"Fascination" Necklace in Wire Crochet

 

This seven strand necklace is a combination of black and silver wire with mixed black and silver seed and bugle beads.

For this necklace I tried a couple of things that I haven't done before. I used a small steel crochet hook which I have shied away from so far!  I never had much luck crocheting with tiny crochet thread and a steel hook.  It was just too small!  The wire was easier than thread, though, probably because it holds its shape.  I also made a couple of strands using single crochet which adds a little more texture.  

I began experimenting with wire crochet after seeing some pieces online and taught myself by trial and error. Recently I've been wanting to try some more challenging things so I ordered some books for new techniques and inspiration.  I tried two new and different things on this necklace and I'm really happy with the results!

~Today's Quote~

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost;
 that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.
~ Henry David Thoreau

Grandma's Rose Garden

Shades of Antique Roses and Pearls inspired me to name this necklace "Grandma's Rose Garden".

I used lots of glass seed beads in shades of pink along with mauve cultured potato pearls.  It looks very soft and romantic! 

I kind of liked the way the crocheted earrings with the shells turned out so I made a pair to go with this necklace.  I think the delicate look of them goes especially well with this necklace.

~Today's Quote~

There's a story behind today's quote!

.  I bought a little hand painted heart shaped wall hanging that said

"If Grandma's were roses, I'd pick you."

for my Grandma when she was in the nursing home and it hung on her door.  When she passed away, unknown to me, my Mom kept it.  Not long ago my Grandaughter gave it to me. I never imagined when I bought it that someday I would be a Grandma and it would be hanging on my wall.

All the way from Australia!

I was lucky enough to win a bracelet giveaway from Davinia in Australia!  It arrived today and let me tell you I got the royal treatment!

Inside was a nice handwritten note and a very cute decorated tin...

She even included some extra goodies~ a pair of her wallpaper earrings and two pendants that she made using Tim Holtz memory frames!

AND she sent the cutest little koala...!!!

She made me feel so special! 

The bracelet is awesome and includes a hook clasp that she made herself.

I can't wait to make something with the pendants!

Drop by her blog, Deez News, to see her latest creations and take a look in her Artfire Studio!

Thank you so much for Everything, Davinia!

~Today's Quote~

You give but little when you give of your possessions. 

 It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

~Kahlil Gibran

~♥~

"Treasures of the Sea" Necklace & Earrings

"Treasures of the Sea" features a large shell pendant. 

 For this wire crochet necklace I used a seed bead mixture in whites and purples, including some with a pearlized finish, to pick up the purple color on the shell.   I also added in some small seashells. The sparkling beads, pearls and shells remind me of a deep sea treasure.

This is the first time I've used wire crochet in earrings.  I crocheted a very small section with a seashell and a few beads, attached it to the earwire, then attached a shell disk to it. 

~Today's Quote~

Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right,

and forget about the ones who don't

and believe that everything happens for a reason. 

 If you get a chance, take it.

If it changes your life, let it. 

Nobody said that it would be easy,

they just promised it would be worth it.

~♥~

Giveaway Winner & Spring Celebration Bracelet

It's time to announce the winner of the giveaway.  I'd like to thank everyone who bared their soul so we could get to know you a little better!  I was touched & inspired by your comments and even giggled at some of them! 

And the Winner is.....Tish! 

 Send me an e-mail with your address and I'll get the necklace in the mail to you!

I think Spring may have finally arrived! 

 The grass is green and daffodils are blooming!

This bracelet celebrates spring with it's green and yellow theme and little bird charm. 

Have a Happy Easter!

~Today's Quote~

"Daffodils"

I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

"Callie", Inspired by California Dreaming

♫ "California Dreaming on such a winter's day..." ♫

I was working on this necklace this weekend as 10" of snow was falling.  I must say it was just a little depressing for the first day of spring!  The colors in these beads cheered me up a bit.  They remind me of  beach glass.  It was nice to imagine a nice warm walk on the beach on such a nasty day! 

I used a mixture of Czech glass beads, Czech Fire Polished Beads, and 6/0 seed beads to make the focal point of this necklace and completed it with silver chain.

Don't forget you have until March 31st to enter the giveaway in my previous post!

~Today's Quote~

There are many things in life that will catch your eye,

 but only a few will catch your heart...

Pursue those.

~Anonymous

Five Things about Me & You Giveaway!

 Inquiring minds want to know!

I'm always curious about the people behind the blogs.  Let's share a little about ourselves!

As an incentive I'll give away this necklace.  To enter, leave a comment listing five things about yourself.  They can be serious or silly!  You don't have to have a blog to enter, but be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you're the winner.  On April 1st (No Fooling!), I'll  randomly draw one number from the total number of comments and the winner will receive the necklace.

I'll go first!

1.  I live in the very southeast corner of Kansas, not very far from the Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri borders.

2.  My husband & I run a small trucking company from our home.  I do all of our office work, bookwork, DOT compliance, payroll, etc.

3.  I get up at 6:15 a.m. seven days a week.  I'm not a morning person, but I feel better if I stick to the routine.  I have to admit I get up, but I don't get around!  I have to have my "coffee time" before I get the day started!

4.  I have a Cosmetology license.  I haven't worked in a shop in years, but I keep my licence current just in case I ever want to again!

5.  I ride a candy apple red Harley trike and love every minute of it!

Please share!

~Today's Quote~

"Laughter is an instant vacation."

~Milton Berle