ODDS AND ENDS - SPRING CLEANING BEGINS!

I'm getting an overload of projects in my craft room... If you see anything that peaks your fancy, send me an email JDreamz4u@gmail.com OR noahjanet@earthlink.net. HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND!

 

 

 

 

HERE COME DE SUN...

This past weekend was lovely here in Boise. A bit cold, but sunny blue skies. So, what was I doing? Taking turns outside, and then inside at my beading table. I went for a walk w/my hubby, then came home and enjoyed some beading... did some laundry... enjoyed some beading... you see how it went.  It was just a very low key, relaxing weekend.  Motivation was outside and meditation was inside...

 

This is now [one of] my NEW favorite pieces.  My choice of beads on that day, along with the color combo, just sang to me.  Sometimes you just feel when it's right.  I didn't have to re-string this  piece, which is my usual ... several tries before the final "one" gives me the sign.  This focal bead started with large peanut beads and grew from there... the bottom layer, which is hard to see, has crystal faceted drops.  Then a layer of turquoise and bronze drops were added.  The next round has carnelian rounds and an 8MM swarovski crystal on top.  The necklace is carnelian squares, czech glass ovals and turquoise 3mm rounds. 

Overflashed, and lighter than the actual beads, but I like the reflection off the glass.

                                             





 

A new style for me. Love the focal piece from J-Lynn Jewels - I single knotted the colored tagua nut links onto black cording. Love the funky look and how the tagua nut rounds pick up the colors in the pendant. FUN!   And, surprisingly, it lays nicely on the neck!

 

Here's the finished bracelet that is part of the set from the bottom of my last post. When I started the chain maille, I wasn't sure, but thanks to Sandy, I'm loving working with jump rings... Never thought . . .but, as long as I can add color to the project, I'm always good...
 

THE ROAR OF MARCH ALREADY?

So many special celebrations in the first quarter of the year - and March is no exception.  My hubby and I celebrated our wedding anniversary - 35 years married - 37 years together to be exact, on March 11.  Who knew it could last?  :))))  So, I begin this post with a lovely Spring array...  Thanks, hon.  xoxo

 

 

And, if you see a piece showcased in my blog that catches your eye, and you would like to know if it is available, or pricing, feel free to inquire.  Many of my pieces could be recreated w/slight change and color combo, or even if you like the one posted, it may be available.  Comment below, or email me at jdreamz4u@gmail.com. 

 

 

Color makes such a difference in picture presentation, doesn't it? So, I am constantly looking for a fun background change.  I'm not there yet -- this may be a bit too much, but I did like the majenta color.  It kind of makes the metallic/grey pop.  I used a more neutral background below with the same piece. Whaddya think?   This bead pattern is so versatile and just so substantial looking -- I have made a few different versions--super duos and 11's with some fire polish and 4mm pearls thrown in here and there.  Thanks again, Eileen!   I put the leaf toggle on upside down -- I think it provides more options - hang it in the front for a more dramatic focal piece, or place in the back, as a regular toggle.

 

Earrings to match.  Love these little birds on the filligre oblongs.

 

  Here's the more neutral background.  Which do you think presents better?

 

My newest completed project - a really fun pattern, learned at Bead Street (thanks Eileen!), with the very newest two-hole lentels in green, jade 3mm Czech pearls, and 11's. The lentels stick up ever so slightly, to give it a little depth. I couldn't leave it alone, after I thought it was finished, and further embellished beyond the original pattern to add a scallop of 15's and 3mm carnelian rounds. This color combination speaks to me!!

                    And last, but not least -- I'm decorated and ready for the Easter Bunny to deliver some Reeces chocolate bunnies!!!!   YUMMERS!

SPRING MOTIVATION!

I finished my latest project -- the necklace to match the earrings at the end of my last blog entry.  It's my version of Maria Teresa Moran's pattern for a bracelet, which I modified to make into a necklace.  Turned out, well..., gorgeous!  It drapes nicely on the neck.  Many hours of bugling, so to speak, ha ha, but nice effect.  And, I don't usually like repetition, but this pattern was a lot of fun so it kept my interest.

A large crystal centerpiece, with twisted bugle beads around the focal, 6 mm bicone crystal and 8 sb and 15 sb inside the bugles.  Smaller triangles thereafter with two different bugle beads, matte and shiny, with 11 sb, 15 sb and 4mm bicones.

Necklace and earrings.  Nice combo.

 

This necklace was a fun change from the stitching and repetition of the last piece and the colors make me happy!  Fun tagua nut rounds and a new chain maille pattern - thanks, Sandy, at Bead Street!  It's a Byzantine pattern.  I hadn't done that before and of course the options are endless.  Everyone else made a bracelet with a bead wired in the center or a few interspersed inbetween the chain maille, but I did my own thing... imagine!  Next will be a bracelet... hmmmmm... not sure exactly what I'll do, but it'll include these colors OF COURSE!