Chained Butterfly

I made this set yesterday morning. I picked the colour scheme from some fabric that I have, which is white, mauve and copper toned. Really happy with the way it turned out, really does make a bit of a statement. The large FW pearls are a deep mauve and I added some white opal AB swaros to add a glint of colour. The Butterfly is Hilltribe Silver, plus I also used up some bits and pieces I had lying around including the chain. Matching earrings complete the piece. For sale on my website.

More Beach and Sea

Been a few days since I posted here.

Yesterday I went off to the Craft and Stitches "Bead Fair" at the Brisbane Convention centre. Had a great day, fossicking amongst the beads and chatting to people.

Also checked out the Top 25 entries in the 2007 Swarovski Creative Beading Awards of Excellence. Baffling thing was that none of the entries had been tagged with the designers names or locations. Go figure!

Some brilliant work on display. Pity, the best pieces didn't even place in the Top 5. Don't get me wrong, am more than thrilled with my 12th placing out of 300 entries.

Aren't designs supposed to be original? Are the judges living under a Rock? Give up yet? YES.

As for the photography, it doesn't even rate a mention. Heck I can do better than that and I did. Talk about disappointing. My advice, find a photographer who is experienced at shooting Jewellery and give those truly talented Australian designers the recognition they so deserve.

Whilst I was at the Fair I picked up a few bits and bobs to finish off a couple of projects I had on the go. I finished both these today. I must say that was a marathon effort.

Two more pieces ready for my upcoming Jewellery Party....Phew!!

The Sea's Treasure Chest

Here are a few strands of Pearls that I've been working on.

I love the colour of the Pearls in the pic above and have teamed them with a Hilltribe Silver Star Fish clasp, the last one in my captivity for the moment and some beautiful Blue Zircon Crystals.

Just perfect for summer or maybe a beach wedding.

These round pink pearls are gorgeous too, a very soft pink and fairly large.

I decided to make them unique by finishing off the strand with a a couple of coin pearls in the same shade.

These will look fabulous on and a just perfect for summer as well.

These coin pearls were described as Steel Grey, but they're shot with rainbow tones. green, blue, pink and copper. I added the Indocolite Swarovski Crystals to capture the blue tones in the pearls and the Paua Shell Clasp

All these and more can be found on my Bridal Jewellery site. See the links at the bottom of the page.

Silver Rose - Secrets in the Garden

One of my favourite combinations is Silver and Rose Quartz. I don't know they just seem to go hand in hand.
I've always loved the soft pink tone of Rose Quartz, looks great in summer with a tan.

Recently, I found some lovely faceted Rose Quartz beads hidden in my bead storage cabinet and decided that they couldn't stay hidden forever.

Then I remembered I had purchased a few lovely Hilltribe Silver Rose Pendants at the last Brisbane Bead and Gem show. The pendant I ended up using is the biggest one I had, at least 40mm, so its a real stunner.
There are tiny Sterling Silver ball spacers separating each bead and the clasp is Sterling Silver. All strung on Beadalon 19 strand for strength.

The necklace sits nicely on the decolletage and is around 46cm in length. Earring drop from top of the hook is around 3cm. Hooks and fittings are all 925 sterling silver.

Here's a close up of the earrings.

Gifts from the Sea

These gorgeous necklaces were made using a couple of strands of pearls I picked up from the Feeling Inspired crowd in Sydney.

Decided the pearls were perfect for Bridal Jewellery, but by no means limited to just that. They'd look great for any special occasion. Matching earrings complete the set.

Both are teamed with round faceted Swarovski Crystals. The first set are crystal copper whilst the clasp is 925 Sterling Silver. The pearls are a creamy white... yes I know there are so many versions of white, I always thought white was white still I started working in interior design.

The second set have light sapphire Swarovski crystals and a Hilltribe Silver Rose clasp. I adore these Rose clasps, they make such a statement. Which reminds me, I also have some large Hilltribe Silver Rose Pendants stashed somewhere. Must put on my designers hat and make something interesting with those.
Got to add, both these pieces make me want to get all dolled up in a glamourous evening gown just so I can wear them myself.
Now that's a thought, I need a new swanky blog pic.... I'll have to work on that.
(one thing about working from home, you get to wear your PJ's all day long and no one knows....lol)


Both available for sale, pricing etc see my weblink below
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~misterjet or email me bstoopman@optusnet.com.au for details.