots of photos!

Gemstone Necklace Sale

OK you want it, you have it! For this weekend I will have all gemstone necklaces on sale at 42% off, just to be a little on the odd side. It was pointed out to me that I don’t run sales on the necklaces as often as the bracelets. Call it Christmas in July although I was going to wait until August just because so many businesses do the July thing. As you can tell by my jewelry I like to be a little different! But since you asked for it now, here you are!
The sale will end around midnight Sunday and will begin now I guess.
Happy shopping!
http://www.divelladelights.com/

Crochet NO More

I have decided not to make the crocheted bracelets anymore so I putting them all at 60% off. Many of them have handmade artisan-created lampwork in them for under $13.00!
I want to focus on my one of a kind designs and will be working on learning some new techniques to incorporate into those.
I have also started receiving hat orders for the coming season and find I will be very busy with those quite soon.
Now is the time to grab those bracelets! They make wonderful gifts, especially for those ladies in your life who have a hard time with clasps. My grandmother wore hers everyday never taking it off. She loved it because she just rolled it on, did not pinch her or get tangled up with anything else. So think ahead a few months. Is there anyone on your Christmas list who might like one these little treasures? They come in a wide variety of colors. There are even a couple for the men in your life.

Gifts to make you smile!

Gifts to make you smile!
The old days and ways of making jewelry have certainly changed in the past few years. I love the "anything goes" philosophy of creation! The only limit is my imagination and willingness to explore.
One thing that really helped me get out the box was the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. I was very conservative in my approach for the first several years I was making jewelry. Then slowly I began to branch. Not everything has worked but when one of my customers said to me: "Every time I look at it (bracelet) I smile". I knew at that moment I was on the right track. This series is not to be taken seriously! It is not for an evening at the Opera. They are however, a LOT of fun to wear. Some of my customers have purchased colors they have never worn then went shopping for an outfit to match. What a wonderful applaud that is.
The more I learn the more fun I have and the harder it is to come out of my studio. I learned how to do macramé and along with my other techniques I am making these bracelets. They are such an amusement! Even the shopping for these is a lot of fun. I look for anything interesting…different colors of course and different shapes, textures and materials. I love to incorporate genuine gemstones into them when I can and sometimes even pearls! It is such a pleasure watching these evolve. They seem to take on their own direction. Often, in fact more often than not, they take a turn in a way I had not predicted.
I will get back to the more conservative soon I suppose with the changing of the seasons. For now though, I am having a blast.

The Patriot

Celebrate your patriotism on the 4th of July or any day of the year. Made like my garden series but in red, white and blue, this bracelet contains lampwork, snow quartz, Czech, vintage and contemporary Lucite, and some non-tarnish silver tornado beads I twisted up. It has a red star button for a clasp.

Each bead and gem is individually knotted in a core of waxed Irish linen with coordinated threads for a lifetime of wear making this series perfect for every day or any day when you just need a smile.
See this and many more at www.divelladelights.com

Gemstone Jumble

A great new design using Rhyolite, Turquoise, Lovely faceted Smokey Quartz, Labradorite, Artisan created lampwork from 3 different artisans, Wooden charm by my hubby, vintage Lucite, a 3 pressed Czech leaves. Whew…
The entire piece is knotted with a complimentary green cord and the clasp is a loop and Lampwork bead by Rufus and Roxy.
As this is a first attempt I am keeping this one as it does have some minor flaws. I should have some for sale the first part of next week. They’ll run $40-$65 depending on the gems and other materials used.
I have purchased some great fibers and have some pretty hot ideas in mind so come on back in a bit.
I will be unavailable from 27 APR until 6 MAY but I’ll be ready to roll when I return!

NEW Peyote Stitch Jewels

Check out the new bracelets! I love the green one and think I will keep it. I have it and tons more on my website at http://www.divelladelights.com/

Bottoms Up!

We are getting closer! Here is the vase as I near the end of the bottom. Then all I have to do is get the top done. One thing…if you decide to do one of these resist the temptation to add anything until you are finished with beaded the vase. It is more time consuming to bead this now because I have to watch that my thread does not catch on the flowers. Also resist the urge to decrease too much as you turn onto the bottom.
Having finished the summer Garden Bracelet I was working on I am going to be starting a new one with these colors. The cloth it is on is actually a light green so the colors, at least on my monitor are accurate. The shell is an original lampwork by Generations Lampwork and I will be using that for the center I think.

Peyote Stitch Bracelet Completed!

OK so now that this is finished I can concentrate all my efforts on the beaded vase. Whew...This is a gem of a bracelet! It began with a beautiful original lampwork bead by Rufus and Roxy! You can see a complete description on my website blog at www.divelladelights.com/blog

The Beaded Vase Continues

The Beaded Vase continues…
I had to resist the urge to take it apart and start over so I began the bracelet pictured here. I have to keep in mind that this is a learning tool and not a for sale project. I have learned a lot in this process and have been busy taking notes with photos. I think part of the reason I want to start over is because I am afraid of getting to the bottom and I am nearly there. The bottom of course, has to be completely flat so it is stable. Then there is the top up over the lip. One thing I am happy about and that is the choice of thread I used. I did not think about the end sue when I began and it is strictly a stroke of luck that I used Fireline. It won’t matter if it gets wet, king of important in a vase.
I also have a picture in my head I am anxious to begin after seeing some of the patterns emerge from this experiment.
I found a place on line where I can get the vases at a reasonable price and I am resisting the urge to order more until after I complete this one to make sure I can even do it. I have to order 12 at a time to get a price break and I really have no other use for them aside from these beaded vases.
Hopefully I can get this completed today, or at least the bottom.

GEMSTONE JEWELRY USING ARTISAN LAMPWORK

This stunning set features 3 lampwork beads by Generations Lampwork in the center. Surrounding those are luscious pale pink and yellow freshwater pearls, Pink Opal, Citrine and Rose Quartz. The neck has Yellow Jade, Citrine and Rose quartz as well as Pink Opals. It measures 17 inches and has a 14K gold filled clasp with 2 pink Opal dangles and pearls. The dangle earrings are included and are made with the same materials. As with all my designs this OOAK (is one of a kind) and contains only high quality seed beads and fine Austrian Swarovski crystals purchased locally and chosen by hand. All wire work is done by me using only hand tools. This set (and lots more) can be seen and/or purchased at http://www.divelladelights.etsy.com/ .

A note about gold filled wire:
Gold filled wire is very different from "gold plated". 14KT gold-filled wire has 100 times more 14KT gold in it than plated gold. This wire is created by bonding a sheet of 14KT gold to a core of brass with extreme heat and pressure. The end result is a 14KT gold tube totally encasing the brass core. This gives us a lovely strong wire that never tarnishes. The gold surface never wears off, cracks, or peels like gold plate does. It is used to create designs meant for a lifetime.