Stretching Myself Creatively

This was another recent project for a friend of mine. She needed a birthday gift for her neighbor who had a really nice new ring with a shell like finish to it. My friend wanted to have something designed to compliment that ring. I sent her some shell bead images to see what might work. She selected a pink shell from Artbeads that was described as "freeform." (i.e. no two pieces are the same shape or size)

This seemed like it could be a challenge as I am used to beads being pretty uniform. The shell beads were lovely but needed to be assembled like a puzzle. And what would I put with them? The photo below shows some of my ideas which I again asked people which they liked. And like before with the bronze and ivory pearl bracelets, I always got a different answer from each person I asked.



The sample on the top row had roundish ivory fresh water pearls, the center piece has flat purple fresh water pearls and the bottom piece uses stick pearls, one of my favorite beads ever.

My friend selected the version with the stick pearls and here is the finished piece. The light pink color looks so pretty when held up to your wrist. I sprinkled some sand out of the sand dollar for the last image!

It's Good to Have Choices

I love creating jewelry for people, especially when there is a special occasion or a special person to celebrate.

My friend recently needed a bridal shower gift for an out of town friend. She found a design she liked online and sent me the picture. It had bronze and ivory round pearls which I did not have on hand, but she said the shape was not important. So we improvised with beautiful Swarovski asymetrical pearls, Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls. I used bronze, powdered almond and white pearls for the three versions. I used Colorado topaz, golden shadow and clear crystals. I made three different versions, because everyone likes having choices, right? I then took a quick survey asking people which they preferred. And I learned something interesting in the process. Even though the design and style of the bracelets were very similar, everyone had a different selection as their favorite!


This shows the three ideas before any were finished.


This is the bracelet that my friend selected with powdered almond pearls and golden shadow crystals. (this was option B)



This bronze and topaz bracelet will be listed at my esty shop later this week. (this was option A)



And last but not least, this was option C with the white and powdered almond pearls and the clear crystals. I will also list this at etsy soon.

So, do you have a favorite? :)