Endless Designs For Those Larger Beads

So I received some lovely hand painted glass beads from Aunties Beads and put myself to a challenge to see how many creations I could make.

Large beads can be used in many designs - big chunky necklaces, focal points on necklaces, bracelets and earrings - endless.
So far I have made 2 bracelets, 2 necklaces and a pair of earrings, all with the same style of hand painted glass beads.

What extras did I use? Well sterling silver chain, sterling silver wire, black, silver and red glass beads, silver fancy spacers, clasps and earring hooks. Most of these extras can be found hidden away in your unused stash.

The best design for using up odd beads is the pendant style necklace. Just wire wrap sterling silver, attach the odd beads and, there you go, a delicious pendant.

You can find a variety of handmade necklaces in my Beadsme and Artfire stores.

A Few Things From The Sydney Quilt & Craft Show

Sunday was a trip to the Sydney Quilt and Craft Show. I was fairly good with the spending - sort of. Had a great day meeting up with a couple of peeps from the Etsy Dust Team.
As I say I was pretty good with my spending but have just noticed how girly and pink my I must have felt that day.

Take a look at a couple of creations I made this week with the beads I purchased.
Funny how a purchase can reflect the mood you are in.

Jet Team Bead Challenge - This Weekend

The Jewelry on Etsy Team wants YOU to visit their blog this weekend to vote for your favorite entry in our very first JET Bead Challenge!

Two weeks ago, the ten JET members received two beads. The beads are six sided yellow mother of pearl or shell. The only rule was ... anything you make must have both beads used in the design! No restrictions means ... plenty of imagination!

Each participant has made something entirely different! This shows exactly how talented and imaginative our members really are. The variety of the pieces entered is simply amazing! Every one of these designs is a winner, no matter the outcome of this challenge ... each entry is special and truly one of a kind, just the way handmade jewelry is supposed to be.

Here is a quick look at the entries but please visit here to place your vote.

1 - Judy of JemsByJBandCompany submitted:

Mangoes with Cream

Mouthwatering mother of pearl beads in deep yellow and creamy white are surrounded by a wealth of complimentary accents in this bracelet.

There are bronze freshwater pearls, yellow quartz and white freshwater pearls. Squares of shells and Swarovski crystals shimmer to add more pizazz!! A silver starfish charm adds the feel of the summertime waters to this design. A sterling silver toggle clasp, with a braided texture, secures this piece.

This beautiful bracelet measures 8 1/2" long.

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2 - Victoria of DBVictoria submitted:

Bees Do It - Black Glass and Orange Crystal Necklace with Shell


The shell beads I received were paired with rounded rectangles of antique glass, light topaz (or yellow-orange) crystal bicones, and black flat faceted crystal discs.

They are strung with an antiqued brass bee charm on tigertail, and fasten with a lobster clasp and chain.

The necklace can be worn from 18" to 22".
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3. Barbara of CapitalCityCrafts submitted:

Primary Geometry Earrings

Bright primary colors with bold geometric shapes make these earrings stand out. Hot pink quartz with brilliant yellow shell and blue pearls, rectangles, hexagons and ovals in a sterling silver circle.

Summertime fun on sterling silver euro wires!

These earrings are big and bold, 3" (75mm) overall in length, the sterling circles are 1 3/8" (35mm) in diameter.

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4. Dawanna of PeacesOfIndigo submitted:

Sunshine Charm Bracelet - Yellow Glass and Wood Beads

The beads are shell and reminded me of the Sun. I created a metal clay charm that is double sided. It is pure silver. It says 'shine' on one side and has a hand drawn Sun on the other. I oxidized it to make the details stand out.

There are two beaded strands on one side of the charm. One is antiqued yellow glass, the other is wood. The accents are all sterling silver. The chain on the other side is sterling. It allows the bracelet to be adjusted from 6 to 8.5 inches in length.

I added a pretty faceted smoky quartz bead to one side of the charm. It adds a little color and jazzes it up a bit. This is simply a fun summer bracelet!

