"Zoey"

"Zoey" is done with lots of black, white and clear Czech glass beads on silver wire.  I made a rather large "centerpiece" and attached chain on each side.  The chain has large round and oval links that are in proportion to the large center piece.  I think this one has kind of a modern "retro" look!

~Today's Quote~

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years.

~Abraham Lincoln

"Cienna"

This one is very similar to "Cierra" which I posted in May of last year.  The original necklace sold at a craft show this fall and I was asked to make another one with matching earrings.  She said "the danglier, the better" on the earrings! 

I used different sizes of dark brown seed beads with a slight variation in color and some 4mm cube beads that match the "pottery" pendant.  It's all done on brown wire.

~Today's Quote~

We come to love not by finding the perfect person,

but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

"Maggie" Necklace & Puppy Update

This is another of my "go with anything" necklaces.

I used glass beads in mix of colors and shapes.

There are three strands crocheted on silver wire

leaving lots of open space.

Puppy Update!

Mattie Mae

I gave her a bath the other day and "foo-foo'd" her up!

 Can you believe how much she's grown already?

~Today's Quote~

This is just a cute little quote that makes me think of my husband!

I loved you once,

I love you still,

Always have,

Always will!

"Confetti"

Multi-color Madness!

I was talking to a young lady at one of the craft shows recently and she asked about a multi-color necklace that would go with anything.  This is something I have rarely done so I thought I'd give it a try. I gathered up some beads that I had on hand including seed beads, Czech Fire Polished beads, and Celestial Crystal.  It will definately go with just about anything and it does look cute on.

~Today's Quote~

"For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Jewel"

Finally, some time to create! I received these beads as a Blogging for Beaders gift from Artbeads before Christmas and I've been so anxious to get started! I was allowed to choose from their selection of Sterling Silver and Glass beads. When I saw this Black, Pink and White Pillow bead I knew that's what I wanted to use as the starting point for my design! It reflects the theme I have chosen for "Be~Jeweled by jana":  Black,White, Hot Pink & Swirls .

I used the following items from Artbeads selection of Glass Beads: Black, White, & Pink Pillow Bead, Black 5 x 4 mm Jet Roundelles, 8mm Glass Druk Beads White/Black (these are very cute, 1/2 white & half black), Jet 4mm Czech Fire Polished Beads, White 4mm Czech Fire Polished Beads & Toho 6/0 Beads in Gilt-Lines Hot Pink Opal.  I used black wire and added some small 3cut black seed beads that I had on hand.

It is finished with the cutest Bali Cones with a swirl pattern & a Sterling Spiral Toggle Clasp.

Disclosure:  I am a Blogging for Beaders partner with Artbeads. The above noted items were provided to me free of charge, to be used for design purposes, or for my honest review of them.  I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.

~My Wish for you in 2010~

May peace break into your home

and may thieves come to steal your debts,

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline

and may laughter assault your lips!

May happiness slap you across the face

and may your tears be that of joy.

May the problems you had forget your home address!

A Christmas Puppy for Santa!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!  Ours was wonderful.  I very much enjoyed spending time with our family & friends on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  We had freezing rain and snow which made for a hazardous trip for some.  I'm so glad everyone was able to make it here and safely home. 

One of the highlights of our Christmas was surprising my husband (Santa himself!) with just what he wanted for Christmas~an Old English Sheepdog puppy! 

Photos Courtesy of Lou Stine Photography (my very talented sister!)

 I'm so glad she was able to capture the moment for us!

Due to the hustle and bustle of the holidays I haven't made any new jewelry lately. 

Hopefully things will be at a slower pace now that Christmas is behind us. 

May the New Year bring Joy and Prosperity to all!

~Today's Quote~

Families are like quilts...

Lives pieced together,

Stitched with smiles and tears,

Colored with memories,

And bound by love.

"Merry" Inspired by Grandma's Jewelry Box

This necklace was inspired by a found object challenge from Erin of  Treasures Found. The challenge for this week was "Grandma's Jewelry Box" ~  to make something new out of an old treaure in your jewelry box (or someone else's!).

This brooch belonged to my grandma.  I think it's just beautiful.  I keep it in a dish on my dresser and usually wear it during the Christmas season because of it's beautiful red color and shape. 

I used assorted gold beads, Czech Fire Polished beads and some small Swarovki crystals in red, and gold wire.  I attached the brooch with a jumpring without harming the original pin back.  What a fun challenge!

~Today's Quote~

"Memories of a loving family linger in the Heart."