Bead Journal

Lampwork Seashell Earrings

2008-06-12T12:26:25Z

I love making lampwork seashells. It's what I have been in the mood to do lately so I might as well go with it. These days I like them swirled...

If you love them and covet them, here is a shalmess plug:

they can be yours by visiting http://beadedheron.com

Lampwork Dichroic fish and seashell earrings

2008-05-31T00:40:53Z

I have so many projects in my lineup a/k/a in my head, I almost don't know where to start! Shall I make some Lake Superior Agate earrings? I have a whole strand of them with drilled holes which until recently became almost impossible to get! Oh my, I have some Crazy Lace Agates too, and more Blue Crazy Lace Agate. I have some beautiful petrified wood beads and Tiger iron Jasper and some beautiful turquoise stones and a turquoise Dutch Spiral! Maybe I should make something with them! Where do I start! Give me a suggestion! I will do what you suggest!

I made a lampwork poodle this morning and hope to make him into a pendant soon, I just have to make his top knot. He is white and beautiful!

I have been playing with seashells again, and fish. It must be the season! These fun new fish and seashell earrings are perfect for just about anywhere in summer or at your vacation beach year round!

The cute little dichroic fish

They both have Swarovski crystal cube top and bottom accents for added interest

Details on the earrings can be found:

http://beadedheron.kjwebdesign.com/15.php

I can do a set like this in any color if you like these but have another color in mind! If you know dichroic glass you know it does not does not show up so well in photos but the sparkle and sheen it gives off is fabulous!

ANNOUNCING BEADED HERON.COM!!!!

2008-05-27T17:20:38Z

The day has come! Beadedheron.com is live and ready for you for your shopping pleasure!

I cannot thank my esteemed webmaster Krisjean enough for a spectacularly beautiful job! http://kjwebdesign.com/

Also Muriel Areno for desiging my kick butt logo!

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_toucanne_Profile.htm

here's the link! Stop by often as I will be constantly adding new things! Actually, I have a couple of new thngs to add later today!

http://beadedheron.com

Lampwork Seashell and Lampwork Coral Branch Earrings

2008-05-19T22:12:02Z

Well it is so fun to be able to move from necklaces to earrings! I'm putting together some earrings in the coming days much like I have done with the necklaces of late. A lot of the earrings will match the necklaces I posted earlier, and some will just be whimsical fun to wear earrings with material that strikes my fancy!

I will start with the lampwork ones. All of my earrings are wired with Argentium non tarnish silver and sterling head pins and ear wires.

Lavender Lampwork Seashell earrings

Lavender Italian moretti glass rolled in colorful speckled frit is encased in clear light lavender. The seashell beads are accented with beautiful freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals and lovingly wrapped with non tarnish Argentium silver wire, and hung on sterling ear wires. They are 2 1/4 inches long and have a lot of movement and are very fun!

Lampwork Coral Branch & Hex Cut Coral Motion Earrings

These fun moretti Italian glass lampwork red coral branches and hex cut red coral bead earrings are the perfect match for both the red coral necklace and the red coral ankle bracelet you may have seen in earlier postings, (also listed in my store at beadedheron.com). The 1 1/2 inch lampwork red coral branches hang below a hex cut red coral bead as a seperate component giving these earrings plenty of motion! I call them motion earrings because of the movement afforded by the separate components. Non tarnish Argentium wire and sterling ear wires were used in the creation of these earrings.

Ivory & Amber Lampwork Shell Motion Earrings

Shades of ivory Italian moretti glass are swirled and encased in light amber and etched to create the beautiful seashells I used in these earrings. I call them motion earrings as there are 3 seperate components to each earring allowing for plenty of free movement.

These earrings are 3 1/2 inches long from the top of the earring wire to the bottom. The top component is a sweet bicone shaped light olive and ivory Czech glass bead. The bottom dangle is a Swarovski glass pearl and 4mm Swarovski bicone.

These earrings are wire wrapped with non tarnish Argentium silver and sterling head pins and sterling ear wires.

Ivory and Light Amber Lampwork Seashell Motion Earrings

All lampwork glass beads are made by me in my studio of Italian moretti glass and go directly from my torch to my kiln where they are properly annealed for strength and durability.

I hope you have enjoyed today's earring show! These earrings will soon be listed in my store on ETSY.

