Winter Frost and The Last Rose of Summer

If you take a peek at the June 2011 issue of Bead and Button magazine you will find my necklace Winter Frost on page 17. After that came out I began receiving requests for the tutorial which; of course I had not made while I was creating the piece. I decided to do another using the same technique but change things up. The new one, my statement piece of 2011 is The Last Rose of Summer. While I was working on that piece I did create the tutorial which is now for sale on my website.

This magnificent piece was created with a large Hill Tribe fine silver rose as the centerpiece. Along the lower neck Argentium Silver, gold and garnets are interlaced placing the Last Rose of Summer in a breathtaking resplendent garden just before the gold, silver and cranberry garnets come to rest comfortably on your neck. The clasp is a Bali Silver toggle making it very easy to put on and take off yet keeps your treasure safe and secure.

Creating this necklace in gold and silver makes this necklace very versatile. An astounding and striking woven necklace to add to your collection of designer jewelry.

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.

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.

Celebrating Spring with Artbeads

In springtime, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head. ~Terri Guillemets

Artbeads and I are celebrating Spring together!

That's right, it is time for Blog for Beads again and look at what I have for you this time!

I began this necklace with this stunning Venetian Glass 20mm Zanfirico Millefiori Disc as the focal point. I really wanted to bring out the beautiful gold tones in the glass so next I chose these 8mm Gold-Filled Round Matte Bead and placed them on the sides of the Venetian Glass and along the neckline. The balance of the neck was created with Swarovski Bicones and Amazonite beads. I used seed beads in 3 colors some of which are woven in and some I did in leaf shapes.

Artbeads has a wonderful selection of Venetian glass, Murano Glass and Lampwork beads in beautiful colors and a variety of shapes.

Sometimes when I have a hard time getting the creative juices flowing I just choose a large focal bead and go from there. It is a wonderful way to get beyond any creative block...give it a try!

I have another piece coming soon with more wonderful materials from Artbeads.com

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.

Today's Special

This is the special for today marked at 50% off. You get all the wonderful details at Divella Delights

Swarovski Golden Shadow

Art Beads and I have teamed up again to bring you a truly beautiful pair of earrings. They are actually made to match a necklace I am working on that will be available soon but I could not wait to post these jeweled beauties.

They were created using Swarovski Golden Shadow Briolettes , 4mm round Swarovski , genuine pearls and14K gold filled wire. Each pearl and crystal were wrapped (not looped) by hand and placed on a pair of my handmade ear wires, also in 14K gold filled wire. The wire I use is not plated so will not tarnish, crack or chip. To learn more about this wire you can visit my Care page.

Watch for the necklace coming soon!

HANDMADE JEWELRY SALE

Pictured here are some of my latest designs and there is something new almost daily. I have the gemstone line, a crocheted line, lots of great earrings, bracelets and necklaces. I even have ID lanyards that have the breakaway feature.

I am having a Grand Opening sale at my new website! Come and check out all the new designs. When you go to www.divelladelights.com click on the Grand Opening link at the top of the page and enter gopen08 all lower case, all one word then click on the Gallery link watch the prices drop 15%! This offer is good until 10/15/08 so shop early for Christmas. If you would like to add your e-mail to the guestbook I can send you info on sales and new designs! Please sign the guestbook anyway and let me know you came from Blogger you don't have to put in your e-mail. I would like to know where people are visiting from.

Shell Jewelry

OOPS! I promised to put up the shell lampwork jewelry. Well, here it is. These luscious shells were made be Generations Lampwork. They were made to order for me, I just call her up and tell her what colors I want and she does a perfect job every time. These little beauties are all surrounded by layers upon layers of gemstones, pearls, silver and gold. These pieces take me about 2 hours a piece to make but I love every one of them. I don't work from a pattern so I just let the gems take me where they will.The nice thing about this style is that they can from casual to formal very nicely. Perfect for vacation!

Poppy Jasper Jewelry

I found these Poppy Japser chips when I was rearrangeing my studio yesterday. I didn't know I had them! The colors in these are so beautiful. If you look at them closely they are truly spectacular. Sometimes it really amazes me, the beauty of nature. So it gave me the inspiration I needed for my next piece. I know the colors are sort of Fall-ish but they are just too pretty to wait until then. I selected some faceted Carnelian and some other poppy 6mm and 8mm beads to go with it and I will of course put in the pearls and Swarovski crystals. I found a large faceted carnelian at a shop nearby to use for the center. I think this piece will be my best yet. Of course, it could be because I just love these colors. Earthtones are my favorite and I love working with them. This set will of course be in gold. I just might keep this one! I have said that before and always end up selling but to date I do not have one of my signature pieces of my own. I do plan on making 2 bracelets with this one so maybe I can just keep one of those. I usually only make one set; necklace, bracelet, and a couple pair of earrings then it is on to the next color scheme. So in the shower with me then onto this beautiful project!

In need of marketing tips

This is another one of those beautiful shells made by Generations Lampwork at http://www.generationslampwork.etsy.com. The remainder of the bracelet is made with pearls, Avenurtine, green Quartz, gold, and Swarovski crystals. This is my signature design and one that I have been quite successful with. The local jewelry store sells them like crazy and has been steady with the sales since I began my account with them last October but I need a few more stores like this one. I enjoy making these although each piece takes me about an hour and a half. I love to do one of a kind items. The jewelry store marketing is a little difficult as they seem to want to have items that can be reordered. I can't or I guess won't make copies. I can use the same gems and other materials but each one comes out different, even if I try. As a result I have not found my niche but will keep trying. I enjoy the process very much and I think that is the important thing. A small sample of my desings can be seen at http://www.divelladelights.etsy.com. I welcome any tips anyone has for marketing!! Please comment.