Beads and more beads

I ordered a whole bunch of beads and things the past 2 months and have only just unpacked them. They're now in their little storage boxes waiting for me to use them. I got several artbeads this time around. Yes, they're a luxury I probably shouldn't be indulging in - but they are just so darn pretty. Enough talking...here's my loot :-)

Aren't they lovely? Here are some close-ups in case you're curious.

From the top: enameled yummies from Gardanne Beads, scrumptious Keith O'Connor ceramic beads, followed by a length of enamel chain - it's actually a lovely pastel blue although it shows up as white in the photo (must be the lighting) - and some rubber o-rings..both from myElements. 

Back.....finally

...and with pics to show off.

Yes, I've been away for what seems like ages. I was on vacation and then came down with the flu when I got back home. Actually fell ill towards the end of my vacation. But I'm better now, and finally feeling like myself again.

Which means I got around to making something :-). The bracelet below is a replica of the green vintage bracelet  I mentioned (and showed off) in an earlier post. I made it for a friend who wanted something very much like my bracelet but in blue. The bracelet fits her perfectly and looks gorgeous against her beautiful tanned skin. I hope it brings her much pleasure and joy. Hmm, Rhapsody in Blue would be a great name for it.

New autumn jewelry

Even though there aren't seasons where I live, I've always been partial to Fall. I think it's all those lovely warm colours that appeal to me - and the cooler weather. Anyhow, I was inspired last week to make this necklace. It's part of my bid to slowly  but surely use up my bead stash. So that I can buy new beads LOL.

I used some leftover faux suede cord, 5mm Swarovski crystals in a range of autumnal colours (burgundy, topaz, smoked topaz etc), fire-polished rondelles and an antique brass dragonfly pendant. I actually like how it turned out. It's now in my Artfire and Etsy shops waiting for someone to give it a home.

What to do with this pendant?

I'm stuck. I messed around with Diamond Glaze last weekend and made this pendant. I had some issues with air bubbles but in the end everything turned out pretty well. I don't like the pendant frame however. It reminds me of Star Trek somehow - very sci-fi like. Which doesn't quite seem to go with the floral design of the paper (which I love btw). So - my question now is....what do I do with it? Stick a pin on the back for a brooch? Or use it in a necklace? Maybe a bag charm? Hmm, that might be an idea. A kooky bag charm is easier to carry off I think.

Contest Giveaway at The Beadin'Path

Just so you know, The Beadin'Path is having a great contest giveaway right now. You can find out the details here. It's super easy to enter and you stand to win a $150 gift card. Yup, that's right! $150! That's a whole lot of moolah. I could buy lots of vintage beads with that amount of money, not to mention a good handful of Keith O'Connor ceramic beads.....sigh, a girl can dream......

So, anyway here's my bid to enter and win. Below is a pic of a bracelet I made many moons ago using some vintage links and faux pearl clasp I bought online from The Beading'Path. I love it and think it's one of the prettiest things I've ever made. Also, the simplest. Off now to email the good people at TBP the link to this post. Wish me luck!!

Additions to the shop

Apart from completing my commissioned work, I also made 2 new items that I've listed in my Etsy and Artfire shops. A cord bracelet and a pair of earrings. Both feature beads I bought in Tokyo in 2007. I've been hoarding them ever since and finally got round to using them. I have to admit that I'm a little sad at the thought of not being able to stare and drool over them anymore. I hope both items find good homes. 

Coral Ring