Diamonds are a girls best friend!

Diamonds are a girls best friend, but not everyone can afford to buy them. Why not settle for the next best thing! Swarovski crystals. Let's face it, girls love jewelry at any age! It's sorta like boys and their toys. My Grandaughter, Sammie (Samantha) is no acception to the rule. With Sammie in mind (Birthday) I set out to get some very special beads. I found some that I know will make her squeal with delight. This is her finished piece.

The pendant is a porcelain My Little Kitty type bead. Mother of pearl hearts, Swarovski faceted ovals, bicones, roundelles, seed and e beads make up the 14 "necklace. Happy Birthday Samantha! XO'S

With crystals still on the brain I set out to make a fashionable piece, something perfect for cocktail hour and that little black dress. I kept staring at the faceted briolette jet Swarovski crystals sitting on the counter in front of me. (I had just gotten a "Blogging for beads" package from Artbeads stuffed with so many gorgeous picks.) I dug out my pearls. I had a plan! Usually when I start on a

new piece I have a pretty good idea of the design that I want to make. As I start putting the piece together I see it in my mind. In this instance as I was making this set a totally different idea came to me and I have to tell you it's like that wire took on a life of it's own. I found myself twisting and bending and shaping petals that soon became little flowers.

This necklace and earring set is made up of Swarovski briolette jet crystals, black and white pearls, and sterling silver wire. The finished piece is pictured above on the left. Pretty snazzy?

Lastly I wanted to put together a pair of earrings that you could wear anywhere, any time, with any attire. Although I wanted something catchy, it also had to be subtle enough to wear with anything.

I gathered up both blue Swarovski briolette and bicone crystals and a box of cute little cats eye beads my girlfriend Jo sent me. I'd been dying to use those beads! I also took out some Blue Topaz rondells, and of course, my wire! The finished earrings are shown on the right. These would look perfect with jeans, a summer halter, and a cool pair of sandals, don't you think?

I want to thank Artbeads for supplying the crystals that you see in my creations in excange for participating in their "Blogging for Beads" program. I've been Crystallized! You really must check out their "Crystallized - Swarovski Elements" sections because face it, a girl can never have too many crystals. ;-)

A Dream Come True!

Several of you may remember when I blogged about Artbeads blogging for beads program. A few select jewelry artisans were given an opportunity to periodically get free beads, supplies, and findings, in exchange for blogging about the items you choose to receive. You then have the option to either write a review or publish what you made with them. I have to tell you I got so excited when I got an email from Duchess a few days ago with the latest Blogging for Beads list! Wow! One of the items listed were these incredible Swarovski "Elements" crystal ovals. Talk about beautiful, big, BOLD! They measure 39x28mm and they were just perfect for my next "Cougar" creation. For my piece I chose the "Montana Sapphire," although I also got the Colorado Topaz and will use it to make "Goldie" the goldfish.

It was such a hard choice since they had offered so many great crystals! Buttons, squares, rivoli, round, flat.... it was like a jewelry artisan's dream come true! I also got some "jewelry cleaner" which was a "HOT" item and is currently on back order. What a great way to clean those finished pieces.

Later this week I will announce a "Name this Fish Contest." You will get a chance to win a pair of Sea Glass earrings. Check back for more details. I will also post the contest in the Etsy Dedicated Beaders and Jewelry makers BNR and a few other ones. ;-)

I hope you enjoy my finished Blogging for Beads creation. I enjoyed making it.

Gosh, it's only Tuesday and what a busy week it's been for me, but it's all good! I got an awesome email Monday from Steve at Artbeads.com, one of the suppliers I purchase beads and jewelry supplies from. He said that he ran across my blog and he was impressed with my jewelry designs. He went on to say that he was putting together a group of a few select jewelry designers who blog and was offering us an opportunity to "blog for beads." He asked if I would be interested. Now I ask you, how awesome is this? Who doesn't love free stuff and especially beads! Of course I emailed him right back and said I was definitely interested.

Now I have to tell you that it came at the perfect time. I wanted to make some Birthstone rings. Artbeads is currently having a 15% off sale on Swarovski crystals and I needed some to complete the rings. Steve came to my rescue (thank you Steve!) He is sending me all of the birthstone crystals in return for my very first "Blog for Beads" entry. I am sure you have heard it before, but just in case no one's told you lately, Steve, you ROCK! I have now completed most of the rings, with the exception of February (Amethyst) and September (Sapphire.) I should have those crystals in a couple of days so, I will have all of the rings available. What a perfect gift for a Birthday, Mother's Day, graduation. I can also combine crystals to make a Mother's or Grandmother's ring. What a treasured keepsake it would make.

The rings are currently available at both my Etsy and ArtFire stores.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22437617

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139349

If you have any questions or would like more information please email me at lvsbeadsnthings@aol.com.