Fun Necklace from an Antique Watch Fob

I can't believe it's been nearly two months since my last post.  I've been crocheting a lot and had a booth at the Pecanfest last month.  I did really well selling my jewelry and scarves.  My sister took what I had left to work with her and sold every one of my scarves!  Thanks, Ladies!

My sister has this really neat antique watch fob from the Hamilton Brown Shoe Co. It belonged to her father-in-law and she wanted to put it on a necklace.  It has a compass on it.  How cool is that?

The back says "Always in the right direction with TWINKIES. Happy shoes for busy feet."  Cute!

We went shopping and picked out the supplies to make it.  I love shopping with my sister and that we like the same things!  We got brass chain, a Vintaj key charm, small Vintaj word charms and a "hook clasp" to hang the "fob".  I had already looked and thought that would be a neat way to hang it.  She walked over and picked out the same thing!

"A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double."

 ~Toni Morrison

Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

"Reminisce"

rem·i·nisce

Verb: Indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events

 

Obviously I haven't been in the mood to make jewelry for awhile since my last post was more than a month ago!  I was thinking about the wire crochet and what got me started in the beginning.  Some of my original inspiration was the wire crochet I saw on the  Galena Beads website.   In their words, "The combination of our designs has vintage charm with a contemporary spirit".   They offer workshops, but they're in Illinois, so there was no way I could attend one.  I was so interested in this technique that I contacted them and asked about the possibility of offering an online class.  They responded that it just wasn't possible at that time, but were kind enough to mail me one of their class handouts! 

 

With that in mind, I went back to the beginning and created this necklace with open chains and random groups of beads.  I used dark rose glass pearls and an antique rose seed bead mix on Vintaj bronze wire.

 

 

The pendant is a re-purposed item.  My Mom picked these up at Ace Hardware.  An inexpensive little item and the original purpose is to replace the knob on a lamp.  You unscrew the one that came on the lamp and screw this one on in it's place.  Much prettier and easier to grasp!  I thought it would also make a neat pendant, considering my attraction to keys!  I'm not much of a wire wrapper, but I did manage to accomplish wrapping a few beads around it to give it some extra interest and match the necklace.

 

I can't believe Summer is almost over.  We've had record heat, but are currently enjoying cooler temperatures and some much needed rain!  I hope all is well in your world!

 

~{Funny}Thought for Today~

 

‎5 DEADLY TERMS USED BY A WOMAN:

 

 (1) FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when she knows she is RIGHT & YOU need to SHUT UP.

(2) NOTHING: Means SOMETHING & you need to be WORRIED.

(3) GO AHEAD: This is a dare, not permission, do NOT do it.

(4) WHATEVER: A woman's way of saying SCREW YOU.

(5) THAT'S OK: She is thinking long & hard on HOW & WHEN you will pay for your mistake.

Purple Convertible

Necklace, that is, not a car! 

It converts from a long necklace to a choker and bracelet and the pendant is detachable so it can be worn several different ways.

I've seen this done but this is the first time I've ever done it.  It actually came about by accident.  When the original necklace was finished it was just a little shorter than I intended.  I actually like these necklaces in a shorter length, but I think most people prefer them longer.  I had extra beads so I decided to add the "bracelet", which can be attached to the necklace with toggle clasps, adding length.  The shell pendant is really pretty large.  Since some of us might not be comfortable with such a large pendant I attached a spring ring clasp to it so it can be worn with or without it. 

Hope you're having a great week!

~Thought for the day~

Our days would be happier if we gave people a piece of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.

Blogging with Artbeads ~ What's Old is New Again!

"Who will hold the key?"

Artbeads' blogging challenge this time was "What's Old is New Again".  For this theme we were asked to "seek inspiration from the past by incorporating old, vintage or antique items into your designs and combine them with modern elements."  I love this theme and you would think with all the junk good stuff I've got around here I would have thought of something right away.  I thought and thought and couldn't come up with anything that I wanted to use.  On a flea market trip with a friend, I found these chandelier prisms.  The design fell into place when Artbeads featured the little heart and key charms on their blog.
I ♥ them!

I was able to make a matching necklace, bracelet and earrings from the supplies I received.  I used Vintaj bronze wire and antique brass findings.

