Giveaway!

Thanks for coming out to my blog!  To show my thanks, I will be holding a drawing on Saturday morning at 9:00 for a free pair of earrings of your choice from my Signature Colors Collection pictured below.   To enter, comment here or on the Facebook post with your answer to this question:  If you only wear one piece of jewelry (other than a wedding ring,) what do you choose?

Chocobaubles

There was a very eye-catching red and black necklace on a mannequin at Kohl's during the winter. It had a large silk flower on ribbon where this design has a bow, but it was very fun to try to replicate the look. I'm not sure if I should share this detail, but if you are concerned for our environment and appreciate re-used materials, you'll be glad to know that the ribbon was a part of packaging for Valentine chocolates!

Vintage Fresh 2

Kathy, from Icebox Antiques and Collectibles in International Falls, MN, has given me a vicarious thrill by shopping for vintage jewelry and beads that I can reimagine. These wine-colored beads spoke to me right away, but I wanted more glass and metal to make them look more up-to-date.

I showcased beads with interesting finishes and shapes and created a focal bead by netting around one of the larger ones. Finally, I strung some seed beads that I love (matte and rainbow peridot with bronze lining, shimmery burgundy, etc.) together with premade chain and added dangles of glass flowers and leaves.

Several days after I made the necklace above, I pulled it from its display and cut a few links from the chain above the glass flowers and leaves because the proportions were bothering me. While I was at it, I crafted some cluster drop earrings with the same motif.
I've added this additional photo of the necklace so that the beads are more easily seen. The initial picture showed the shape, but not the cool finishes and textures that enchanted me!