Don't underestimate the color GOLD!

Gold. Bronze. Copper.

These are all beautiful colors and they are probably my favorite metals to use when making an interesting project.

Gold may symbolize power, strength, wealth, warmth, happiness, love, hope, optimism, intelligence, justice, balance, perfection, summer, harvest and the sun*. And that is just one of the metals! 

So you can see why I chose this for the setting of my next few projects. For my bracelet, I wanted to step out of the norm for me and explore different shapes.  

I took some chain from my handy dandy Blue Moon bead collection and some small pearls from Blue Moon Bead basics set. Those, along with some 26 gauge gold wire, I looped and pulled.

Add toggle clasps and you're set. This piece reminds me of a Victorian Romance. Sigh!

I rather like how it came out.

For my second project, I chose to make a bookmark. I've seen bookmarks made from chain before, and have loved them. Often wondering why I don't just make one.

I chose a horse shoe, first of all, it was just too cute to pass up and secondly, who doesn't like a little luck?

This is so simple to make. Take chain, a pendant, eye pins and beads. I used the lovely beads from Blue Moon Bead basics.

All you really have to do is measure a book of your choosing with the chain, add pendant and beads and Viola, a one of a kind bookmark! (I knew you had it in you) 

Imagine the possibilities! I also think they would make wonderful gifts.

I have a zillion more projects in these metals; however, that is for another time. :)

*Information found on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold#Symbolism

Metal Mania!

 Finally, with the Christmas rush over, I got to sit down and unleash my creative ideas for all the awesome beads that Blue Moon Beads sent me. I was astonished that they sent me even more than the first package!

Honestly, it was hard to decide on just one necklace to turn in this month, I had so many cool ideas.

So, I finally decided on straight metal. There isn't a classier look than silver and gunmetal silver shining around your chest.

This necklace is made from some of the awesome packets I got called Urban Warrior. They are the most amazing beads and I wanted to use more, but I thought it might be over kill.

The basic strategy of this necklace is to add random lengths of chain and beads of all sizes. There are a few pendants and charms. I also added a feather pendant for some unique balance.

The chains grab each other in a tangled look and I so love it! I even made simple earrings to go with it, but forgot to photograph them. Oh well.

My second Metal Mania project will be earrings. These are made from the Urban Warrior line by Blue Moon Beads as well.

I took a hammered ring that I already had and drapped chains of various lengths and beads from it.

I definately feel like an Urban Warrior wearing these!

I think both of these pieces makes a statement that you are bold in your fashion. Even if you just wore the earrings, they would make an outfit shine.

I'm so excited to test run both of these pieces!

Well there are a few ideas for you. Let your creative minds shine!

Christmas Craziness!

This Christmas I have gotten so many orders, I almost don't know where to start. But by a stroke of luck and determination, I have finished! And truth be told, I rather enjoyed stretching my creative mind and making custom items.

The thing I like about custom items, is it forces me to get out of my comfort zone and use colors I normally wouldn't have chosen.

It never ceases to amaze me when someone asks for "something pink" and I come up with a beautiful piece (not to toot my own horn hehe)

Personally, I would love to get a custom gift. What's better than having something made JUST FOR ME!

Anyway, if you haven't noticed yet, I've been showing off a few of the items I made in this insanely busy few weeks.

I would love to hear any comments about them. Also, a few of them are for sale on my Etsy!

If you haven't tried your hand at jewelry, I would encourage you to try to make your own.

No one know's your tastes better than you! That's how I got started.

Well, I hope that all of you have an amazing Christmas! I know I'm going to enjoy relaxing for a while and spending some time with family and friends. Everyone be safe for the holidays!

I need more time!

Ever feel like there isn't enough time in a day? I do all the time. I wish I had more hours to do what I enjoy to do. But with the Holidays already here, that is just a distant fantasy!

It's non-stop cooking, cleaning, shopping, more cooking, family time and parties.

I'm not complaining, I love having orders and people enjoying my work, but I would LOVE to have a moment to go into my creative mind and make something off the wall.

Sigh.

Seems it will have to wait until 2013.

For now, I will enjoy my family and the Holiday spirit. 

Happy Holidays!