The necklace is long, about 28".  The shorter strand is crocheted with a small hook and the 5mm crystals, then pulled tight to resemble an old chain.  I added the smaller prism from the chandelier crystals and dangled the charms from it.  The longer strand is spool knitted with the 6mm crystals so it would be a little heavier for the large prism which is connected with an "intricate scroll" bail.  The "round glass box clasp" has a sparkly glass center and is a perfectly "antique" finish! 

For the bracelet, I used the 5mm and 6mm crystals and added a crocheted loop closure.  It fastens around another of the small prisms.

For the earrings, I used "curly triangle" chandeliers and added simple crystal drops.

These next two pictures show a little more of the details including the clasp, the bail, and the words on the charm.

You can find all of these components at Artbeads in the following sections:

Swarovski crystal beads:  5mm & 6mm Swarovski crystals

 Charms:  Heart Quote Charm and Key

Findings:  box clasp, bail, chandelier earring findings, earwires, jump rings

I give a big "thumbs up" to all of the things I received! 

Thank you, Artbeads!

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.

Multicolor Madness!

Four and a half feet of glass beads in all shapes and colors were strung on gunmetal wire, crocheted and then twisted together to create this multicolor necklace and bracelet!  I think it has kind of a vintage look, maybe it's the gunmetal wire.

February is drawing to a close and putting us that much closer to spring!  I think we're all ready for that!  I'll leave you with this lovely word art that I ran across the other day...

Free download found at http://www.youpublish.com/files/36179/Sparkle--Shine-Quote-Word-Art

"Mermaid" Wire Crochet Necklace

It was fun to work with these bright colors!  The shell pendant and ocean colors make me think of a mermaid and the green wire seaweed.

There are six strands of peridot wire with tiny seed beads in green and blue with an iridescent finish and some 6/0 gold lined green beads.  Each strand is a little different. 

The weather has been beautiful this week!  I'm sure there is more winter to come but this has been such a nice break!  And look at the gorgeous sunset we had the other night...

"Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.” 

~Elbert Hubbard

"Winter Enchantment" with Artbeads

Artbeads asked their blog partners to create a ‘Winter Enchantment’ design that represents what you find beautiful or inspirational about the winter season.  Well, this one stumped me because, quite honestly, there’s not much that I find enchanting about winter!

The definition of enchantment is “a magical spell, charm or bewitchment, in traditional fairy tales or fantasy” so I decided to use the literal definition and create a winter fantasy!

"Enchanted Garden"

I cast a magical spell and created an “Enchanted Garden” where roses bloom in the wintertime.  Take the key, unlock the gate and step into my garden...

Roses are climbing everything in sight, a vision of pink against a solid backdrop of ice and snow.  The sun is shining brightly, making everything to sparkle as if it's been sprinkled with glitter.  The sun is warm on your shoulders allowing you to linger and enjoy the beautiful sight just a little while longer....

For my design, I chose Crystal and White Porphyr Czech Fire Polished beads (ice and snow), 10mm Round Silver Foil beads with Pink Roses, and Rose Swarovski Crystals from their glass beads.  I used a sweet little sterling silver skeleton key charm and I also chose a large silver-plated pewter twist ring to hang the key from as if it was a key ring. 

And last but not least I added the silver-plated Leaves Toggle clasp.  I thought it fit with the garden theme and looked like it belonged in a fairy tale.

Thank you, Artbeads, for letting me escape the reality of winter for just a little while!

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.

"Victoria Lynn", a Victorian style necklace

"Victoria Lynn"

Quite a long time ago I was the winner of this beautiful focal from the blog of  LLYYNN.  Lynn Davis creates amazing hand cast pewter components.  She describes her pieces as "invented vintage and fauxtiques" and they are awesome!  Please check her blog and her Etsy shop to see more of her work.

This piece has been on my desk since I received it, just waiting for the right thing to come along.  In my last order of wire I ordered "Gunmetal" and it was just the right color for it.  The beads are Czech Fire Polished in a "Luster" mix.  All in all, I think it has a very Victorian look.

  Thanks, Lynn! 

~Today's Quote~

"Every day tell at least one person something you like, admire or appreciate about them."

