Azure Islands Designs

All The Best!!!

2009-12-23T21:03:00.002-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a safe, happy, healthy, peaceful holiday season...
Cheers!

One Woman Show!

2009-12-21T21:35:00.002-05:00

I had my very first "one woman show" on December 3rd...I'm happy to say it was an amazing success!!! So much so I'm planning on doing it again for Valentine's Day, which may possibly be a Men's Night and Mother's Day! I've had many requests to do "home parties", I'm not particularly interested in them. I decided to give this idea a try. A similiar principle but not in someones home. I wasn't sure how it would be attended but ...it was worth the risk and thankfully it paid off!!!

My son-in-law manages a family owned restaurant and we came to an arrangement to hold our "Silver Christmas", (which is what we called it) in the "Living Room" of his establishment, Cecil's Eatery and Beer Society, corner of Main & Wylde, downtown, North Bay. The "Living Room" is a party/conference room but the way it has been finished it has a charming atmosphere...the authentic brick walls, brass ceiling, and comfy leather chairs and tables create the perfect ambiance for what Dawn and I had in mind!!!

My daughter managed to snap a few photos before we opened, both of us have tried before to take photos of the set up during a show...but for what ever reason they didn't turn out well! These ones are presentable... This was the table at the entrance where guests filled out ballots for the door prize!

We set up two 8 foot tables with a small space in between...it was difficult to take a shot of both tables together ...but it gives you an idea!

This is the table to the left...

This is the table to the right...if you look closely you will see part of wrapping/working/etc. table... I need a spot to "work" as I always custom fit pieces while my customers wait.

I realize the photos do not give close ups of the jewelry...but Dawn was trying to show the setup!!!
For the last year I have been trying to come up with a different way to display my pieces but so far I've not made a decision. So for now, this will do!

Cheers

And The Winner Is...

2009-12-19T09:15:00.005-05:00

What a great time I had reading the comments everyone left for the Artbeads.com Email Gift Certificate give away!!!

Lets see...mentioned was Thai beads, brownish beads, Hill Tribe beads, special beads, Czech glass beads, Swarovksi crystals, shiny black beads and the list goes on!

What would I buy...it would have to be silver of some kind, whether it was sterling, Thai or Hill Tribe, what ever caught my eye, but then this isn't about me...:0)

The winner is...Shaiha, she says "Artbeads is my favorite place to shop". Congratulations Shaiha enjoy your shopping spree...

Thank you everyone for taking the time to leave a comment and enter my "give away"...

By the way...if you haven't yet entered Artbeads.com Facebook contest for a $100.00 Gift Certificate you still have time...their contest ends December 20th at midnight...so hurry!!!

The link is here...http://www.facebook.com/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

Thanks again everyone...
Cheers

*FTC compliance disclosure* the Email Gift Certificate and the Gift Card attributed to Artbeads.com in this post are promotional gifts from Artbeads.com provided directly to the winner, in relation to the blogging program. My comments pertaining to both Gift Certificate and Gift Card are my personal opinion, no compensation has been received.

A Give Away!!!!

2009-12-14T18:51:00.007-05:00

I have some exciting news...I've a great giveaway for all the bead-aholiques out there!!!

Up for grabs is a $25.00 Email Gift Certificate from the fabulous Artbeads.com!

This is my contest, which means it is open to everyone, even if you have entered/won another contest similiar to this one!!!

What obsessed jewelry designer wouldn't love this???

Here is all you have to do to enter my Give Away...
Leave a comment stating what you would most like to use the email gift certificate for if you were to win! There is so much to choose from at Artbeads.com it might be difficult to decide!

"My Give Aaway ends midnight, Friday December18th, 2009 ! I'll post the random winner on December 19th, 2009".

But...that isn't all...Artbeads.com on Facebook is having a Holiday Cheers Sweepstakes with a prize of $100.00 Artbeads.com Gift Card (open to US residents, 18 years or older). Can you believe it, would that be wonderful to win!!!

Here is the link to this contest... http://www.facebook.com/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

Hurry though as ArtBeads.com's contest ends December 20th, 2009.

