Thank You, Kelly, Cindy, and Marie

It's been a very rewarding summer for me. Three very talented jewelry designers had pieces featured in four different magazines with my little beads in them.  Let me show you what they designed just in case you missed them.

First up, Kelly of Silver Parrot.

Kelly designed this necklace using one of my barnacle pendants that was featured in the summer Stringing. Isn't it lovely? Kelly and I shared a first here. It was her first publication in Stringing and mine too.

But that's not all.

Kelly designed yet another beautiful piece that uses one of my bronze pieces. This was just published in the fall issue of Stringing.  Kelly recently told me that she sometimes has difficulty keeping designs with art beads simple enough to highlight the art beads. Well I think she's done a fine job of creating beautiful cohesive designs in these two necklaces. Thanks, Kelly!

Next up Marie of Skye Jewels

Marie used my big puffy porcelain lentil as a focal in this beautiful bracelet published in the July Bead Trends. This one even made it to the photographers pick on their blog. I am so pleased that Marie chose to use one of my beads in her design. You see, Marie has had a goal to be featured designer in Bead Trends and this was the issue where she acheived that goal. Congratulations! I feel very honoured that you thought one of my beads was special enough to be included with the designs in this very special issue.

And last but certainly not least, Cindy at Sweet Bead.

This little birdie flew all the way to England in Cindy's Fly Free necklace. This was a very special occasion. Cindy is the first American designer to be published in Beads and Beyond. And she even made the cover! I am always in awe of Cindy's use of metals and wire and this is necklace is no exception. Thank you Cindy for giving that little birdie such a beautiful home.

You know, I am really very grateful that these designers used my beads in their designs. Sure the publication and exposure is nice for me and I am thankful for that. But the thing I take most to heart is that these designers felt inspired enough by my little humble offerings to design beautiful jewelry with them  Thank you!

all jewelry photos were taken by the designers. thank you for sharing them.

Not a speck of porcelain in sight

This may be the very first piece of  jewelry I have ever made that didn't have any porcelain components. Not even a speck of wire work or chain either. Stringing is just not something I have ever had much talent at. I don't have too many inspired ways of putting together beads.  But here it is, a strung piece.

Not too long ago I ordered several stands of turquoise form Julianna on her detash  estsy site, Diet Beads. When I got these coin shaped beads I fell in love with them and the design in a bronze focal with coordinating lentils just sort of popped into my head.  I must say I am actually rather pleased with this and it felt OK to just follow up on what was in my mind at the time in a spontaneous way.

BTW, Juls has been cleaning out the studio, which I believe may be much like my situation, encompassing the whole house. She's got a lot of lovely things over in her detash shop. You should go over and have a look. They won't last long because this is a cleaning project and once they are gone.... well they are gone.