Thank you for looking!

Stephanie

http://beadedheron1.etsy.com

My Survivor Immunity Necklace!!!

2008-05-18T19:40:57Z

Here I am with the final necklace in my series of gemstone neckwear. It has been interesting and fun to make them as well as a break away from my usual palette! I like this one so much I am keeping it for myself. If you are reading this and wish to have a similar necklace made for you, please send me an email. The email button is at the top of the colum on the left.

Survovir Immunity Necklace

What can I say about this necklace other than it is sheer FUN! I have always loved the components of this necklace put together so it is with great pleasure that I have created my own treasure.

List of ingredients:

7-8mm turquoise

coral chunks, coral branches and hex cut coral beads

freshwater pearls in many different flavors

Swarovski crystals aplenty

Hematite

African brass

sterling chain

hammered sterling toggle

This necklace of graduating strands fills out at 20 1/4 inches from end to end. Inside strands are progressivly shorter. Several different colors and sizes and shapes of freshwater pearls are enhanced by beautiful turquoise stones, several shape cuts of red coral, 8mm Swarovski crystal bicones & 6mm Swarovski cubes, African brass and hematite, wich are each spaced by potato pearl beads. A 1 1/2 inch shell dagger enhances the center of the bottom strand and African brass shows off the upper center strands turquoise and golden pearls. The three strands are connected to 2 inches of beautiful sterling chain on each side and the closure is a hammered sterling silver toggle.

Each side is symetrical...

4mm Swarovski bicones and potato pearls compliment each strand end

A hammered sterling toggle closure

I hope you have all enjoyed my necklace show of the past 2 weeks and if you just happened by this post please do scroll down as there are several new necklaces I have done in a row this month in preparation of the opening of my new website, beadedheron.com...and I will be working hard to continue this pace of bringing new things daily or almost daily for your viewing and shopping pleasure!

Thank you for stopping by and looking, and for those of you that bead..happy beading!

Stephanie

Carnelian and Sterling Necklace

2008-05-18T18:30:54Z

Those of you that have been stopping by for awhile might be wondering about the different style necklaces of late. There are two things about that...Stringing beads into jewelry has never come easy to me. Although the work is much more intricate I find bead weaving the easiest and more enjoyable of the forms of beadwork I do, although making lampwork beads comes close. When I get my new big girl torch, making lampwork beads will be much more enjoyable (and faster!) but meanwhile...I need to make some jewelry to stock my new online store. That's right! beadedheron.com is looming in the very near future! I have been making jewelry and uploading it to my new store and now the big day of Grand opening is looming in the NEAR future!

Meanwhile, gander at this fun necklace! I no longer fear the bead, lol....

Carnelian and Sterling Chain

This necklace of diamond cut Carnelian stones is 25 1/4 inches long. The Carnelian and Swarovski pendant is 1 3/4 inches long. A beautiful sterling chain connects the Carnelian beads which are wire wrapped with Argentium non tarnish silver. A sterling toggle closure blends in beautifully with the chain.

Carnelian and Swarovski crystal pendant

Sterling toggle closure

Ok I'm off to get the photographs of the last necklace in this series!!!

It's a doosey so stay tuned! Back in a flash!

Black Onyx and Agate Necklace

2008-05-17T16:51:13Z

This stunning necklace will look great dressed up, or casual. Black Onyx rounds and Swarovski glass pearls along with decorated cut Czech glass beads lead to two stunning 3/4 inch by 1/2 inch crystal cut Black Onyx & 8mm Swarovski crystal round focal beads. Smaller crystal cut Black Onyx and cut glass Czech beads along with two oval agates lead to a focal agate pendant. The necklace is 22 inches long and the Swarovski crystal, Black Onyx and Agate Pendant is 2 1/2 inches.

This dramatic necklace has a hammered sterling silver toggle closure.

Tiger Iron Jasper And Sterling Silver Chain Necklace

2008-05-13T19:40:19Z

Tiger Iron Jasper is a natural mixture of Tiger's Eye, Red Jasper and Hematite. The oval Tiger Iron Jasper beads in this necklace are 1 1/2 inches long and nearly 1 inch wide. The three round Tiger Iron Jasper beads are in inch across at the widest area. Each beautiful stone has been wire wrapped to a beautiful shiny lightweight sterling silver chain. The toggle closure is hammered sterling silver.