~Richard Carlson

Thanksgiving Wishes

"Autumn Bounty"

~a necklace on gold wire in rich warm colors that remind me of the bounty of autumn.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day full of family, fun &  food!

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

~Author Unknown

"Nomad" Black & Silver Spool Knitted Necklace

When I saw this pendant from Blue Moon Beads' Global Nomad collection I immediately thought how perfect it would look on a spool knitted necklace.  I used silver wire, adding an opaque black 6/0 seed bead into each stitch, slid the pendant on and finished it with silver end cones and a lobster clasp.   

I do two craft shows each year.  The first one this year is next Saturday, the 20th, at the "Pecanfest" in Chetopa, KS.   If you're from our area, come check it out!  There will lots of fun things going on.  I'm looking forward to some homemade fudge from the "fudge lady"!  She has so many kinds to choose from but I always get Cherry Mash cause it's my favorite!

~Today's Quote~

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

~Charles M. Schulz

"Back to Nature" Wood Beads & Leather Necklace

For some reason lately I'm attracted to leather in jewelry.  Maybe it's the changing seasons.  I've never done much with it until lately.  I guess I'm going through  a leather phase!  I have a few other ideas I'd like to try, too.

  I crocheted this necklace with wood beads on bronze wire and attached a piece of brown leather on each side.   Matching earrings were made by adding a round wood bead and wood donuts to large bronze jumprings. 

~Today's Quote~

Stop every now and then.  Just stop and enjoy.  Take a deep breath.  Relax and take in the abundance of life.

~Unknown

"Colors of Fall" with Artbeads!

As an Artbeads design partner, we're celebrating the gorgeous colors of fall!

For the beginning of my design I chose this beautiful Copper Heart Shaped Leaf Pendant.  The selection of pendants is huge, so this wasn't an easy task!  But I fell in love with this one.  I dangled it from the top but it also has a piece on the back for stringing it horizontally.  I used copper wire to compliment the copper on the pendant.

I chose the rest of the beads from their glass beads.  I chose rust picasso roundelles, carnelain opal, chestnut coral and siam from the Czech fire-polished beads for most of the design.  I was not disappointed in the colors!  I love them!  I also added a second strand of 3/0 Dark Copper TOHO beads and finished it off with a 12mm copper-plated curled toggle clasp from their selection of clasps.  I liked that the curled design of the toggle clasp matched the swirls on the pendant. 

I liked the colors together so much that I decided to use the leftover beads and copper wire to crochet this pendant.  I really like the look of it on a leather cord!

Thank you, Artbeads, for allowing me to work with these beautiful beads and to celebrate the glorious colors of fall! 

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.

~Today's Quote~

Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

~Howard Thurman

I am SO Lucky!

Look at what I won from Tish at JustaTish Designs! 

Oh my gosh!  This beautiful pendant and all of these seed beads!  I love this wire wrapped pendant.  I've never had anything like it before and I will treasure it!  It came wrapped in that cute little fabric pouch.  I was so excited about the pendant that I completely forgot about the seed beads Tish was generous enough to include!  She had purchased hanks and shared half of them with the winner! 

Besides making the most beautiful jewelry, Tish has been a great source of inspiration for me.  Thanks for always encouraging me, Tish!  Please check out her blog where you will always find something interesting.  It also includes links to her website where you can purchase her jewelry, facebook and twitter. 

Tish also has a great love of animals.  There is a cause near and dear to her heart, "Christmas for Chamberlin".  Tish will be donating 15% of her sales from now through Christmas to help Chamberlin.  Please click the link above to read the story and see a video of Chamberlin.  Tish says, "He needs more surgery's, more PT, more love, and more support. Along with the donation to Chamberlin, I am also offering a free pair of earrings with every order.  Do a little something for yourself, and do a lot for Chamberlin."  What else can I say after that, except...

Thank you, Tish, for everything.  I thank you and I'm sure Chamberlin does.

~Today's Quote~

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.

~James Matthew Barrie

Apricot Bling!

Wow, this necklace is sparkly!  I love these beads combined with the bright copper wire.  They're Czech Fire-Polished beads in "Metallic Apricot".  Each bead is half metallic and half clear apricot.  They match the copper wire perfectly.  The color makes me think of Rose Gold.

