Pearls from the sea

 How I love mother of pearl... especially buttons! The irregularity and iridescent that makes each one so unique. 

 I think with the addition of the sterling box chain it adds a little modern touch...a kind of balance...the old and the new..

You can find these here.

Gorgeous vintage carved mop that had a former life as clip on earrings...I gave them new life into dangle earrings. 

You can find these here.

I hope everyone is having a great Father's Day, be it with your Dad or remembering special memories.  I know my DH is enjoying time with his dad in Connecticut. 

Step By Step Wire

I am so pleased to have two projects in the Aug/Sept issue of Step By Step Wire. First I need to give a big thanks to Cindy Wimmer for encouraging me to submit to the magazine. It has been a great learning experience and I am proud to  be amongst such talented people....especially my friend Mary Jane Dodd, her earrings in this issue are just amazing!!

  Modern pearl bracelet

 ...and a fun ten minute project

Wired Focal Pendant 

Blogging has been a wonderful experience, I never would have thought I would meet such wonderful people and learn so much. I am ever so grateful to you all! 

Delicate Balance

While I was out shopping with my friend Eileen we spotted some really nice necklaces, although they were nice in design the materials were not good quality. One of the pieces I liked was a necklace with a lovely combination of Turquoise and pearls. Since I just had stocked up on some great turquoise I knew just what I wanted to create. It has been about a week since I have worked in my studio so I was very happy to relax and play with all of my new stuff. I really love the end result and would never have thought to combine these great organic materials. "Delicate Balance" is a substantial piece with chunky turquoise and three kinds of fresh water pearls. AD Adornment findings really finished this piece off. Necklace is 33" in length and has a 4" pendant drop.

Eclectic Pearl Bracelet

It may be freezing outside but it is so warm in my sunny studio. The sun is filling my room with warmth and inspiration. It is a New Year!
I received some new tools a few days ago, a dappling set and disk cutter and have been anxious to try them out, it will take some practice but it sure is fun! As you can see I used both tools for this bracelet. You can find this eclectic bracelet in my Artfire shop.

I am having a 20% off sale in my Etsy "Flap Your Wings" shop. So check it out, there may be something you just need to have!

Have a great weekend!

Passing Time

"Sometimes I feel that life is passing me by, not slowly either, but with ropes of steam and spark-spattered wheels and a hoarse roar of power or terror. It's passing, yet I'm the one who's doing all the moving." ~Martin Amis

Today I am trying to move slower and slow down a bit. I am enjoying being home alone as the DH is back to work for a few days and our son has gone back to Massachusetts for the week. I have been longing to get back to my work table and create and return to some type of routine. Here is a piece I call "Passing Time" that I finished this morning. You can find this in my Etsy shop. Slow down a bit and enjoy today.

Rich and Glam

A collection of vintage rhinestone jewels are rejuvenated in this one of a kind long necklace that I call Great Gatsby...my modern version of the rich and glam from 1925. An assortment of pearls are all wire wrapped in oxidized brass and hammered brass connectors are used to link these together. An antique gold filled heart locket dangles from the rhinestone pendant. This couture heirloom piece of jewelry would look lovely with that little black dress or a white shirt and jeans.Measures 31" in length.

A gift from the sea

Gift from the sea...a unique and non-traditional pearl bracelet. I am a big fan of these funky shaped pearls and love the rich colors they offer.

You can find this little treasure at JudithBDesigns.com

I am enjoying another glorious day. The sun is shinning and it is nice and warm outside. I have been busy making jewelry and cleaning. I love that I can vacuum and then go make a pair of earrings and then fold laundry...etc. The joy of working at home and I can stay in my pj's all day if I want...some days anyway!
I am expecting company this week, one of my girlfriends from back home in Massachusetts is coming for 5 days. We have lots of plans and my most favorite will be going to the Nashville Flea Market on Friday. October is always the best month and I can't wait!

Take me dancing earrings...

I am still working with beads and findings that I received from ArtBeads.com as part of their blogging program. Here we have a pair of "Take me dancing" earrings... Created using Artbeads Swarovski crystal pearls in the Bordeaux color and crystal roundelles . I love using these roundelles, they give a wonderful sparkle and a vintage look to any piece. To attach the beads to the ear wire I used another versatile component and that is a silverplated channel link in jet. I really like the way it makes the earring dangle while adding a little more sparkle. Modern sterling ear wires make these earrings very chic. Be sure to check out ArtBeads.com for all of your Swarovski elements...you can not go wrong with FREE SHIPPING on all items.

Nesting

I have always found these little nests so charming...and said what the heck I can do that. I found this great tutorial over at Totally Tutorials is that a fitting name or what? I got my sterling wire out and this is what I made. I used tiny antique taupe colored pearls and strung the nest on a vintage sterling chain. Oh so pretty and delicate looking, although this is one sturdy nest.

More pearls...

I have been playing with pearls these last few days...after all it is June's birthstone. I am a ruby girl myself (July's birthstone) but I do love pearls in all it's variety's. I wanted to share with you one of my favorites. I purchased this watch fob in Massachusetts last year and have been hanging on to it for something lovely one day and here it is. A variety of antique watch fob chains have been used, as well as coin pearls, ivory freshwater pearls, shell nugget and some iridescent czech glass beads. I also hand forged the brass hook. Measures: 16" with an additional 1 1/2" for the fob drop. You can find this at JudithB.Designs.com

Tell me what you think and would you wear this?

Pearls....

From one of the humblest of life forms, the mollusk, comes the pearl -- a gem of unsurpassed beauty and elegance. This the month of pearls...it is not only June's birthstone but a favorite among brides to wear...a classic elegance on their special day.

Only those with royal status once wore pearl jewelry, but eventually these gems were seen among all classes of people. They continue to be viewed as a mark of taste and refinement as well as a symbol of purity, and they are often given to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a child. Pearls are nature's perfect gift, suitable for all ages, and elegantly worn with everything from jeans to an evening gown.

Here is my take on a classic pearl necklace....a marriage of many mollusks in form and color.