As a member of the blog partnership I got this impressive package filled with chain from Fusion Beads. I had a great time working with it. I really wanted to highlight the chain and make it the star of the show.
I dangled some Swarovski crystals with different bits of chain from French earwires. I love the movement in these. The crystals sparkle and create beautiful points of light along the neck.
This is a pretty simple bracelet, but I like the chunky layers of the multiple lengths of chain. The bits of chain are attached to a sterling silver toggle with jump rings. I think the design is a little edgy. Kind of like a "biker bracelet". Depending on the toggle choice, the bracelet could be unisex.
Ball chain is something that I both love and dislike. I love it for it's ease of use for creating necklaces. But the application of it is sometimes frustratingly limited. I decided to use the ball chain that they sent me by dressing it up with some large-holed beads. It's a simple design that can be added to upon whim or occasion.
I was just smitten with the link chain. I thought they looked like bones. So I added a ceramic sugar skull pendant from Gaea and some lucite flower dangles. I think it makes a fun design.
I decided to go for a second round with the ball chain. I wanted to do something "more" with it. I thought about the structure of the chain for awhile and decided to create almost like a Native American-inspired warrior bib-style necklace. I wire-wrapped elongated hairpipe bone beads. The pieces fit between the balls, creating an almost breast plate of bone beads. I needed some visual weight to anchor the piece and decided to use a piece of filigree. I like the shape and how it mixes the metals up a bit. I rolled the edge of the filigree to create a bail and strung the ball chain through the roll.
The best part of working with the chain is that these designs came together relatively quickly. If you're in a pinch getting ready for a show or need to stock up on quick gifts, utilizing chain is a great way to bang out a lot of designs in short order. Definitely check out Fusion Beads for their great selection of chain!
FTC Disclosure: The materials provided came courtesy of Fusion Beads free of charge. This blog post reflects my honest opinions and experiences using the complimentary product.
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2 comments:
Love the chain with the skull pendant! That is very cool chain, love it used simply as in your piece. I love ball chain too, but didn't use it for the longest time b/c I didn't know how to finish it off. These little findings were a revelation: http://www.chaingallery.com/1-452-Gunmetal-Ball-Tip-Connector--32mm_p_477.html Super easy to use, and gives a nice tidy end. They also come in antiqued copper and brass, and bright silver and gold plate finish. I also like that I can use a regular clasp with them, instead of the ball chain connector.
Love all your pieces, though not much of a 'skull' lover, it is still cute. I especially love the earrings, and that multi-chain bracelet. My mother always loved chain jewelry, guess that's where my love for it came from. She always said a chain necklace, or several to mix and match, was essential in a jewelry wardrobe! Love what you did with the last piece, too! Have a great weekend!
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