Embroidered Bride's Cuff Completed!

At long last the Bridal cuff is complet. See more photos at Divella Delights!

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.

WEDDING JEWELRY

I am so excited! I was commissioned to bejewel an entire wedding party at the request of one of the jewelers I wholesale to. Her niece is gettting married so she requested that I make jewelry for the Bride, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids and Mother of the Bride. The Bride wanted something simple, just pearls and sterling with some Swarovski. I have made other, more dramatic Bridal sets but this was the first time I was actually asked to do the jewelry for the Bridal party. The nicest part is that I was able to give them exactly what they wanted and stay well within budget. I made 2 of the 3 strand necklaces with pearls for the Bridesmaids, the Maid of honor is the peach gemstone using Peach Moonstone and the Mother of the Bride wanted greens. Hers was the hardest to match but everything turned out wonderful and I am looking forward to photos of the big day!

You can see more of my Bridal Jewelry as well as other gemstone and crocheted jewelry at http://www.divelladelights.etsy.com/

HANDMADE BRIDAL JEWELRY

Although the big June wedding season has come to a close there are still a lot of brides out there who want something a little (or a lot) different for that wonderful and unforgettable day. If you are one of those brides, check out this stunning set with pearls, opalite, sterling and those well- loved fine Austrian crystals by Swarovski. I am also available to make one especially for you that will distinguish you from all the other brides out there with that traditional strand of pearls. We can incorporate different colors and we can even make a more subtle version of your design for your bridesmaids. This jewelry will make a wonderful gift to those special women surrounding you and supporting you throughout your weeding planning. Make a statement!

Wedding Jewelry

With the big day quickly approaching for a lot of Brides, I thought I would introduce a couple of my wedding pieces. These luscious and elegant pieces are made with pearls, Opalite and sterling with some Swarovski crystals added for a little sparkle. I have traditional pieces to a more Rock and Roll set with cascading pearls and original lampwork by (you guessed it) Generations Lampwork. I do not have these on my Etsy site so if you are interested send an e-mail to dlculbertson@verizon.net and I will send more photos and a price list. You can also contact me there for special orders! I just received an order of really gorgeous white stick pearls I am anxious to use.