Good luck to everyone!!!
Cheers

*FTC compliance disclosure* the Email Gift Certificate and the Gift Card attributed to Artbeads.com in this post is a promotional gifts from Artbeads.com provided directly to the winner, in relation to the blogging program. My comments pertaining to both Gift Certificate and Gift Card are my personal opinion, no compensation has been received.

Free shipping!!!

2009-12-11T19:46:00.006-05:00

A while back I had the pleasure of winning some great African bone beads from For The Love of Beads, through a contest held by Pearl at The Beading Gems Journal.

Emily from For The Love Of Beads (FtLoB) has let me know they are offering "free shipping" to anywhere in Canada and the continental United States, from now until December 31st, 2009. What a great deal,...FtLoB's is a small online bead shop, in Toronto,Canada, run by Emily and Suzanne along with technical/computer help from their husbands. Stop by I know they would love to have you visit!!!

Emily also gave me a "heads up" they are planning a variety of contests in the new year open to customers and bloggers alike, this will be something to watch for...their blog is http://fortheloveofbeads.com/blog.

Cheers

Gorgeous...Red Magma Swarovski Crystals!!!

2009-12-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned the Red Magma Swarovski crystals I received from Artbeads.com ...

As I'm sure most of you know I'm not a huge fan of red, especially orange red, which this color is...but this new Swarovski color, Red Magma is simply gorgeous...bright, vibrant, and sparkles like you wouldn't believe... definitly a show stopper!!!

It has taken me sometime to make the necklace. Not because I didn't know what I wanted to make but because I've been a bit busy! Sometimes I can look at something and know exactly what I'm going to make, other times nothing comes to mind. For these pieces I knew right away what I wanted do...

This was an enjoyable piece to make...first I fused and textured two fine silver rings, then wire wrapped the stunning rondelles together, I just love the rondelles they are amazing...because the Cosmic Ovals are rather substantial it was necessary to wire wrap these to the rondelles and the textured ring...as well I wire wrapped the sprig coral to the ring.

Then I added a round and oval linked sterling silver chain I use often...it is substantial but still delicate at the same time! I felt the oval and round links complimented the rest of the necklace perfectly!

As you can see, I also made a pair of earrings using the Magma rondelles and the sterling silver chain...pretty dangles!!

Thank you Artbeads.com...the pleasure has been all mine!!!

Cheers

PS...thought you might like to know Artbeads.com is having a %50 off over 2,000 items until December 15th...now that is a sale!!!

*FTC compliance disclosure* the products attributed to Artbeads.com in this post where provided as a promotional gift by Artbeads.com in relation to the blogging program. My comments pertaining to these products are my personal opinion, no compensation has been received.

Doesn't work!

2009-12-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, the background doesn't work with my banner...

I do like the Christmas banner, color and detail on the sides but plain in the middle, so I may try to change my banner somehow? I'll see what I can come up with.
I'm working on a new jewelry post...it will be up soon!

Cheers

Couldn't Wait!!!

2009-11-26T14:51:00.009-05:00

I've been waiting for about a week now for a brighter day, it really does make a tremendous difference in my photos ...unfortunately it has been gloomy and gray! I have two necklaces I want to show you...for today I have just the one because the other necklace is made with Swarovksi crystals and I just couldn't get their sparkle, so that one will wait!!!

Back in September I won three strands each of two different colored African bone beads... I won these on my friend Pearls blog, thebeadinggem.com . The beads were courtesy of For The Love of Beads an online Canadian bead shop.

It took me awhile but I don't like to make something until I "feel" like it...sometimes it just doesn't work. Here you have it...the African bone beads, brown/black agate, crazy lace agate(love this stone) spaced with pewter beads, finished with a butterfly toggle...if you compare the top photo of the beads and the bottom of the necklace you will see what I mean about the quality of the photo...the bead photo was taken on a brighter day and the color is much nicer, more accurate!

I'll have to take another on a brighter day and post it...as this photo doesn't do the necklace justice, if I do say so myself!!! :0)

Cheers

Third time is not a charm!!!