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5 - Bob and Terry of Jewelry24Seven submitted:

Silver and Shell Bracelet

The back part of this bracelet is a viking knit cuff. The bracelet is a combination of fine and sterling silver; It was oxidized to give emphasis to the two bezel set yellow shell beads. The front panel is about 1" wide and 2 1/4" long.


The entire thing is handmade with fine silver bezels, sterling silver sheet and bead wire. The front was decorated with silver casting grain to give it a unique appearance and texture.

One end is attached to the cuff bracelet back; the other opens, with a simple pressure fit hook closure.

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6. Tammy of ArtMadeByTammy submitted:

Under Construction gold Cuff Links -
OOAK Hand Drawn Steampunk Wearable Art

Made with ~Yellow mother of pearl hexagon beads -

18mm x 20mmBlack InkGold Plated Cuff Links -

Lead safe Vintage Watch Movement Gears and Parts

Glue and Sealer.

This artwork is 100% hand-drawn (not a print, print-out or lithograph), and designed by Me, the artist.

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7. Phyllis of SendingLoveGallery submitted:

Fiesta Bracelet Mother of Pearl, Aventurine,
Glass, Wood Beads and Antique Brass

The bracelet has a large glass bead in the center handpainted with a bird surrounded with flowers and leaves, flanked by wrinkled metallic glass beads, the 2 mother of pearl golden yellow beads, aqua glass beads, and 2 yellow "Miracle" beads at each end. In between them are bronze seed beads and purple aventurine beads.

Then I added charm dangles between all of these - they are made of wood cylinder beads that reminded me of firecrackers, hot pink mother of pearl dangles, tiny round beads, metallic beads, flower beads, etc., etc.

The findings and toggle clasp are antique brass. The length is 8 inches and will fit up to a 6-3/4 in. wrist. The large center bead is 1 inch across, and when the bracelet is flat the width is about 1-3/8 inches across.

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8. Deb of stoutdg2 submitted:

Sunny - Lampwork, Gold Filled and Vermeil Bracelet

Sunny was made with two lampwork disk beads wire wrapped with matching crystals, two hexagon beads with vermeil daisy spacers, a vermeil triple link, and gold filled chain.

I've added a gold filled spacer bead with vermeil bead caps and a gold filled chain to provide a fun, whimsical look.

The bracelet measures 7-1/2" in length with a 1" extender chain. The lobster clasp is gold plated.

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9. Mandy of BeadsMe submitted:

Yellow Mother Of Pearl Earrings
With An Added Cluster Of Czech Glass


Earrings are created with yellow/orange mother of pearl hexagons, lime, cream and clear multi faceted czech glass.

The hexagons are wire wrapped to sterling silver ear hooks by a looped head pin, whilst the wire wrapped cluster of czech beads are attached to silver tone chain.

Earrings drop is 3 inches (7½cm) from top of ear hook.

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10. Ida of AdroitJewelers submitted:

Purple Peace Jasper and
Yellow Mother of Pearl Copper Bracelet

I made this chunky bracelet by alternating purple peace jasper stones and the hexagonal yellow mother of pearl beads. The jasper stones are each approximately 18 x 26mm and the yellow mother of pearl beads are approximately 18mm x 20mm.

It is connected with copper wire and has a hand-formed dragonfly on one yellow bead and a hand-formed flower with purple seed bead center on the other.

The bracelet measures approximately 8 inches and fastens with a hand-formed copper clasp.


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The JET Team will be actively promoting this challenge and vote on the Promotions thread of Etsy this Saturday and Sunday. Please visit each item page to see the full description, more pictures etc. Once you've decided, please vote at the bottom of this page!

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Don't forget visit the Jet Teams blog to place your vote.

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Now This Is Just So Funny

Most of you guys know what pain in the backside it is when you have to take pics and edit to be able to list your handmade creations in your Etsy store.

Today I completed another gorgeous Amber necklace and earrings and whilst taking the pic for the earrings this is what my dogs were doing, in tandem. How on earth my camera focused on them and not what I was actually taking a pic of has baffled me!

