Bead Detour

 Just a quickie post on a new earrings I added to Preserve Jewelry Studio this week called Croc Tears.  These beads were part of my Artbeads.com assignment to promote their swarovski products. The carribean blue rondelles are really stunning next to the sand opal.

I know, I know, I still owe pictures of that lovely crochet cardigan which is quickly becoming a thorn in my side becauses it pins me down to one project.  Jewelry designing is fun and carefree and there are no rules to make a design perfect.  That is why I took a break from my cardigan wrap to create these earrings. The saga of this cardigan which is labeled EASY should have a warning that says "be sure to count stitches carefully or your project will be a disaster".  I began the sleeve design yesterday and I am wondering if I did it right. There are instructions to sl st 3 chains (slip stitch) at the end of each row. The first time I was wondering why I was required to do this, but by the second row I realized this is how to keep the rows even through the last row.  Otherwise, it would appear that I needed to start another row when I need to end at row seven.  I get it now, but as I got to the seventh row I think I have lost one pattern stitch (urrrh).  I was too tired last evening to look at it closer.  I decided this morning to leave it and start the second sleeve.  I am finding that practice makes perfect and I WILL make this project perfect.  I promise not to bring this entire project up again until I can do my show and tell. I promise!

Spotlight on Painting With Fire

I recently purchased this sapphire enamel bead from Barbara Lewis' new etsy shop called Painting with Fire.  I was able to thread the bead on a small link chain to create a focal bead.  The bead is so unique that I thought the design should be clean and simple.  I named this necklace Flutterfly Blue and it is for sale at Preserve Jewelry Studio on 1000 Markets.

I also created the swan earrings on the right that would be a darling match for this necklace.  The crystals in the Sail Away Blue earrings are from my Artbead.com complimentary order just for blogging their swarovski line in October.  These earrings are also for sale at the Preserve Jewelry Studio on 1000 Markets.  Oh yeah, the blue sparkle nail polish is leftover from my halloween costume last night. 

I know I promised to show my progress on the crochet cardigan, but I got side tracked creating two last minute halloween costumes and the necklace and earrings in this post.  Coming soon!

Half Way Done

I have finally completed the body of this project after I had a realization on the 12th that I was adding an extra double crochet at the end of the row. I happily (yeah right) ripped it out and started again.  The second time around is always a charm because it warms up my hands. That is the positive side of a complete rewind of yarn.  I have to say that creating a square it so boring and that I am excited to begin the cuffs and collar this weekend.  Once I nail down the pattern for the first cuff, I will not want to put this cardigan down.  Stay tuned because I will be posting photos of my progress this weekend.  Right now, showing the body square would be rather dull.

Cold Weather Projects

The onset of the cooler weather always make me think of projects that will keep me warm.  I am devoted to my jewelry business, but I also enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of projects involving yarn.  I taught myself to knit when I was about 10 years old.  I only got serious about crocheting about 4 years ago.  I think I prefer knitting, but the casual wrap cardigan really got me interested.   I was going through a box of supplies to find this crochet magazine I bought in 2006.  I hardly remember buying it or that the magazine had so many wonderful projects.  The beautiful periwinkle wrap became my project of the week.  I decided on a deep teal color for my first attempt with the thought  that it would go well with black pants.  If the pattern fits well, I plan to make it in a winter white. Also, I will spend a little more on the yarn as well.

Because I get bored with only one project, I am also working on fingerless handwarmers.

My hands are always cold and gloves can be cumbersome when you need your fingers free. I  have seen beautiful handwarmers in many 1000 Market and Etsy shops reasonably priced, but since I can knit I thought I would just whip up a pair myself.  This is the first time I have used 9 inch circular needles.  It was a little tricky the first three rows, but I managed to get the hang of it once I had some stretch in the stitches to work with.  The pattern in these handwarmers has a spiral look and the weave it tight enough to keep the air out.  I have long fingers, so I added four more rows to the pattern.  As they say, they fit like a glove! 

Recyling Beads - What Fun

This week's project got me out of my comfort design zone.  A co-worker bought a necklace at Talbots that was three layers of beads string tied.  Upon cutting off the price tag she cut one of the string layers.  She wore the necklace with a safety pin attaching the string to the clasp.  That lasted for one wearing and she tossed the necklace aside and purchased the same exact necklace again.  I asked her for the necklace so that I could recreate a new piece of jewelry.  She wears many necklaces with a layered look, so I decided I should stay close to that design.  The original necklace had a group of poor quality pearls that were already scratched from one wearing.  I tossed those aside and replaced with some mauve shaded glass beads that I had laying around.  I combined them with the predominantly navy blue and mauve round beads that came on the original necklace.  I created a floating bead design on stringing wire with some loose sterling silver beads in between.  I was able to reuse the chain extender and lobster clasp.  I really had fun creating this necklace because I was able to experience creating a layered floating design with bead crimps and covers that I otherwise would have never done.  I returned the necklace back to her and she was delighted with the swap of the beads and the addition of the sterling silver beads. Now, she has two very difference necklaces even though the beads are similar. 

Duchess Earrings

These earrings are named after my contact at Artbeads.com who contacted me about utilizing swarovski crystals in my designs this month.  The smokey topaz and sand opal crystal rondelles are from Artbeads.com swaroski bead line.  The oval rings have a textured look that compliment the flower rondelles I used with the ball headpins.  The ear wires are created by me from 20 gauge fine silver.  Since I began making my own ear wires, I cannot imagine ever purchasing them again. The pair I used in this design are my favorite because of the extra curl in the loop.  The Duchess earrings are for sale at Preserve Jewelry Studio at 1000 Markets.

Grand Opening - October 16th - 18th

I am suppose to be promoting artbeads.com with a new design or two, but before I can get to that I need to figure out why the Preserve Jewelry Studio on Etsy is still at 0 sales 2-1/2 months after opening :( .   I opened the shop under this new URL on July 27th to connect my shop name and URL as well as improve my search engine visibility.  I guess I need a grand opening of 20% off to anyone who makes a purchase and leaves me a :) symbol in the comments.  All refunds will be made through Paypal with a smile :)

New Stash from Artbeads.com

I just received a swarovski crystal shipment from artbeads.com.  The swarovski beads are common in many of my designs.  I like the way the light catches in these beads and the fact that new colors are always becoming available.  In this shipment I selected colors that I have never used in a design.   Beginning at the top left hand corner is an 8M mocha rondelle, 8M sand opal rondelle, 8M topaz bicone, 6M sand opal rondelle, 6M carribean blue rondelle and light blue opal rondelle.  I really like the rondelles because they are easy to create a cluster of beads in a design.

I have decided to overhaul my shop at 1000 Markets  by removing and reworking designs that are not selling.  This will create a new inventory of beads that I can combine with this shipment from artbeads.com.   Stop back for a peek at new items for my shop very soon.  I also encourage you to check out artbeads.com because they have an extensive line of swarovski products and free shipping.