2009-11-26T09:37:00.002-05:00

Ok...ok...this is not "the one", but I do like the colors...as Mei suggested the lighter color is easier on the eyes!

I started playing around and lost track of time, so I will settle for this one for the time being. It came from Scrap-E-Blog, the blog backgrounds are by Cori and she has some great backgrounds...but still not as simple as I think I would like.

Will keep looking...but for now I have to go or I'll be late!!!

Cheers

Surprise Again!!!

2009-11-25T08:57:00.004-05:00

While I love the last background, I found it just a bit too busy for me...especially when I upload jewelry photos...I do expect to change the backgrounds out often until I find the one that suits the best...I do like the colors in this one???

I found the link for this site The Background Fairy while visiting a friend Diane, I never noticed the link until this morning but thought I would take a look...

Cheers

Surpirse!

2009-11-22T20:26:00.002-05:00

Hey...I know it is a bit of a shocker but it is sort of growing on me!!! I've been wanting to change the blogs appearance for some time now but I didn't know what to do so I didn't do anything! Until I came across "Scrappin Blogs" ...great site...lots of templates to choose from!

So I decided to give this one a try...if it doesn't end up being "the one" I'm sure I will find something else I like...

A new piece will be up in the next day or so...
Cheers

Awards!!!

2009-11-14T13:24:00.017-05:00

Now that my busy time of the year has slowed tremendously I've the time to acknowledge two awards that two blogging friends saw fit to bestow on me!

I do have to mention during my busy season I don't usually have the time to respond to the awards...that in no way means I don't appreciate the kindness or the thought...it just means some things have to wait!!!

The first award is from Mei, at Wire Bliss Mei. Mei makes amazing wire wrapped jewelry and has an extensive list of great tutorials of her work, stop by and say hello! Thank you Mei for thinking of me...
Mei presented me with "The Premio Meme Award"...the rules are simple. List seven facts about yourself and pass the award to seven worthy bloggers.

1. Jewelry is my first passion...photography is fast becoming a second passion, beyond the need to take great photos of my jewelry...reading is in there somewhere!
2. Always wanted to paint...or write a book!!!
3. I get side tracked easily, which is why there never seems to be enough time in a day!
4. I dislike "house work" and that includes cooking!!!
5. I love the sun, sand and water...should have been born in the Caribbean...or Florida at the very least!!!
6. I have a certificate in Criminal Psychology & Behavior and seriously contemplated getting a degree, 5 years ago!!!!!
7. I've developed a strong liking for chocolate in the last few years!

The second award comes from Mei...it is the "One Lovely Blog Award"...
All this award requires is to be passed along to 15 other blogger that are newly discovered.

Thanks again Mei...

My third award comes from Diane at That's What I'm Here For ...Diane is a gentle soul who who writes about life and everything that comes with it! Stop by and visit Diane...she always has something interesting to say! Thank you Diane for thinking of me for the "Over The Top Award"...

This award calls for a quiz of one word answers...shouldn't be difficult, right???
Where is your cell phone? kitchen

Your hair? short

Your mother? Florida

Your dad? Passed

Your favorite food? Salty

Dream last night? No

Favorite drink? Wine

Goal? Many

What room are you in? Studio

Hobby? Lots
Fear? Flying over water

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Respected

Something you aren't? Disciplined enough

Muffins? Cranberry

Wish List? Peace

Where did you grow up? North Bay, Ontario

Last thing you did? Lunch

What were you wearing? Cloths

Your TV? Off
Your pets? Cat

Your life? May change directions

Your mood? Calm

Missing someone? Yes

Vehicle? Van

Something you're not wearing? Earrings

Favorite color? Purple

Last time you laughed? Today

Last time you cried? Recently

Best friend? Yes

Place you could go over and over? Beach

Person who emails regularly? Many

Favorite place to eat? Cecil's

Well...I didn't do too badly...some just required more than one word... :0)
Again...thank you Mei and Diane for thinking of me...I am truly honored!!!