New Design

I am been playing around with Amber and funny wiggly shapes to see what i can come up with. Firstly thinking, why on earth do I buy these goodies and then not have a clue what to do with it.

My first piece of handmade jewelry was just with the Amber beads. I created these beautiful amber cluster earrings with sterling silver ear hooks.
After a few days my inspiration was back. Using the wiggly silver things, Amber beads and silver plated flower patterned chain I created this lovely necklace

and matching earrings.

Swarovski Crystal & Freshwater Pearls

Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls have now got to be my favourite gems/beads. Beautiful sparkle from the crystal teamed with the lustre of the freshwater pearls.
This second design has not yet been listed in my store as I am having the usual problem - can't think of a name????To see other designs just go to my store, http://beadsme.etsy.com and type in crystal or freshwater pearls in the search bar.

JET Team Mothers Day Special

The Etsy JET (jewelry on Etsy) team are holding a Mothers Day Treasure Hunt. The hunt will run from Thursday April 30th to Sunday May 3rd.

"Free jewelry to be won with sales galore in the stores".

To give you an idea of the creations available within the JETs here is a sneaky peak.Desert Sands Gemstones Toggle Bracelet by Designsbycher.

Turquoise Wafer Necklace by Capitalcitycrafts.

Pink Tower Earrings by Malves1009.

And this is just for starters. Go check out the JETs in the JET store.

Keep an eye on the Etsy 'promotions' forum for the starting thread.

Wishlist Wednesday

Well it's that day again so what can I find. Or more like what do I choose this week. There are so many goodies about that I want.All natural, natural African Amethyst, India Ruby & rough uncut Diamond from Seababejewelry.

Cranberry Sparkle sterling earrings by Silvercanyon.Pink daisies large clutch with gemstone charm by Mabellecherie.

The forest from the trees by Jemsbyjbandcompany.

Spring Fling

It's that time of year! The Jewelry on Etsy Team will be holding our annual Spring Fling Promotion! The promotion begins at 8 am (etsy time) Friday morning, March 20th until 12 midnight (etsy time) Sunday, March 22nd.

Many of our team members will be participating; each boasting their own unique sales and specials. Information about each sellers sales or promotions can be found in their shop announcement and on the first page of our daily promotions thread in the "Promotions" section of the Etsy forums.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the daily JET Spring Fling Promo thread in the "Promotions" section of the Etsy forums to participate in super fun giveaways for a chance to win tons of prizes! You can win FREE jewelry and other fashion accessories! For a chance to win, we will simply ask participants to take a look at one of our shops and show us a link to an item they like and tell us what they like about the item.

The links to the daily Spring Fling Promo threads can be found on our team blog at http://jewelryonetsyteam.blogspot.com/ throughout the promotion!

Help spread the word about our Spring Fling Promotion!

My own store, Beadsme, will be having 20% off all purchases throughout this promotion.

Artists block

Turkmen jewellery
Originally uploaded by Mernas

Well I have been having a complete block for the past few weeks now. Bought mags and books and nothing has inspired me. A suggestion was made to check out Flickr.

Do you think there is enough here for inspiration??

Newcomers To The Jewelry On Etsy Team

Myself and all the team wish a warm welcome to the new members of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JETS).

We have a great gathering of designers both old and new, young and old. You can find a list of the JETs store details by clicking here.

Anyway, I would like to introduce to you one of our JETlings - "Butterfly" not even a week old and she is joining in all the fun.
Look at this list of yummy beads in one of her creations here -
Unique black lampwork glass pendant Grade A, 4mm Black Diamond Swarovski Crystals, 425cttw Russian Jasper fancy designer limited rare beads Grade A, 243cttw Russian Fine black onyx gemstones Grade A, 50cttw Italian Onyx gemstones.

Next is Room3Designs who loves making beaded pretties and seems to be a naughty JETling already!
This cuff is awesome, a great addition for that night out on the town.

Then there is Delia's Delights who also popped in to join our Friday night chat on Etsy.

A beautiful creation with freshwater coin pearls.

To all JETlings - have fun and enjoy being a JET.

