"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

"Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining"

Beads in whites and greys like a cloudy sky and an occasional silver sparkly bead prompted the name for this necklace.  

I was thinking about this as I was making it so I thought I'd type the phrase in an internet search.  This is a portion of what I found:

Idiom Definitions for 'Every cloud has a silver lining '~ People sometimes say that every cloud has a silver lining to comfort somebody who's having problems. They mean that it is always possible to get something positive out of a situation, no matter how unpleasant, difficult or even painful it might seem. 

I also learned something new today!  I had to look up the definition of "Idiom".  In case you don't know either, here is what it is: 

Definition of Idiom ~ A phrase which has a meaning that is commonly understood by speakers of the language, but whose meaning is often different from the normal meaning of the words is called an idiom. 

So the thought for today is to remember to be positive and alway's look for the silver lining!

A "Winning" Combination

"Audrey"

In earlier posts I told about winning a couple of blog giveaways.  This is a combination of beads that I won.   The larger beads are 8mm Fire Polish beads in "Crystal and Rose Porphyr" that I received from Jewelry by Jessica.  (Porphyr beads have "swirled" colors.) The seed beads are some of the seed beads that I received from JustATish.  They're a perfect match!  Thanks again, girls!

The center section is crocheted and I made a matching spool knitted "chain" to connect to each side.  I originally planned on attaching regular chain but nothing I had looked right so I decided to add the spool knitted pieces.

I like to give them names so I'm going to call this one "Audrey".  It's such a soft romantic piece and that name just seems to fit to me.

~Today's Quote~

"You may delay, but time will not."

~Benjamin Franklin

Isn't that the truth!

"Versatility" Necklace

This super long necklace is about as versatile as it gets!  Besides being made with multi-colored glass beads that will go with just about anything, there are several options for wearing it.

 

It can be worn as three long strands...

 

Doubled with a long and a short strand...

Doubled with even strands...

Or even tripled!

 

I added a big spring ring as a fastener which might come in handy.  You never know, it might even make a cute belt!

~Today's Quote~

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." 

~ Dr. Seuss

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.

Red White & Blue Bling Bracelet

I saw a bracelet using sequins in one of my books and being a lover of "bling" I wanted to try it!  I bought a mixed bag of sequins and as I was sorting them, the red, blue and silver ones just caught my eye.  I was hoping to have it finished for a Memorial Day post but didn't get it done in time. 

 It also includes silver lined clear seed beads and red bugle beads.  It's actually pretty wide, about an inch and a half, including the sequins.  I really think I'd prefer it on a smaller scale, but it is pretty and sparkly and has lots of Bling!

I think these would be neat for twirlers or school spirit bracelets.

What do you think of it?

~Today's Quote~

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

 ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"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.

~♥~

"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

"Stardust"

The silver fire polished beads sparkle like stars in the night sky.

I used 6mm Gray Czech Fire Polished, 4mm Silver Fire Polished beads and Black Diamond seed beads on silver wire to create this five strand necklace.

It's hard to get a good picture in this dreary weather.  Like everyone, I'm longing for warm weather, green grass and sunshine! 

~Today's Quote~

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

 ~Anne Bradstreet

~♥~

"Clair de Lune"

Clair de Lune is French for Moonlight.

This necklace was inspired by a challenge from Erin at "Treasures Found: Inspiration is Everywhere".  The challenge is to create a piece of jewelry "Inspired by..The Solar System".

As soon as I read the challenge I knew I wanted to use this pendant.  It is repurposed from an old necklace.  I love the quirky bent key and dangling moon.  To complete the theme, I used 8mm Moonstone beads crocheted on silver wire.  The Moonstone beads are translucent and seem to glow.

  Thanks to the challenge I was able to use two things from my "stash" that I really like and wouldn't have thought to put together otherwise.

~Today's Quote~

"Always maintain a kind of summer even in the middle of winter"

~Henry David Thoreau

"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

"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!

"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!

"Madison" & Anniversary of Wire Crochet

"Madison" is created with Rose Quartz beads on silver wire and has matching earrings.  There are a lot of  beads in this one, assorted shapes and sizes.  Most of them are fairly large so it's a nice chunky one, yet the  soft shades of pale pink and white give it a delicate look. 

This month marks the anniversary of my journey into wire crochet.  On November 21st last year our daughter was in a serious car accident.  She was hit by a drunk driver who didn't stop at a major highway intersection. While sitting with her during the weeks after the accident, I began experimenting with wire crochet.  The journey has continued  for a year now and I still love it!  I'd like to thank the ladies I have "met" online for their kind words and encouragement and the ladies locally who have purchased my designs!

I'd also like to say how thankful I am for the blessing of family.  I love you all and am so thankful for every one of you!  Happy Thanksgiving!

~Today's Quote~

Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments.

~Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Simplicity" Wire Crochet Necklace

This necklace is sparkling "Simplicity".  I can just visualize this on a bride, with the bridesmaids wearing the same design in the wedding color! 

These beads are from Artbeads beautiful selection of Swarovski crystal.  It's a single strand crocheted on non-tarnish silver color wire with a 4mm Crystal Silver Shade Swarovski crystal  in each stitch.  A Swarovski Galactic Pendant in Crystal Silver Shade is attached with a silver bail.  The matching earrings are simple long dangles.

~Today's Quote~

There will always be stones in your path...

It's up to you whether you build a bridge or a wall.

"Abigail"

Gosh, it's been awhile since I've had time to play!

This is a simple go-with-anything necklace in antique silver. I crocheted two strands on silver wire, then added a solid strand of bugle beads and a floral engraved pendant. The bugle beads reflect the light with movement giving it some sparkle!

~Today's Quote~

"All work and no play makes for a very long day."