I've thought about what I should do regarding passing these awards along, because with three awards there will be duplication, even triplication...is triplication a word??? :0)
I haven't decided so for now I'll do nothing, and leave that thought for another day!!!
Oh my...I just realized this is a very long post...hope you get through it...
Cheers

Red Magma Sprig Coral!

2009-11-03T09:17:00.004-05:00

How is that for a name of a Swarovski crystal??? Red magma is a gorgeous color!

That is the color of the Swarovski Sprig Coral that I received from Artbeads.com in the same packages as the tanzanite Swarovski crystals. I just noticed while doing this post the Sprigs and many of the Swarovski pendants and components are 15% off until November 5th....I'm going to have to take a few minutes to do some shopping!!!

Isn't the Sprig beautiful...I've never been a fan of orange red but this is special!

I also liked the is Swarovski Cosmic Oval in the red Magma...it will go nicely I think!

...and what about these huge Swarovski red Magma roundelles??? I love these so much I picked up a dozen more...not sure how many I'll use for the piece but they certainly won't go to waste!

There you have the individual pieces all from Artbead.com...I'm also planning on using one or two pieces of fine silver ovals and sterling silver chain...

Stay tuned for the finished piece soon...

A special thanks to Artbeads.com for all the gorgeous Swarovski components, pendants and beads.

Sorry I've been absent this week...I had a great three day show this past weekend and I'm preparing for the last of my three day shows this coming weekend...then I will have some time to get back to my regular visiting!

Cheers

Simply Elegant!

2009-10-26T17:18:00.012-04:00

Here is the finished necklace made with the gorgeous tanzanite Swarovski filigree flower pendant that arrived from Artbeads.com...

If you remember I also received tanzanite Swarovski links as well as Swarovski tear drops. The links I spaced with in the chain and the tear drops as you see I hung from the pendant...

I decided to use a couple of clear bicone crystals along with a delicate round linked chain which I had on hand. I wire wrapped the bicones with sterling silver wire before adding them to the chain along with the Swarovski links...the round linked chain complimented the filigree effect of the pendant! I wire wrapped the pendant to rings because all my rings are 18g and the filigree around the edges was too small for the rings to fit through...not an issue for me but if you don't do much wire wrapping you would have to make sure you have a 20 gauge rings or smaller on hand. The tanzanite tear drops also had to be wire wrapped on to the pendant...a simple add with great results.

I have to congratulate the Swarovski company as they out-did themselves when they made this filigree flower pendant.. I can't say enough how gorgeous it is...delicate looking but substantial without being too heavy, it is rhodium plated which will help to keep it bright and sparkly as the day you receive it!

I wire wrapped two clear crystals to two of the links for a simple pair of complementing earrings which you see in the photo below.

Artbeads.com has over 20 other filigree flower pendants for you to check out...gold, silver or rhodium plated, with different colored Swarovski crystal, ranging in size from 19.5 x 19.5mm to 38 x 38 mm...

When I first saw the pendant I new right away what I wanted to do with it...something simple but elegant...not too fussy...
Artbeads.com is a great place to shop...they have some of the most interesting and unique items I've not found else where...
Thank you Artbeads.com
Cheers...

Who doesn't love Swarovski crystals???

2009-10-13T11:21:00.023-04:00

I may not use them in every piece I make but I come back to them often...
I received my package from Artbeads.com and I'm so excited to show you part of the order today... gorgeous tanzanite Swarovski components and tear drop pendants ..when I was looking through Artbeads.com a few weeks ago and saw this stunning, delicate, yet substantial filigree pendant I knew I had to have it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it as well...of course purple is my favorite color so the color of this pendant was a huge draw for me.

Then we need special accessories for the pendant...such as these great Tanzanite Swarovksi channel set links...are you getting the idea in my mind?

How about these three elegant tear drop pendants...they will be great additions to this piece or any piece for that matter...

Here is a photo of everything together...well almost everything...I will be using sterling silver chain as well, but I haven't decide which one to use just yet so instead of holding up the post I've decide to show it with out the chain! A surprise is good!