New Projects For The New Year

So where has the time gone? I had a few days off work for the Christmas period and don't seem to have achieved much.

What did I get for Chrissy? Quite a bit. What do you get a jewllery designer for Chrissy? Well I got some much needed money, smellies, make-up and ..... "drum roll" ...... beads and 4 jewellery design books.

OK I was also a year older on the 27th, so what else did I get? Well more money, more jewellery design books and ........ "another drum roll" .................... The Twilight Series.

So!!! Before all the design and Twilight books I managed to create these beauties. Hopefully I will find time to get them on my website, beadsmeonline, before the end of this year (woops, don't have much time).


Now? I just can't put "Edward" down. Sorry, the Twilight series. What can you say? I love it.

Two New Creations To My Website

I have been experimenting again by combining standard brass wire and antiqued brass findings. I just love the finished result.

Stones and findings are thread on to the brass wire which is wire wrapped to antiqued brass jumprings. The jumprings are then attached to the antiqued brass chain.

Doesn't this give you the "vintage" feel? Check out the clasp on the necklace. It's awesome.

If you would like to purchase these you can find them on my website http://beadsmeonline.com/

Practicng My Wirework And Wire Wrapping

I really enjoy working with wire but I have so many problems getting it right. Could this be due to the fact that I am left handed and find that when I look at instructions I have to imagine them the other way around. Or could it be that I am just a dumb blonde after all!!!

This is what I have been working on this weekend, in between doing housey things, nursing a cold and feeling absolutely poopy.I must say I am quite pleased with the outcome. I have seen so many great wireworkers and their wraps are awesome. Just look at this from Shazzabeth.

Isn't this absolutely stunning.

Gift Idea #7

Thought I would have a short break from blogging about my holiday and pop another idea in for the oncoming holiday season.

I have now listed a few items on my new website beadsmeonline. Take a peek.

These are my favorites from the necklace section:

And don't forget you need those special cards. Take a look at the cards by Southernscraps and order before it's too late.

More ideas to come.

On The Pond - Bracelet, Bangle

If I have the time I love to sit and practice wire wrapping. After many attempts, cut fingers and wasted silver wire I think I have just about got it.
Here is a newbie for me with a fun froggy lampwork. You can see further details in my Etsy store and a slightly different design on my website.

I think if you have a gift in mind it would go great with Southernscraps "thinking of you" card.

Such a fun gift and a sentimental card to go with it.

More Goodies For Darnell

Please check my previous post all about Darnells tumour and the turmoil his family faces.
http://beadsme-mandyharvey.blogspot.com/2008/08/pull-together-to-help-someone-darnell.html
Well here we have Silver Canyons beautiful piece.

Woops that is Silver Canyons. And what a gorgeous chick she is and doesn't she look great in her leathers.

Here is her beautiful piece, the proceeds of this will go to Darnells family.
Don't forget if you would rather make a donation please contact krystal.backer@gmail.com

Gift Idea #6

I have chosen today a butterfly happiness card from Southerscraps of Etsy amd my gorgeous necklace named after a fellow JET member Silvercanyons.
Even with the highest cost of shipping, these items together are under $35.00. What a deal, a beautiful card and gorgeous necklace.
On the other hand you could just browse around our stores for some fantastic goodies.
Southernscraps, Beadsme and Silvercanyons

I Have Been Featured On The DUST Team Blog

What a delight to come home from work and have an email to say I have been featured on Etsy Dust blog click here to see it. What a great article and some lovely comments.

I would like to give a big thank you to Julie-Ann, my reviewer. You can check out her gorgeous creations on Etsy at http://ljjnjm.etsy.com or her blog at http://juliesjewels.wordpress.com

Of course these reviews wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the creators of Etsy DUST team.

Cheers everyone.

A Matching Pair

During the week I received some gorgeous Cinnabar beads and created 2 beautiful necklaces. See one pictured below and available in my Etsy store .

Then a fellow JET team member showed me her earrings. What a great pair. Match and go. Check her Etsy store out for more yummy goodies - LittleBrownBird.

Don't they look great together. Put that little black dress on and add a bit of Asian Spice.