Special Birthday Gift

It was my youngest sister's (not the one that's getting married!) 18th birthday recently.  I decided to make her a necklace as a gift.  

I know that when we go out next weekend (for my other sister's hen party) she has a black and white, sixties style outfit planned.  Mum also told me that 'lil sister is also into the whole monochrome thing at the moment.  Armed with this knowledge I began my search for the perfect ingredients for my new project.

I remembered that I saw some exquisitely, expensive, lampwork beads in my local beadshop last time I was there. There was a wonderful selection of lampwork beads for me to take my pick from.   I found what I was looking for.  A black and white, funky patterned, square bead.  Which is a work of art in itself.  Each bead produced is totally unique.

I had to do justice to this work of art bead.  I thought long and hard about what would work.  Played around on my beadboard for ages trying this and that.  I knew what I had to do had to be bold to compliment the lampwork pendant bead.  That's when I came upon the idea of having one half of the necklace beaded black with white moonstones, and the other white with black tourmalines and snowflake obsidians.  I used a sterling silver toggle and loop set for the clasp.

I called up my mum and described the finished necklace over the phone.  She thinks my wee sis will love it.  *fingers crossed*  Will find out for certain next weekend.

Repairs - Crystal AB & Millefiori Necklaces

I was asked to repair some vintage jewellery recently.  These two necklaces were in amongst the repairs.

 There's something very satisfying about making old necklaces look like new again.

 Both of these necklaces are currently for sale in Chic & Unique in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.

Redesign - Faux Pearl Necklace

I was asked by a customer to redesign an existing necklace.  It was to be a present to the customer's daughter, to be worn on her wedding day.

The necklace started out as a long, single strand, vintage faux pearl necklace.  The customer requested that the necklace be shortened by 15 pearls, and these be used to make a matching bracelet.  I interspaced the pearls with clear, swarovki crystals to make the bracelet long enough.

Both the customer, and her daughter were delighted with my finished work.  I have to say that I'm quite proud too :)

It was a difficult job, as silk thread was too thick for the holes in the pearls.  I had to then use 2 doubled strands of nymo on two different needles.  I then had to double, sometimes triple knot in between every bead to give the hand knotted look to the necklace and bracelet.  There was lots of tears and tangles but it was worth it.

Pearls Modelled

I managed to persuade the very pretty Jasmine to model the pearl and crystal necklace for me.  

I think jewellery is photographed better when it's modelled.  It gives a better idea of shape, length and the way it hangs when worn.

Many thanks again to Jasmine.

Pearl Knotting

My little sister is getting married in April and I wanted to make her something special for her big day.  I remembered that pearls are traditional for brides, so started there.

 

I didn't want to just make a plain pearl necklace, so I decided to add a few swarovski crystals.  I used some new and some vintage crystals in the necklace.  I also used silk thread for the necklace and a stunning sterling silver clasp.  The clasp is a toggle and hoop  which is made to look like a floral bouquet when fastened.

This was my 1st time doing pearl knotting, and using silk thread.  I was thoroughly delighted with my efforts.  I took the finished necklace into a vintage jewellery shop near my house.  I showed my work to the owner, who was stunned with my efforts.  She told me it did not look like the work of a 1st timer :)

*proud*

Now to see if my picky little sister approves.  Fingers crossed.

Purple Snakeskin Bracelet

I love making peyote bracelets.  It is time consuming, but the results are worth it.  

I have made a few new bracelets recently, and this is one of them.  I originally made a version of this bracelet a few years ago, and it was sold very quickly.  I decided to make another for the website.  The idea for this pattern came to me when watching a programme on snakes.  I wanted to try and capture the way their colours graduated from one to another.

Accidental Invention

I have this ancient book on Native American beading techniques.  It is not the easiest to follow.  The pictures and illustrations do not correspond with patterns in every case.  This was one of those cases. 

I saw a pattern which was a bit like a double daisy stich.  All of the daisies and centres are done in the same background colour, apart from 3 roses with leaves, which are evenly spaced in the necklace.  

I tried to follow the pattern.  I tried and unpicked and swore several times.  Then I thought I had finally hit the nail on the head.  Until i re-counted that is.  I found I had not done things exactly as per pattern.  My variation, however looked better so I carried on.

I'm really happy with the end result, even though it is not the same as the pattern I had intended on reproducing.  I may have to try a few other colours to see how my new pattern looks.  I'll keep you posted.