The joys of making it yourself!

Having recently read the book 'Chain Style' from Interweave Press, I have chain on the brain. Having little ready-made chain on hand, I finally hit upon a new idea--using scraps of leftover wire to create handmade chain links, incorporating gem beads right on each link. The first bracelet I made with this chain used turquoise rondelles and silver cable chain, and reminded me a bit of lace.

Then I hit upon the idea of using chips instead of rondelles. I made a chain using polished garnet chips, with a stunning focal labradorite and garnet pendant from MoonBeadsVintage on Etsy.Instead of making a chain long enough to go all the way around the neck, I made the garnet chain long enough to adorn the front of the neck, paired it with a strand of grey labradorite ovals to complement the stone pendant, and finished the necklace with handmade links of earthy leather, clamped together with silver bands and a handmade wire clasp.

 Something I love about this chain is how the beads seem to dance and float, complementing without overpowering! I foresee many of these chains in my future. Ah, the joys of doing it yourself.

I've been reading those fashion magazines again, somebody stop me!

The autumn/winter season is starting, in the fashion world as well as the regular one. With the season come the legendary 'September issues' of the fashion magazines and all the requisite 'update your style' columns. I'm wary of  'fashion' but open to true style, so I'm open to suggestion, and one of my favourite style columns is the 'new spin on old classic'.

The concept of new spin on old classic got me thinking about turquoise. A classic way to wear turquoise is combined with the tried-and-true orange carnelian.

An updated way is in my latest bracelet, featuring alternating chunks of earthy turquoise and upscale 'ruby' moonstone in place of the carnelian. The dyed moonstone beads are about the same intensity and 'color value' as carnelian, but the hot magenta shade provides a shot of freshness.

And I'll stop talking now, before somebody figures out that I'm just making up this fashion stuff as I go. Oops...

P.S. It just occurred to me that were this bracelet in a magazine, it'd be in the jewelry pages with a caption like 'at only $60, this bracelet is a steal!' Fashion editors, consider yourselves notified.

Ancestors' Echoes Necklace

'Ancestors' Echoes Necklace'
Lately I've discovered the joy of pairing just a little blue lapis with bright orange carnelian stone. And since turquoise is another shade of blue, but lighter and different in tone, it goes well with both lapis and carnelian. After the bright translucence of the carnelian and the solid earthiness of the turquoise and lapis, the lustre of pearls and shell seemed to fit next, giving shine, gleam and lightness to the three strands of the necklace.
Bringing the three strands together is a sterling silver flower connector on each side, connecting the center strands to mother-of-pearl coins and a few silverplated feathers with epoxy inlay.

Necklace is about 18 inches (45 cm) with extender chain. Available for sale.