Thank you to the wonderful folks at Artbeads.com...check out their online store you won't be disappointed!!!
Cheers
PS...there is one more Swarovski crystal post...but not till I show this piece finished!

Winning beads!

2009-10-07T16:35:00.010-04:00

Laundry room photography studio!!!!!!!
For the month of September we had warm sunny weather but the minute I wanted to take photos it started to rain, got cold and windy....down right nasty!!!
For the last three years I've tried to take photos indoors, in every room imaginable, upstairs, downstairs, living room, dining room...I've never been satisfied with the results after taking what felt like 100's...poor lighting, no sparkle, wrong color, etc., etc., etc.

BUT...Late yesterday afternoon it dawned on me when I was doing laundry that the window right beside my dryer just might have the perfect lighting!!! I couldn't believe it was staring me in the face daily. I went to take a few photos and of course my battery died so I had to wait until it charged, which takes a few hours. I took the photos this afternoon of all the beads and I'm so thrilled with them, especially the crystals...wish I had thought of it before!!! So ...here is the first of three post that I was talking about...

My beads have arrived...
On September 13th I entered a contest on Pearl's blog, a fellow Canadian, thebeadinggem.com. You really must visit her blog as her posts are always interesting, and informative, but often she showcases unique and unusual designers/jewelry. The prize for Pearl's draw was African trade bone beads from For The Love of Beads a Canadian online bead store, which is run by Emily and Suzanne the bead ladies who look after the store and their husbands Mike and Hayden who are the webmasters.

Here are my beads and I'm thrilled with them...take a look!!!
I received three 16 inch strands of these brown and beige beads, very earthy and rustic looking...I can dress these up or down, pair with other bone beads, wood, pewter, or copper beads, or how about smokey quartz or onyx or even carnelian...there are endless possibilities for these!

I also received three 17 inch strands of these gorgeous dark brown and turquoise colored beads...they would work perfectly with turquoise stones and sterling silver or copper accents...but my choice would be sterling silver! Onyx and smokey quartz would also be nice...it will take me fore ever to decide!!!

I would like to thank Pearl for having the contest and Emily and Suzanne for providing such a great prize...imagine 6 strands of beads!!!

Don't forget to stop by and visit Pearl and the ladies of For The Love of Beads!!!

Cheers

PS...watch for my posts with "sparkling Swarovskis" coming soon!

I've decided!

2009-10-06T08:21:00.004-04:00

As I'm sure most of you will remember I did a post back in the beginning of September regarding my gorgeous Turquoise Song pendant...which came from Artbeads.com.

I added the pendant to a double strand necklace as a focal...everything about the pendant reminded me of the swirling ocean...I've been drawn to water all my life...which is why I added the pieces to the necklace!

I was asked a question by Lisa, you can find her here... A Bead A Day, a great blog which I visit regularly...back to the question, Lisa was wondering if I was going to keep the necklace for myself???

I thought about it but I know if I did I wouldn't wear it, you see I have arthritis in my neck...I can't wear anything that heavy...so...what I decided to do is keep the pendant for myself and put it on either a leather cord or a sterling silver chain, most likely the chain!

The double strand necklace will be offered for sale at my shows, but I couldn't part with the pendant!!!! I may have to split the necklace as I'm not sure there are many women who could wear such a heavy piece...will see what happens!

I have three posts waiting for photos...I take terrible ones inside so I was waiting for a sunny day or at least not raining, how about that! Having said that if the weather continues I may have to give in and take the photos inside!

So...stay tuned for some gorgeous beads to come...

Cheers

Sunset on Lake Nipissing!!!

2009-09-30T14:50:00.005-04:00

I'm sure in the last year or so many of you have heard me talk about the gorgeous sunsets I see from my studio window...I ran for my camera one evening last week...usually the battery is either dead or dying when I've tried to take photos before but this time it was fully charged!!!

I had to run to my van, which was in the garage, then find the camera in my Market containers, which took me a few minuets...the sunset was low by the time I finally got lakeside but at least this will give you an idea!

Sunset on beautiful Lake Nipissing...
Cheers

The happy couple and their wedding party!

