New Directions!

If you have looked at my "Retired Designs" listings, you have noticed that many of my designs are being retired. After much thought, prayer and consideration, I have chosen a new direction for my website and my designs. I have had a lot of joy creating all of my work in the past 7 years but change is necessary!

I will be creating 4 major signature pieces a year to coincide with the seasons. They will be available for a limited time and I will be creating a limited number of pieces in each design. Because each one is made by hand, they will have subtle differences.

I will be doing more bead embroidery in cuffs and adding some necklaces using the same technique. I will also be creating more of the Peyote stitch patterns which will be made to order as the length of those are key to a good fit. The clasps will be made by me with a more elegant appearance.

I am very excited about the new direction I am going in, I hope you will too!

I have more changes in the works so make sure you stop in from time to time.

I will still be making my popular hats, not to worry. I will be limiting the amount I have on the site only because of the increase in Wholesale orders around the country. I will again not be taking any special orders this year.

I hope you'll stop by Divella Delights and check out the new changes and make sure to take advantage of the 60% off sale between now and then!

Beading Patterns

Don't forget, Divella Delights also sells beading patterns. I have Peyote patterns, and beadweaving tutorials! Here are a some photos for you to fall in love with!

 

 

African Jade Cuff

Here it is all finished! If you missed some of the progress and/or desritpion make sure to visit Divella Delights!

This is the beginning of the African Jade Bead Embroidered Bracelet. What I have done so far is just dye the Lacy’s Stiff Stuff and glue the African Jade Cabochon on with E6000.

 

You can use Rit Dye as I have although I do recommend using boiling water and soaking for a full minute. Remember that when you rinse with cold water after soaking, the color will be a little lighter. I would like to have more of a green but I am using what I have on hand.

Lacy’s is the best bead embroidery foundation I have found. You can bead right to the edge without any fray and it gives a stable foundation to bead on. You can also use Ultrasude…I prefer the “soft” to the “light” as it is a little stiffer but my #10 and #12 needles glide right through.

Now I am ready to begin the bead embroidery. I am trying to select beads from the thousands of beads I already have on hand and this is what I think I will use. As I am going along, I might add or subtract from this pile depending on how it looks sewn on.

 

I always use Fireline for my bead weaving and bead embroidery. It hardly ever tangles and when it does it is quite easy to get out any knots. It comes in crystal and smoke so use whichever color is closest to the color of your beads. They won’t show for the most part anyway. I suggest buying it from a fishing supply store rather than a bead shop just because it is less expensive. It is a little more costly than beading thread but as far as I am concerned the extra pennies are well worth it!

 

Now that you have an idea of what I iwll be doing, be sure and follow me at Divella Delights on my blog!

New Bracelet Designs

I love learning new techniques and when I figured this one out I enjoyed it so much I thought I would do a new series of bracelets for the Fall line up!

The top one in the photo was my first attempt with Swarovski pearls and larger beads. The 2 lower pieces are with smaller beads and gemstones which I like much better.
What do you think?! Should I put clasps on them or make them bangles that you can roll on?
Here are a couple I have made with clasps and I am working on the Bangle now.

Drastic Reduction Sale

It is time to make room in my jewelry safe for some new designs so I am having a drastic reduction on pieces made in 2010. Every couple of days I will add more pieces as time allows at a drastic 70% discount. On most of these pieces I am taking a loss but I really need the room! Check in with Divella Delights if you have a favorite piece…you never know

Summer Garden Necklace

Summer in Maine has arrived at long last! The sun is shining and the flowers are in bloom giving me just the inspiration I needed to create this piece.


For this necklace I used vintage and contemporary Lucite flowers, beautiful rich genuine pearls in 3 colors, filigree bead caps, large pieces of high quality Rose Quartz and vintage Lucite leaves. The clasp is by Swarovski and the entire piece measures 18.5 inches but can be made smaller with a sterling lobster claw clasp.

Both the base and the garden were woven by hand by yours truly. The leaves are made with seed beads, also each woven with care.

This is a wonderful summer piece of wearable art and as I do only one you will be the only one at the party wearing this beaded Summer Garden necklace.
Available at Divella Delights

Last Day for 50% Off Sale

This is the last day to take advantage of my 50% Off sale. Most items in my gallery are 50% off including artisan created jewelry, bags, and hats.  Pictured is a small sample. I also have Peyote stitch beading patterns and although they are not 50% off, they are only $6.50 each for a very detailed tutorial. Here are just a few patterns you can find.

Winter Garden Necklace

"Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

As I scan the social networks I see the most delightful images testifying to the beauty that only winter brings. One photo in particular was this one by Joan Regal Ahier from the Dalles, Oregon. Although she considers herself to be an amateur photographer, her talent captures the essence of many a moment like no other I have seen. I used this photo as inspiration for my Winter Garden piece.

A nearly monochromatic work, this 18-inch necklace is meant to mimic an ice-covered garden in winter. In it you will find all of the delightful elements a lady loves.
The upper neck of this stunning piece was accomplished with dainty silver pearls and sterling silver beads to rest comfortably on your neck. As the neck transforms into the main body there are shimmering Swarovski crystals peaking out from the weave to catch the light and add flashes of color the way only these lovely Austrian crystals can. Next the weave (and the fun) begins!
I used sparkling crystal AB seed beads to give the effect of sunlight in the ice-covered trees and frosty Magatama beads to capture the look of snow on the ground. The lovely opalescent flowers give the sense that the temperature change came quickly and suddenly thus freezing the flowers in place. It serves to remind us that Spring will return again, the branches will turn green once more and blossom. The slight breaks in the weave not only allow more light to play on the necklace, but also allows for me to incorporate gemstone beads into the piece. As with most of my pieces this one draws to a close with a sterling lobster claw clasp. On the other side is an oval jump ring for added security, also in sterling.