Have a nice weekend!

~Today's Quote~

Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.

~Author Unknown

Blue Turquoise Grotto & Copper Necklace

For this necklace I used a seed bead mix called "Blue Turquoise Grotto", Czech Fire Polished beads in "Blue Turquoise" and "Carnelian", and some "Cinnamon Spice" bicones all crocheted on dark copper wire.  I also crocheted a matching pendant for this one. 

I'm not real sure that this color mix makes me think of a grotto but it sure is a pretty name!

~Today's Quote~

"Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day."

~Sally Koch

"Lime Twist" Wire Crochet Necklace

  Again, one of my favorite colors!  For this five strand necklace, I crocheted a mixture of  lime, gold and antique gold seed and bugle beads on Peridot wire.  (Actually, chartreuse may be a better description of the color, but I couldn't think of a name to go with chartreuse!)  I left long ends on each side of the center section.  They are fastened to a big gold toggle clasp in the back.  The gold end cones make a nice finish on each side of the crocheted section.  There's quite a bit of sparkle to this one, too.  The bugle beads really catch the light.  This has to be one of my all time favorites! 

~Today's Quote~

The little things? The little moments ? They are not little!

The Blues

Seed beads in shades of blue were randomly crocheted on silver wire.  The four strands in this necklace were crocheted in one continuous piece.  It fastens with a bead and loop like a button and buttonhole.  I saw something similar made with yarn and thought I'd try it with wire and beads. 

On a personal note, my sister and I are going to Eureka Springs, AR for the weekend. (YAY!)  Saturday is the Worldwide Photo Walk where people from around the world meet, take a walk together and take photographs.  You don't have to be a professional photographer to enjoy the event.  

I've used this quote before but it's fitting because Eureka Springs is my "one small place of enchantment".  I plan to do a blog post some time in the future & share it with you. 

~Today's Quote~

"I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to."

~Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

"Salsa Dance" Wire Crochet Necklace

"Salsa Dance" in shades of bright orange and lime green! 

These are two of my favorite colors.  I love them separately or together!  So summery!  I crocheted the beads on silver wire and added a brightly colored glass pendant.  This one has a big fun toggle clasp.

But there is a problem.  I noticed when I decided to take a photograph of the clasp {which is poor, by the way, because I didn't want to go outside!  It's 94 with a heat index of 113 out there!} that one of the wires is broken near the clasp.  That never happens.  I don't know what caused it this time but it will have to be fixed.

~Today's Quote~

Make a wish and place it in  your heart.  Anything you want, everything you want.  Do you have it?  Good.  Now believe it can come true.  You never know where the next miracle is gonna come from, the next smile, the next wish come true.  But if you believe that it's right around the corner, and you open your heart and mind to the possibility of it, to the certainty of it, you just might get the thing you're wishing for.  The world is full of magic.  You just have to believe in it.  So make your wish.  Do you have it?  Good.  Now believe in it.  With all your heart.

"Heart of Glass" Spool Knitted Necklace

I got some fun new wire colors and learned something new ~ I learned to spool knit!  

I've found that this can be called by a few different names:  Spool knitting, french knitting, some people say they "crochet" through a spool, and my favorite, "corking"!   Whatever you call it, I love how it looks.

This necklace is just a knitted tube in "seafoam" with a matching glass heart strung on.

I'm quite obsessed with it at the moment so look for future posts featuring more spool knitted pieces!   

~Today's Quote~

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

~ Dr. Seuss

"Au Naturale" Wood Necklace

This necklace is made with wood beads in assorted shapes and sizes and crocheted on bronze wire.  I finished it by stringing a row of beads on each side and attaching a wooden focal. 

I'm trying to get more creative with my photos because I just keep reading how important that is.  Ugh!  I take about a jillion pictures to get a few good ones!  My sister is the photographer in the family.  I wish I had her talent! 

I would love to know what works for you when it comes to taking pictures of your jewelry. 

Inside, Outside, Light box???  Any tips would be appreciated!

~Today's Quote~

The moment you stop saying "if" and start saying "when" is the moment your dreams start becoming a reality.