DRESS 'ER UP!!

I decided I try something different in terms of pendants.  I got this idea from one of my favorite jewelry designers Kelli Pope (mcpeanuts).  In almost all of the necklaces that I have seen from her, he uses more than one piece where the pendant hangs.  I thought, "Wouldn't it be kinda cool to have coordinating pendants that are shaped similiar to beach stones....nothing too busy, since it's up to the jewelry artist to complete the design?"  I can't remember when this one popped into my head, but it was probably during either my ride home from work or while exercising.  I seem to get many ideas during those times.  I also thought that it would be kinda silly to come up with a pendant like this, but not have coordinating beads to go along with it.

You Don't Get Customers Like This Every Day......

This gorgeous necklace was made by mcpeanuts (Kelli)(currently an Etsy buyer). Not only does this necklace show an unbelievable amount of craftsmanship, but what makes it super special is that it was given to me as a gift. Kelli is one of my biggest buyers who does many successful shows every year. One day when I got home from my day job, a yellow envelope was in my mail box. It was addressed to me. I cannot really express the feelings that I had when I opened the package to find this beautiful necklace that Kelli had made for me using my artisan beads along with beachstone (a wonderful combination choice) and brass (I think- I'm no expert). Also, inside the package was a card thanking me for the beads that I make. This is a gift that I will have for a lifetime.....I admire it everytime I pick it up to wear it. By the way....it goes with almost everything!

One of the great things about being a bead artist is that you can make yourself pretty much want you want in terms of jewelry. If there's a certain color or style that you like....well....just mold it out of clay. That's not to say that I still don't need the help of other artists and some commercial u too..... I do :O)

I decided that I needed some simple pearl like beads to wear with some tops that just don't work with lower hanging necklaces. Eventually, I'd like to have a collection of different simple necklaces in many colors. I'm a teacher so I'm up early every morning getting ready to get out the door by 7:00. Typically, I'm rushing at the last minute no matter how early I get up and I'm looking for a necklace at the last minute. I just made this so I hope it ends up working out like I want.

My Life Outside of Teaching and Bead Making

Here's a picture of our beautiful granddaughter Lacey. Last weekend she spotted the 2 mounted fish in the laundry room. This fit right in with her current obsession with Nemo. She was estatic!! Her eyes got wide and she exclaimed with shear excitement, "Nonnie, it's NEMO!" She is absolutely precious.

I thought I'd also throw in my latest version of ceramic coin beads. I like the way these came out so I think I'll make some more :O)