This necklace is 25 1/2 inches long and the dangling pendant is 3 1/2 inches. The colors in the stones will go with just about everything in your wardrobe! Resizing is available...

I've been having fun maing the gemstone necklaces lately. I hope you are all enjoying looking at them!

Stephanie

Chinese Jade & Mother of Pearl Necklace & matching bracelet

2008-05-12T21:33:50Z

This light airy Chinese Jade necklace is 20 inches long from end to end with a Jade and Pearl dangle that measures 1 1/2 inches. The necklace center is strung on C Flex .018 coated 49 strand beading wire and attached to the beautiful lightweight sterling chain with rounded 2mm sterling crimps. Four hand wrapped Jade beads are added to the chain for additional interest. I used argentium non tarnish silver for the wire wrapping. The closure is a hammered sterling toggle.

This necklace would also be beautiful as a choker and I can make it longer as well..

There is a matching bracelet that is 8 1/2 inches long. There will be matching earrings in a couple of days once my order of earring findings comes in!

I will be listing this jewelry set in my ETSY store tonight!

Woot Woot!!! I Am Here To Brag!

2008-05-08T16:12:39Z

I'm just so happy right now I might as well blab here while the excitement is fresh. If you have been reading along you would have seen my work in progress as I put together a jewelry set for the TRASHION wearable art show at EBSQ, a show which required that 75% of the materials used had to be recycled. I am here to brag that I WON! Heck, there was even a cash prize involved!

You can see the show and my winning entry and artist statement if you click on this link!

http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtShows/cmd_166_Exhibition_Entries.htm

EBSQ Self representing Artists http://www.ebsqart.com/

Amber & Black Painted Agate Necklace

2008-05-08T14:00:23Z

This necklace is perfect for anyone that loves to make a statement with your clothing or accessories as it is very BOLD.

The necklace is 24" long and the pendant measures 2 3/4 inches including the Black Onyx dangle bead. Black Onyx beads are accented by two long long dark amber color agate beads that measure approx 2 inches long which are painted with a design in black which is baked into the finish. There are also 2 black and amber 1 inch x 1 1/4 inch square black and amber agate beads above the dangling painted agate pendant. The pendant is wired with non tarnish Argentium silver. This piece is very rich looking and will definitely be noticed.

This necklace is strung on C-Flex .018 coated 49 strand beading wire and four 2mm sterling crimps and crimp covers secure the sterling toggle clasp.

Coral and Shell Dagger necklace

2008-05-07T12:17:48Z

This necklace is very yummy. I am going to have to hide it on myself!

The necklace is 22 1/2 inches long and sports 6 chunky coral pieces which are accented by golden freshwater pearls, sterling silver spacers and shell daggers. There are two lampwork glass coral branches on each side above the 1cm multi faceted Swarovski crystals. Strands of white freshwater pearls and coral colored cut shell beads lead to the sterling silver toggle clasp.

This necklace is strung on C-Flex .018 49 strand coated beading wire closed with 2mm sterling crimps which are covered by sterling bead caps and joined to the toggle with sterling split rings.

I will be listing this necklace in my store at ETSY today.

http://beadedheron1.etsy.com

I hope you enjoyed your visit today and thansk for looking!

Stephanie

Red Coral Necklace With Lampwork Pendant

2008-05-06T14:36:57Z

This red coral necklace is pure fun! 3 different cuts of red coral are combined with lampwork glass coral branches and the result is this stunningly beautiful necklace. The necklace is 21 inches long, and the little dangly lampwork coral branch I dangle is 3 inches long. The red coral lampwork glass branches were made by me in my studio and kiln annealed for strength and durability. The clasp is a hammered sterling toggle. This necklace is strung on .018 40 strand C-Flex beading wire and secured with 2mm sterling crimps and crimp covers. The pendant is wired with non tarnish Argentium silver and a swarovski crystal and cut coral bead dangle adds interest.

Chunky Red Coral

Lampwork coral branches

cut coral

sterling togggle

I will be listing this necklace inmy ETSY store today! Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! I've been beusy and am hoping to add a necklace a day this week!

Happy beading!

