Winter Enchantment or Not!

 We had a beautiful snowfall last night with big puffy snowflakes. When we awoke this morning everything was coated....the branches and pines were heavy with snow and it sparkled  like a winter wonderland. Oh so pretty! But.....

in a few short days the snow will be gone (yay!!)...I like a little... not a lot. I have had my share of New England winters that last forever, I much prefer the Tennessee winters.

Speaking of winter...as part of Artbeads.com's blogging program we were asked to create a "Winter Enchantment" design that represents what you find beautiful or inspirational about the winter season. 

I find many winter days dark and over cast, but once a snow has fallen it is full of light and shine. I tried to portray that in this layered necklace I call "Winter Solstice" .

I chose Swarovski crystals and Czech glass to add the shine to this piece as well as some vintage rosary beads. Layers of gunmetal chain were added to reflect the dark skies. I love the combination of the two, each play off the other so nicely. 

Artbeads is also having a super giveaway a ‘Road to Tucson’ Sweepstakes! The grand prize is a trip for two to Tucson, Arizona to attend the 2012 Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase! This fantastic prize package includes round-trip airfare for two to Tucson, Arizona and 3 nights accommodation. The winner will also attend classes with well-known beading instructors and have access to the biggest shows. Spend 3 fun-filled days in Tucson surrounded by gems, minerals, fossils, beads and other bead lovers! What could be more fabulous!

I have received these beads free of charge from Artbeads.com in order to write a review and/or create a project free of charge for you. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.   

A touch of bling....

I have been asked by Artbeads.com to join their blogging program, I accepted this great challenge and look forward to creating with their wonderful products. I was so excited to receive my first delivery of products, and look how nicely they were packaged!

Artbeads has declared August and September
as the months of Swarovski crystal.They
have over 5,000 different items from
Swarovski including beads, pendants,
rhinestones, buttons, chain and more.
In other words, everything you need to
create the most dazzling jewelry!

When I chose these gorgeous ruby briolette's I knew I wanted to make earrings out of them. The color is so rich and the crystals just sparkle! I haphazardly wrapped the briolettes in sterling to give them a urban feel. I also used a link of sterling silver cuplink crystal chain for some added bling, sterling ear wires were then added. I oxidized all the sterling then buffed up some of the edges for an aged look.

You can find these in my Judith B. Designs Etsy shop.

Many thanks to ArtBeads.com for this great opportunity...I look forward to creating with the rest of my gifts.