2009-09-21T11:32:00.007-04:00

Here is a "sneak peek" preview from the photographer...I will publish something similar in color when I receive it, but for now...the happy couple with their wedding party! Click on the photo to see a larger shot...
Cheers

Wonderful Wedding Day!

2009-09-17T10:01:00.006-04:00

After much anticipation, Michael's & Melissa's wedding day was everything I expected and wanted, if possible even more! I know they felt the same way...

The weather was a beautiful, sunny day, clear blue skies while the evening was crisp & cool, which helped to cool down the venue...the air conditioning was turned on well before the arrival of guests but the dance floor, with the exception of dinner, wasn't empty all evening...

The hall was beautifully decorated in white, black and fuchsia, the food was excellent, the DJ was amazing...as I mentioned the dance floor was full all evening...that doesn't happen very often, at least not at functions I've attended!!! :0)

The Melissa had a round wedding cake at the top with tiered cupcakes below...all done in white with fuchsia flowers on top of the cake...beautiful to look at and delicious as well, the cupcakes were lemon chiffon and black velvet...supplied by my son-in-law, who's business caters weddings!

The bouquets were gorgeous fuchsia roses and cala lilies with lime green accents, and the boutonnieres were fuchsia roses ...all done by a friend of mine! Definitly colors that popped against Melissa's gown, Micheal's tux as well as the black dresses and suits of the attendants and groomsmen!

The happy couple are honeymooning in Las Vegas until Saturday morning...I just know they are loving it!!!

I will be posting photos once I get them...I didn't take any myself, sorry I just didn't have time, besides Melissa had a professional photographer with them from noon until 11:00pm that night so I will post some photos once I get them. As well my daughter took some, she is "slightly" challenged :0) when it comes to uploading photos and emailing them so it may take a while for me to get them...but...I will post photos as soon as I receive them!

Thank you to everyone who wished them well...
Cheers

Turquoise Song necklace!

2009-09-02T11:49:00.005-04:00

I know it took forever but here is the finished piece the" Turquoise Song necklace" ...life kept getting in the way of my creativity, what with my three Markets, custom orders and creating the jewelry for my soon to be daughter-in-law's bridal attendants ...my son is getting married on September 12th...I've been a bit short on time!

All along I've been rather indecisive as too what I actually wanted, in fact I've put together and taken apart my ideas 6 times before I decide on the necklace below... I'm rather happy with the results...

Turquoise Song wood pendant necklace

I've also added a photo of just the necklace as I decided there should be more than one way to wear the pendant and the necklace...as a combo yes...but besides being attached to the stone necklace, the pendant would be great hung simply from a black leather cord, black ribbon, or combine both the leather and ribbon! Or hang the pendant from a sterling silver chain...I tried all these ways and a few more which is the reason I felt the pendant shouldn't be limited to being worn one way! The best of both worlds!

I didn't photograph the necklace with the pendant on a bust as one of the bails came off and I had to glue it back on twice...I didn't want to delay this post anymore so I decided to show the necklace and pendant as is!

As you can see ...I've used the amazonite nuggets, as well as some amazonite chips, and the African jade nuggets... from Artbeads.com I've used my stunning Turquoise Song wood pendant, the malachite jasper rice beads, 4 sterling silver shell beads, and the sterling silver fish toggle . I've also used lead and nickle free pewter sun faces, along with a few sterling silver beads.

I enjoyed myself browsing through Artbeads.com where you will find many wonderful products, check out their unique and interesting pendants of which there are many...in fact I think they have one of the most amazing selections of hand crafted pendants I've ever seen.

This was an interesting experience for me, I enjoyed the whole process, would definitly do it again...I met interesting people along the way...I found a great new place for beads & supplies...a girl can't have too many places to shop! To top it all off a stunning pendant/necklace!!!!!!

Cheers

Everything finally arrived!!!

2009-08-13T18:33:00.006-04:00

It took some time but every thing has finally arrived for my necklace...
Below is a gorgeous strand of natural amazonite nuggets wrapped with an equally gorgeous strand of natural, African Jade, at the bottom right hand corner is a beautiful strand of rice shaped Malachite Jasper stones, which are wrapped around smaller amazonite stones.