Stephanie

Crazy Blue Lace Agate & Blue Chalcedony Necklace

2008-05-05T17:18:14Z

This stunning necklace is the perfect accessory for almost any summer outfit. I have accented the beautiful flat stones with Chalcedony side focals, two round barrel blue agate stones and a wonderful blue agate stone pendant which measures 2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide. The necklace without the pendant is 25 inches long. Other accents include cut fancy glass and size 6 seed beads. The hammered sterling silver toggle works wonderfully with the stones and sets off the piece. I willpost a photo of the matching earrings in a little while...

The Chalcedony side focals & close up of cut glass beads

Fancy Blue Lace Agate Pendant

Hammered silver closure

This necklace is strung on strong C-Flex .018 gauge 49 strand nylon coated beading wire and secured with sterling 2mm crimps which are covered with sterling crimp covers and attached to the clasp with sterling split rings.

Thank you for looking! Stephanie

Walk A Mile In My Moccasins...a journey and an amulet

2008-04-30T12:47:42Z

Walk a Mile in My Moccasins; A Journey and an Amulet

This piece came about quite by accident, although the components did not. It was only after starting to work on my first loomed beadwork piece and wondering what I would do with it that I came up with the ideas for composing a piece specifically for this show.

The recycled components:

The moose hide came from my worn out 15 year old Steger Mukluks that finally sprung a leak two winters ago. They cannot be re-soled, and I tried in vain this past winter to use Shoe Goo, to no avail. It was time for them to go in the trash. Before I sent them there though, I cut away the leg portion. No sense in wasting good moose hide. I also used the moose hide as a base for the bracelet, and the necklaces. I used the mukluk laces as the border of the necklace and bracelet after I embroidered them. I sewed them and the loomed beadwork to the moose hide rectangles painstakingly through each row. Velcro from a decade old previously constructed purse was used as a closure for the bracelet..

The quills I incorporated in the earrings came from a porcupine that happened to cross a dark lonely two lane blacktop country road one dark night 25 or 30 years ago, as I was coming along and accidentally hit him. I stopped and could see his shadow from my brake lights that he was still moving. I didn't want him to suffer, so I did the only thing I could and I drove over him again to put him out of his misery. Then I got out of the car and picked up the quills that had spread across the dark road using my headlights for light, all the while apologizing with tears in my eyes and thanking him for the quills. No sense in letting perfectly good quills go to waste! It never dawned on my until I was working on this jewelry set that hitting that porcupine is what actually started me beading all those years ago because I wanted to make earrings from the quills.

The earring bead caps and wires were from the first two pairs of earrings I ever made, shortly after running over the porcupine. I made the two pairs but now only had one earring of each pair. I was never able to dispose of them, for they remind me of my humble beginnings into the world of beads.
It was time to recycle the caps and wires now for this special set. I didn't have to destroy those first earrings, however. I was able to just cut away the metal loops. Now the earrings can go back into their drawer where they can forever remind me of where I started.

The silver conchos that I used for the bracelet and the necklace came from an old pair of moccasins. Once they wore out, they were ready for the trash about ten years ago. First, I cut the hardware off, though. As you can see, I have been an avid recycler for decades! :-)

The hair on the necklace concho comes from three sources - my dearly departed horse Bucko, the love of my life, Sars Amira, my beautiful Arabian mare, and a lock of my own. The three of us shall remain together for all time according to Ojibwa culture. I have kept both horse's tails and mane hairs together along with my own hair since the passing of my beloved steeds. I have also sewn some of Bucko’s and Sars Amira’s and my hair inside the necklace beadwork.

The only new material I used in these pieces are the seed beads I decorated them with.

This set is my amulet. All parts either separately or together are things that have been with me everywhere I have been for the past quarter century and more. There is significance all the way through it's creation as I did everything in threes. Three rows of beadwork, three diamonds on the pendant, Bucko’s and Sar Amira’s and my hair, and my beloved summer and winter moccasins that took me on many a journey and one poor unfortunate porcupine that met its fate on that dark lonely road so long ago. .

I hope you enjoyed this work and thank you for looking,
Stephanie

The necklace center

Cuff bracelet

Porcupine earrings

This work is entered in the Trashion show at EBSQ. Voting begins May 1st thourh the 7th. If you register as a patron (free) you can vote for this entry! I would greatly appreciate it!

http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtShows/sh_166.htm