For a piece that is nearly absent of color this necklace shimmers dramatically!

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Winter Frost

Although Autumn is my favorite time of year there is much to be appreciated in the winter months as well. I live in Maine and there is not a more beautiful place to be in either season. The flamboyant colors and cooler temperatures of Fall ease us into the stunning monochromatic flavor of winter. Last year I was quite taken with the icy patterns on my porch windows. I went out each morning to see what gift Jack Frost had left for me as the patterns changed every day.I have wanted to do something monochromatic in sterling for quite some time and when I saw the Hill Tribe sterling Poinsettia pendant I knew I had to have it. I went back through those photos from last winter and here is what Artbeads.com, Old Man Winter and I came up with.

Over 700 sterling silver beads are woven together with Swarovski Crystal and beautiful, genuine silver button Pearls. The center is a large Hills Tribe Sterling flower; the clasp is a sterling lobster claw. The Swarovski sparkles beautifully from behind the silver weave as the light hits them and give this piece a subtle splash of color

Fall Infatuation

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot
There is no place that compares to Nature’s palette during these months here in New England. A drive up I-95 in autumn is simply amazing. The further north one goes the deeper the colors of the trees and the crisper and cleaner the air becomes. There are places where the hillsides appear to be in a blaze, the oranges and reds so deep and vivid. No doubt about it, living in New England is for the lovers of autumn.
Creating jewelry is always easiest for me this time of year; the inspiration so stunning and the colors are my favorite palette to draw from so it made this design come quite easily.
I began with this stunning copper leaf from Artbeads.com as the focal point of my 21-inch necklace. Behind that leaves created with seed beads peek out. Several inches on each side were then woven using the same Toho seed beads, coppery pearls, Swarovski in Padparadscha, and Goldstone. I always Fireline for my weaving because of the strength and the fact that is does not stretch. The last part of the neck is done with this wonderful lovely copper chain with tiny little leaves swaying gently from the links. Finally a copper toggle clasp to pull it all together making it easy for most anyone to put on and remove. Be sure and see all my new fall designs and my hats too at Divella Delights.

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

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.

Back to Work!

Here is what I have been working on lately...

Busy, busy , busy...

Our family had a difficult start to this year but hopefully we are on the mend now.

I am still working the full time job for another 8 weeks so I am trying to get some design time in and beading is always a great distraction for me. I have been having some fun with the geometric bracelets although they take about 5 hours each so not too cost effective but like I said they are fun!

I have managed to get some of my signature pieces done for my trip to the west coast in August. I also need to get some hats done for that trip but I do have a few left from last year so I guess if I don't get to those it will be OK.

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!

Mermaid Choker

"I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each." T.S. Elliott

Artbeads and I have done it again! This time the theme was summer and I had a hard time choosing my items with so many wonderful beads to choose from. When I saw this artisan created lampwork it took me right back to the years I spent in Hawaii...those beautiful beaches and luscious blue water.

The inspiration for this piece began with the beautiful lampwork bead in the center. It has the colors of a sandy beach and deep blue ocean waters. On either side you will find a satin 14K gold filled bead. On the multi strand neck there are treasures to be found. Among the size 11 and size 8 seed beads you will find genuine Swarovski crystals in 2 colors, and handsome genuine Amber chips; some opaque and some transparent. The “clasp” is a woven peyote stitch medallion and loop closure, a perfect detail for those hot summer days you want to wear your hair up. The length is 17 inches.

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Weekend Special

This is my special this weekend...50% off at Divella Delights

I want real flowers, perennials which not only grow and change and die, but also rise again and astonish me. A garden shouldn't just bloom and look pretty; it should develop like the rest of life. Otherwise it, and we, live only to be spaded under.- Emma L. Roth-Schwartz
I had such joy creating this necklace although it took me a month to complete. Each leaf, each petal, each delicate wing of the butterflies were stitched one bead at a time with great care. The pearls you see here are genuine. There are also macramé beaded leaves for some added texture. The entire piece measures about 20 inches but do keep in mind that the center rises quite a bit. On me the top of the center arrangement falls just below my collarbone.Despite the size of the piece it is very comfortable to wear as it lies flat on your chest.The flowers were sewn on Ultrasuede and the backing is felt and is colorfast; I tested a swatch prior to use.The clasp is appropriately a copper flower and stem toggle. I guarantee there will not be another like this one!

See more photos at Divella Delights.

Swarovski Bead Crochet

These bracelets are a hit! I am having very good luck with these bead crochet bracelets both on line and wholesale to the local jewelers. I have discovered that the usual way of joining these (1 bead weave) does not work as well for these. It is best if you take the first 3 beads on the same side and then go through the Swarovski pick up 3 beads on the other side, take it back through the Swarovski and through the center and repeat with the other strand. then pull snug but not too tight knot, glue weave it through a few more times and glue again before snipping off the ends. This seems to work much better making a nicer, smoother join. I have not tried this new technique on the "invisible" join like this one but I plan to give it a try if I make any more of these.