designing lots of bracelets

 a big challenge from john bead

create a bracelet for each of the different czech glass bead pillow boxes

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above one of my favorite, using aluminum wire 12 and 18 ga 

also from john bead

lampbead inspiration

 awhile ago i found some wonderful lampbeads at the john bead outlet

i finally got a chance to use them

 and as always one thing leads to several more!

last minute gifts

making some last minute gifts for christmas

everyone needs a little something sparkly for the holidays

one pattern, three ways

so simple and so addictive!

i couldn't stop at one!

more on the way

chain reaction

combining chain with beads turned out to be a bit of a math problem

but luckily it was may favorite subject 

(next to art class)

i was a bit tricky at first 

 trying to hold the beads and chain in place 

once the middle three rows where done it got easier

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below , a simpler, just as effective project 

making it big, necklace that is

not long ago,

john bead outlet had a sale on these wonderful bezels

buy 2 get 10 free

its always good to have a stash on hand 

for when an idea hits you

i also pick ups a variety of crosses at bead dynasty

going through my stash i also found some acrylic flowers

which look great with the necklace below

more skull jewelry

as always, one thing leads to another and another

i enjoyed the last 2 necklaces so much and had some leftover

skulls and just had to make more

searching through my stash i found a fun skull cameo and lava beads

combined with red pearls and metal  

i like the look

(below)

i also found a cross which i filled with resin clay

 and added some howlite and turquoise

chain reaction

it always starts with one little thing which sends me down a path to making a ton more

these little skulls i found at the john bead outlet

they matched perfectly with my leftover howllite

a bit of chain and some nylon coated wire

after wearing it out, a few friends wanted one of there own

which lead me to several more

i love this one below

mixing it up!

going through my stash always inspires me

sometimes i wish i could have them all on display

just so i will be reminded to use them instead of hoarding

the other day while looking for something else

i found several containers with vintage crystals

i didn't realize i had so many

which lead me to a few bags of metal flowers, leaves and a few  pins

once i got out the wire it all came together

but some how i didn't even put a dent in my collection

now that's a jig!!

what a wonderful birthday gift from my friend carmi

she signed us up for classes and a make and take

 at bead fx

taught by cindy goldrick

using  brenda schweders  amazing jig

what to do with a mixed bag of beads

on my last visit to the john bead outlet 

i found these mixed bags of beads for only $7.68

it didn't take long before i designed several necklaces

and have ideas for a few more,

just hope they have some left if stock 

driftwood jewelry, part 2

sometimes the wood was just the perfect size and shape!!

having fun creating with these unique puzzle pieces

driftwood jewelry

switching things up a bit

a few years ago i collected at ton of driftwood

and finally got a chance to set it all out and 

find just the right pieces to create some wonderful pieces

above, some red coral with pearls

below , using abalone shells, wire , beads and pearls

mixed bags of beads

 with so many beads in my stash its still nice to have some pick out a selection for you

Laura, at the John Bead Outlet has a great eye for this and makes some great mixed bags

and once in a while i get lucky enough to be there at the right time and score a few

above, a combo of pearls and wood beads

(i threw in the smaller ones)

and below, a combination i would have never have picked out

but something appealed to me when i saw it so .........

since they where both on sale for 50% off 

why not try them both

shells and pearls and beads, oh my!

 reorganizing my jewelry stash to make way for some new supplies

i came across some shells i thought i should finally make something with

after a bit of "play" i came up with several ideas

 and of course ,

one thing always leads to another 

 and another

turquoise inspiration

last  weekends sale at the john bead outlet

got me buying stones i normally couldn't afford

but with 50 percent off , how could i resist

below just a few samples of what i purchased

playing around with different combos and

finally something sparked

something a little different for me

i think i will enjoy this new style

 

all that's gold

something special for my friend

 

love working with the Czech glass bead mixed box 

gold gravel from john bead

happy valentines

what could be easier than having all your beads picked out for you

these great Czech mixed boxes are perfect for any project

they come in 12 different color palettes

cant wait to try them all!