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.

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!

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.

Beading Class

Here are a couple of items from little class I did recently. The top photo is one of my designs that was completed by an 8 year old. The bottom photo was designed and completed in one day by my 19 year old niece.

Sorry I have been away for so long. Our family has had some heavy trials and although they continue things are fairly well in hand, at least for now.
I am very excited about my new program and am desperately trying to get some time to play with it.
Many of you know that I have been working full time at an actual "day job" so that does not lend much of an opportunity to work in the studio. Hopefully now that things have mellowed a bit I can spend more time here. The job ends in June, so please hang in there with me! I have a lot of designs on the drawing board just waiting for the time to devote to getting them done.
I did manage to get some inventory for the jewelry store that is selling my wares fast and furious. I feel very fortunate for that.
The hats have slowed down now, a little trickle ever now and then but I can rest a bit on those for now.

Sweet Dreams

I have had this vision locked away in my head for quite some time. With the Holiday madness and working 2 jobs I didn’t have any time to be creative. Now that things have quieted down a little and thanks to the generous team at Artbeads today is the day. They contacted me and asked if I would be willing to review some of their inventory free of charge. Well, what designer can pass that up?
I love lampwork and have used a lot of it my work. I really had a hard time choosing between the bamboo lampwork pieces and the one I finally chose. I also use a lot of seed beads and Artbeads has an extensive assortment of colors and finishes making it easy to get those ideas in my head into reality.
I am very left brained and I have wanted to branch out a bit and try something asymmetrical.
To create this 20 inch necklace I used #8 beads in a light green then made a weave with #11 seed beads in Opal Topaz and Green Picasso along with Smoky Quartz gemstones and genuine pearls . Oops, I nearly forgot the 4mm Swarovski crystals

It was really hard for me to do the two sides different but I think it turned out beautifully...what do you think?

You can see more photos of this piece and get more information on my website at Divella Delights.
Disclosure...As a reviewer of products at Artbeads, I receive the elements in this necklace above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products. I am not being compensated by Artbeads for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed

Lobster Jewelry

50% off the the Special of the Day today at Divella Delights!

Autumn on the ReefAllow me to introduce Louie. He is a lampwork bead created by Generations Lampwork as are his companions found on the neck of this fun and beautiful necklace. Sunning himself on a rocky reef made of Zebra and Picture Jaspers, Genuine Pearls and Swarovski crystals he is held securely by a hand made 14K gold filled clasp with a single Swarovski crystal wrapped inside.

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.

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

Wrist Corsage

A bouquet for your wrist and a smile for your heart…
In this garden created in sunny yellows, scrumptious purples and lively greens you will find treasures such as genuine faceted Amethyst, Artisan created Lampwork, Vintage and Contemporary Lucite leaves, Czech glass, Golden Opalite, and Swarovski carefully woven together with the bright yellow button to a length of 7 inches.
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.

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.

HUGE DISCOUNTS ON CROCHETED BRACELETS

Here are some more items from the shop I am closing on Etsy this weekend. Stop by and check out all the great gifts at drastically low prices. These hand crocheted bracelets are going for $5.00!! The keychains come 5 in a pack for $6.00 and many have genuine gemstones and lampwork! Come by http://www.divellasfibers.etsy.com/

HANDMADE LAMPWORK JEWELRY

This set is stunning made with 3 lampwork beads by Generations Lampwork and an abundance of genuine Pearls. The 17 inch necklace has 4 woven layers or Pearls, Mother of Pearl, and high quality seed beads. It is finished off with a handwrapped clasp with a single pearl. All metal is 14K gold filled wire, see note below.

I take great care in the design details as well as carefully selecting the gems and pearls for each piece. When I use lampwork beads they are purchased directly from the artisan so each one is carefully selected and I know that it is handcrafted and one of a kind. Many of my beads I special order. These particular lampworks are just gorgeous and although I was not sure when I bought them what exactly I was going to do with them I knew I had to have them. Such is the case with a lot of the beads I buy from Generations.

I am always happy to take special requests if you have a particular color, size, or theme you are interested in. I have done many for the fine jewelry store in town. Normally, she calls with a color scheme she (or one of her customers) want and when I take in the completed piece she is always very pleased.

I have done a number of coastal pieces with octopus, lobster, and fish beads. I also use these beads in the crochet necklaces and bracelets I create.

