Hearts in black and white

I got these wonderful lampwork hearts that I am currently working with. After sitting and lookign at them for a few minutes, I selected 3 that looked the same and started to lay out a design on the bead board. Here are the hearts:

The ones I grabbed were the black with white floral design. I knew I wanted to do a simple yet elegant black and white with just a few component types. So, I grabbed 2 different sizes of faux pearls, some black faceted glass beads, and then laid them out in the board. Here is what my brain came up with so far:

I also did a pair of earrings to match. I would like to use single large rings to separate the different pieces by 1 inch on the smaller pearls and 1/2 inch increments between the larger pearls and the other components. So it would be the heart and faceted black rondelle at center, then 1/2 inch over would be a large pearl. Next 1/2 inch over would be rondelle/pearl/rondelle, and next one at 1/2 inch would be a large pearl and so on until I run out of large pearls. Then would be 1 inch between the rondelle/pearl/rondelle pieces, and a chain to the back.

I am using silver findings, and would like to find either a heart or simple round toggle style clasp for the back closure. So that is what I have so far on this set, and will update as it comes along more.

Here we have the pieces with the chain. I will be adding in a clasp once I find one I like.

The wonderful item it is hanging on is called a chain sta. I purchased mine at artbeads.com. It helps to hold chain still and straight when doing charm work. I use it for photography too. :) All it really is, is 2 clamps set atop poles at a certain width. I will probably add some more chain before the clasp, and that will make this about 20 inches long. So not a choker.

Cross necklace in the works

Working on a necklace with a cross centerpiece. Paul is not sure what color the 'metal' on the cross is. The colors in the cross are brownish, gold, and like an amber.

So, I picked up some chain that looked fairly close in color according to Paul. I may use the chain in the design, I may not. Here is the cross.

And here are the possible components all laid out on my beading board and in the bowls next to it.

I just had to decide what colors to use with it as an accent. Following the advice of another beading friend, I chose white as the accent instead of red or black. So the colors are white, gold and brown. Some of the accent beads have a touch of black in there, and that is ok. It looks good how I have it laid out.

I also have a bracelet planned for it. I am still debating on whether or not to add in 2 lines of plain chain with the beaded part and have not picked out the clasps as yet. I also have not decided on the length as of this moment. I do know I will have some chain at the back to make it long enough to go around the neck. I'd like it atleast 16 inches long, and as of right now it is only 14. It will be a choker, but not a tight one. I may make it longer, up to 18 or 20 inches, not sure really yet. Will decide once I have the clasp figured out.

I will edit this post once I have it finished to show the final piece. Feel free to comment. :)

edited to add in final picture. I ended up with a necklace and earring set. Did not have enough beads for a bracelet.

Act of kindness.

Hey everyone!

I am trying to do an act of kindness for a neighbor who is disabled. She needs companionship, and I have a kitty that is PERFECT for her. Problem is, being on disability she can not afford a pet deposit. So I am offering a coupon on my Etsy store, with all sales using the coupon to go to Jodi's fund. The coupon code is: 4Jodi

Check out my Etsy store here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tammyspearls?ref=top_trail. If you don't see anything you like, you can also donate directly to Jodi's fund via Paypal @Cookyaustinchic@yahoo.com.

I am searching Freecycle and Craigslist for kitty items for her too. She has nothing for a kitty. She does want the kitty in question, and I know he would be well cared for if we can give her a little help to get started. Plus, Rocky would be sooo happy to have a human of his own who can pet and snuggle with him all day long. He loves to Snuggle.

What do you say? Can you give us a hand?

Blue and Gold design in progress.

Project: Necklace from a center piece.

Colors to be used: The center piece itself is gold plated with a dark blue Swarovski accent. So, I am thinking gold and blue with maybe one other accent color. Here is the Center piece I am working from. It measures just under 1.5 inches.

Here are the design options I have in mind.

A. I could hang it from the top and do a multiple strand of blue beads twisting around each other.
B. Make it choker length and use 2 strands from the sides, interspacing chain and beads.
C. Make it 20 inch. 6 chains from either side, coming together to a single bead or spacer, and going back out to 6 chains…
D. Make it 20 inch. 6 chains from either side interspacing beads throughout and bring to a single spacer at the collar bone or shoulder level and a single chain to the back.
E. Make it 20 inch. 6 chains from either side interspacing beads throughout and bring to a single spacer at the collar bone or shoulder level and back to 6 chains to the back.
F. Make it 20 inch. On either side of centerpiece,(Dangling) have one large bead or spacer, followed by multiple strands of twisted blue, ending with a single spacer going to chain around the back of the neck.
G. Make it 20 inch. On either side of centerpiece, (Dangling) have one large bead or spacer, followed by multiple strands of twisted blue all the way to the back of the neck.

The questions at this point:
A. What type/shape beads would I interspace?
B. How far apart would they be?
C. What would my accent color be?

This would be a single necklace and not a set, unless I can get some more of this type of center piece from my source, or something very similar but smaller for earrings…

Time to start using this blog again!

Ok, so I have come to realize that I have not really utilized my blog to the best of my ability. I am going to start using it more. I have alot of fun things to share, and hope at least some people out there in the wide world will find my posts entertaining if nothing else.

I will start with the next blog about a necklace I am in the process of designing. :)

7000 Bracelets for Hope.

A charity I whole heartedly support! I am working on some bracelets for them now. Here's how you can help. :)


The website: www.crdnetwork.org


(1) Pass-along the details to families you know who have a child with a rare disease and disorder.

(2) Ask jewelry designers, artists, crafters, scouting groups, school groups, church groups, etc. to donate/submit a bracelet along with a personal note of support and encouragement. For example, "A little token of support to let you know you are being thought of."

(3) Post the 7,000 Bracelets for Hope badge/logo on your website.

(4) Volunteer to be a part of the Global Genes Project team. We need everyone’s help to make this campaign a success.

(5) Bracelet Donations can be sent to Children’s Rare Disease Network,
24701 La Plaza – Suite 201, Dana Point, CA 92629
And Don’t Forget to register

The Challenge: A Christmas ornament

Happy Mango Beads is a wonderful place to be. I love the constant challenges, inspiration, and contests. I just entered in their latest contest. Below is the information for this contest.

Seasons Beadings!
Enter our “Trim the Tree” Beading Contest for a chance to win $25 to $100 in gift certificates. You don’t even have to be a customer of Happy Mango Beads to enter and you don’t even have to use our beads (we know there are other great sources). Entry deadline is December 17th.

There are 10 fun categories:
Peace on Earth – peace signs, doves
The First Christmas – nativity, biblical
Blue Christmas – blue
Here Comes Santa Claus – characters
Fruitcake – recycled, re-purposed
Around the World – ethnic
Let it Snow – white, snow related
Jinglebell Rock – gemstones
Old Fashioned Christmas – traditional
Rudolph & Friends – animals, pets

For more information: http://www.happymangobeads.com/trim_the_tree_beading_contest.aspx

Entry form: http://www.happymangobeads.com/trim_the_tree_beading_contest_entry_form.aspx

To view the entries so far visit us on Facebook and click the photos tab: http://www.facebook.com/HappyMangoBeads

Here is my entry to the around the world category:
Star of David with angel charm and jingle bell.