Fifteen New Designs...

I wasn't joking when I said that I've been busy. Below are fifteen new designs: three necklaces, six earring pairs and six bracelets.

It's not every day when the beads and components laid out on your work table just click! and work together. The above necklace was one of those pieces that sort of materialized out of the chaos of my work station; it's made up of a Green Girl Studios shibuichi bird toggle, seed beads from Jane's Fibers, Czech glass from Raven's Journey, Vintaj natural brass chain from Ornamentea, a Swarovski crystal round from Fusion Beads, vintage Czech glass from Pudgy Beads, a quartz crystal bead from Bead Trust, a polymer wing pendant from Lynn Davis of Expedition D, and a polymer pendant from Heather Wynn that reads: "If my words had wings."

I really love how eclectic this piece turned out. It features beads and components from some of my favorite artisans. The necklace is made up of Peruvian opal and an opalite round from Bead Trust, Swarovski crystals from Fusion Beads, a ceramic pendant from Marsha Neal Studio, a ceramic bird from Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio, a vintage leaf sequin from Gail Crosman Moore, a blue moonstone set in silver from Jess Imports, a coin pearl from Talisman Associates Inc., lots of fine pewter goodness from my family at Green Girl Studios, a Tibetan turquoise encrusted bead capped fossilized conch shell from Pema Arts, ceramic tubes and a spiral pendant from Keith O'Connor, a lampwork ring from Cindy Gimbrone a.k.a. Lampwork Diva, a polymer tube from Grant Diffendaffer, a porcelain doughnut from Joan Miller, daisy-stamped Thai spacers from Na Bo Row, and Vintaj natural brass chain from Ornamentea. The headpins, crimps, and jump rings are from Newtique.

The above design is another piece that seemed to be predestined. I think one of the most important tools an artist has is the ability to see. Sometimes the best and most striking combinations are ones that are right in front of us. It's up to us as the artists to See the pieces and put them together like a puzzle. The above necklace is made up a killer precious metal clay pendant from Melissa J. Lee, Swarovski crystals from Fusion Beads, pearls from Talisman Associates Inc., a bird over cloud toggle in sterling silver from my family at Green Girl Studios, and chain from Ornamentea.

I really enjoy making earrings. I adore the fact that they provide such an immediate source of instant gratification. Starting from left to right: 1) Fine pewter from Green Girl Studios, Swarovski crystals from Fusion Beads, and chain, earwires, soldered jump rings from Ornamentea. 2) Czech glass from Raven's Journey, Niobium earwires from the Odyssey and Bead Expressions, chain from Ornamentea, and image transfer ceramic tiles from Marsha Neal Studio (the male bird on one side and the female on the other). 3) Fine pewter from Green Girl Studios, copper earwires from Ornamentea, and shell discs from J & M Gems 'n' Things. 4) Niobium earwires from Marti Brown of the Odyssey and Bead Expressions, Swarovski crystals from Fusion Beads, fine pewter from Green Girl Studios, and blue sunstone from Bead Trust. 5) Fine pewter from Green Girl Studios, earwires from Saki Silver, vintage lucite from Natural Touch Resin, Swarovski crystal from Fusion Beads, and chain from Ornamentea. 6) Fine pewter from Green Girl Studios, Swarovski crystals from Fusion Beads, and earwires from Saki Silver.

Bracelets are another great way to get some pretty immediate satisfaction. Since they are bigger than earrings, they provide a larger "canvas" for creative problem-solving and expression. Starting from top to bottom: 1) Fine pewter and sterling silver from Green Girl Studios, Swarovski crystals from Fusion Beads, pearl coins from Talisman Associates Inc., composite abalone shell from Bead Trust, a lampwork lentil from Lewis Wilson of Crystal Myths, and a lampwork starry night bead from Calvin Orr. 2) Shibuichi toggle from Green Girl Studios, andulucite, smoky quartz, and lava from Bead Trust, and Swarovski encrusted rondelles from Fusion Beads. 3) Gold-plated toggle from Green Girl Studios, Czech glass from Raven's Journey, Swarovski encrusted rondelles from Fusion Beads, and labradorite and smoky quartz druzies from Bead Trust. 4) Sterling silver bird toggle from Green Girl Studios, labradorite polished nuggets from Bead Trust, chain from Ornamentea, and headpins from E2SSupplies on Etsy. 5) Shibuichi toggle from Green Girl Studios, ceramic beads from Keith O'Connor, faceted garnet from Bead Trust, chain from Ornamentea, and headpins from E2SSupplies on Etsy. 6) Lampwork ring from Cindy Gimbrone a.k.a. Lampwork Diva, fine pewter button from Green Girl Studios, ruby quartz from Omega Gems, and Thai silver cornerless cubes from Na Bo Row.