Having 2 daughters, I like to think that when someone purchases a piece of my jewelry they will be handing it down someday for future generations to treasure.

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.

More Crocheted jewelry

With or without the bead? I make 2 basic styles of these crocheted bracelets, one with a center focal bead and one without. I crochet them with heavy duty nylon cord (they can even get wet) and high quality Japanese seed beads. You will not see any of those craft store beads in my work. I am sure I can get them cheaper somewhere else but I prefer to get them locally so I can see them. I have been disappointed in buying them on line before, not quite as nice as the photos. The Raku beads are by Keith O'Connor, a Maine artisan; and the lampwork beads are all artisan created, one of a kind, for the most by Generations Lampwork in Massachusetts although I do buy from other artisans from time to time. Certainly I could get cheap imitations or glass beads made by the thousands but I prefer to offer one of a kind quality pieces to each of my customers. When a piece leaves my studio I want to know that it will bring years of lasting pleasure. I have had the unfortunate experience of buying jewelry in the past only to have it fall apart, literally the first time I wore it. It is so disappointing. I have never had a piece of jewelry returned as of yet for anything other than lengthening. Oops, that is not true. I had one piece returned that was one of the very first pieces I made and 2 years later it came back. I repaired it free of charge of course using the materials I use now, professional grade rather than than the "beginner's" supplies. I have learned a lot creating. I use my daughters for field testing when I come up with a new design. I also use my 5 year old granddaughters like when I began making the crocheted bracelets! I thought if they could survive those active little girls they could survive just about anything!

FISH JEWELRY

Chubby is here at last! This is one of the sweetest lampwork beads I have ever seen and what a personality! These darling beads are the creation of Generations Lampwork.
In the first photo the necklace was created for MPBN this year and features not only the 2 fish, but also one of Generation's beautiful shells. The piece was titled Rendezvous at the Reef and was selected by a jury for inclusion in the annual art show to benefit MPBN.
The second photo is a choker/necklace I crocheted using those wonderful Japanese seed beads and the third photo while also crocheted is a roll on bracelet.
I am planning another necklace in my usual design with gemstones shortly.
In addition to the fish this talented pair of lampwork artisans make exquisite shells which I will feature next trip!

Lobster Jewelry

Allow me to introduce Larry and Loretta from the Lobster family. These wonderful and whimsical beads are made by Generations Lampwork and can be found at http://www.generationslampwork.etsy.com/. The first examples are made with those wonderful beads surrounded by a reef of gemstones and pearls. I typically make these at 17 inches which is 1 inch larger than choker length due to the added bulk created by the design. I can make them any length with an adjustment in the price. I use either Sterling Silver or 14K gold filled findings in all my creations (see note on gold filled wire below). I make a variety of styles in this technique which of course can be seen by clicking on the links to the left.

For the crocheted pieces, these are bracelets shown here, I use only high quality Japanese seed beads. They are quite uniform and come in a variety of sizes and beautiful finishes. For a medium they are crocheted to around 7.5 inches depending on the size of the lampwork I will incorporate into the piece. Through experimentation I have decided to use only a heavy duty nylon cord. These can get wet and dry quite nicely to their original size and they do not stretch out like the cotton threads and cords. My granddaughters (twins of 5) get great wear out of theirs as does my 20 year old step-son who wears his all the time. I wore one for a solid week including in the shower, to bed, and work just to see how it would hold up and the results exceeded my expectations.

Next I will show you the cutest little chubby fish lampwork jewelry...these little guys really have a personality!

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. It 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 like gold plate does. It is truly a piece of jewelry to last a lifetime.

OCTOPUS JEWELRY

I have really enjoyed creating designs using there wonderful lampwork beads by Margo Lampwork. I have sold a number of them, they are quite whimsical and a lot of fun. When I have worn them, I really get noticed! I also make jewelry with fish and lobsters with beads made by Generations Lampwork, those will be in the next few blogs so come back and see! Or you can visit http://www.divelladelights.com/ or http://www.divellasfibers.etsy.com/ and check them out...unless of course they sell before you get there. But I will be posting photos of them here.

These 3 are all different designs. the first is free form peyote stitch and was tons of fun although it does take some planning ahead of time. The second is a crocheted beaded necklace with genuine Pearls and Black Onyx, and finally my usual design weave using a variety of gemstones and Sterling. Check back soon for Chubby the Fish and Larry and Loretta Lobster! They are really cute!