New Stuff That's Not Earrings

Okay, not really. It's two pairs of earrings AND...a necklace.

I know, it's VERY exciting. Do try to contain yourself.

Not only did I get some great new stuff at a couple of recent bead shows, but I actually had time to get my work surface organized AND get some things made. It's probably appropriate to yell "ALERT THE MEDIA!" at this juncture so g'head...knock yourself out.

I'll wait.

Okay, back to business.





I found these marvelous verdigris patinated pieces at a local bead show. I've worked with patinated brass before, but these pieces really have a lot going on. I can see at least 3-4 colors from dark brass through a couple of shades of green/verdigris to bright gold.





I added in some brass beads and wire-wrapping and some greige AB Swarovski crystals and these babies practically made themselves.

PLUS! Check out my new photo background! My old piece of weathered wood had gotten a little TOO weathered so I grabbed a couple of pieces of tile at Lowe's and this is my first photo shoot using one of them. What do you think?





I went a little nuts at this booth, but I couldn't pass up these great teardrop shapes and they just frame the seahorse charms so PERFECTLY!





This pair got some Swarovski crystals in a color called erinite. I wanted to contrast the bright sparkle with the kind of grungy look of the patinated brass and also play up the verdigris color. I initially went for some turquoise disks, but they were a little too blah with the brass...I'm kinda diggin' the crystals.





But, I promised you a necklace and here it is!





I started with this gorgeous ceramic focal from Slate Studios. The way the blue and purple glaze is swirled on the butterfly is just yumm-a-licious.





Then I started wire-wrapping on some Swarovski crystals (that erinite color again), some blue/purple Chinese crystals and some marquis-shaped Czech glass that has a lovely swirl of lavender, blue and teal along with a Picasso finish on it.





This necklace is delicate and simple so I kept the clasp the same - just a brass lobster clasp with a couple of wired crystal dangles.





All my favorite colors come together in this necklace and while the design is very simple, I'm proud of myself for finally breaking out of my "bead block" and getting something completed that I'm happy with.

I'm looking forward to getting more "play" time this weekend...maybe I'll even feel up to tackling a bracelet!

KJ