As well you can see the sterling silver fish toggle, four sterling silver shells and six tubes with a sunburst design on them, all are from Artbeads.com . I've added a close up photo below as they are rather cramped in the photo above...

Everything was purchased with my wonderful Turquoise Song pendant in mind but I've been known to change my mind many times...so who acutally knows what I'll use???

I have to prepare for my Market tomorrow, loading the van etc., once I'm all finished I'll sit down and read for awhile which will relax me...I have to be up at 4:00am so it is always an early Thursday night!!!

Cheers

Quick Posts!

2009-07-31T04:57:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to say "hello", as I've been rather absent for the past week or so...I've had the flu ...I'm back to my old self again so thought I'd do a quick post this morning, if you want to call it that...it is 5:02am. I'm getting ready for my Rosseau Market, missed it last week, in fact missed all three Markets.

This will be my view today...hopefully it will be this sunny!

This is another part of my view for the day...so beautiful, I truly love being there and look for ward to the Market every Friday.

I haven't taken any new photos this past week or so but I came across this one...I don't think I've posted it because it sold before I got the chance...love the ruggedness of this turquoise!

I hope to have a special post next week...that is if the product I've ordered to make my necklace with the stunning "Turquoise Song" wood pendant comes in...I'm starting to watch the mail as I'm itching to do something with the pendant...I acutally have it sitting on my desk right beside the computer...what can I say...it's an obsession!!!
Enjoy your day...
Cheers

Update!

2009-07-21T07:38:00.006-04:00

I thought I would keep everyone up to date with what I'm doing with my lovely pendant from Artbeads.com . I've a number of ideas swirling around in my head and I'm not sure exactly which will emerge...

The stones you see in the photo below are from a collection of un-drilled stones I have...I do think they work well so I searched for just the right stones and I think I found them...I will post the photo when they arrive.

I've just made my first purchase from Artbeads.com...I have to say it is a great place to purchase products, as you can imagine I purchased more than I intended to, I couldn't help myself as they have an amazing selection of product.

While browsing I found this fabulous Hill Tribe silver starfish clasp...I love it, unfortunately it is out of stock... :0( This would be the perfect clasp for me to use as a signature clasp. I can't wait until it is back in stock!!!!! I would love to use it for this pendant as the colors and movement make me think of the ocean, crashing all around! We will see...

I've ordered a sterling silver fish clasp set, if for some reason I don't end up using it with this pendant I know I'll use it for something else.

As I mentioned, I've ordered a number of other great products from Artbeads.com with this order ...they have all the beading basic as well as many truly unusual and interesting products...when the package arrives I will post a photo so you can see what I bought. Believe me I could have purchased much more than I did... :0)

Cheers

My Pendant Has Arrived!!!!!!!

2009-07-14T14:14:00.000-04:00

I've been patiently waiting for this interestingly, unique pendant to arrive since the end of June...it was well worth the wait... isn't it stunning!

The online bead store Artbeads.com, where this pendant came from, has many of what they are calling "Canvas On Wood Pendants".

These wonderful pendants are actually small prints of artists paintings, they are printed on canvas, using pigment paints then covered with two coats of water resistant-varnish. Each pendant is an amazing work of art, don't you think!

The name of my pendant is "Turquoise Song" by Charlie Clingman ...I chose this particular pendant, as most of you will know because of the color combination...I do love turquoise anything! The second reason is because it is a wonderful work of abstract art, which I find I'm very attracted to. The third reason is because I think it will be great challenge to me to come up with an extraordinary way to use this pendant in a piece of jewelry, while at the same time, not taking anything away from the beauty of it...the pendant must be the focal of what ever I decide to do with it! The way the two bails were used will present a challenge in itself.

I'm going to take sometime to let the pendant sit on my desk so I can look at it...I don't want to rush into anything... something will come to mind! It is a given I will be using a sterling silver toggle maybe a Bali toggle, or wouldn't a sterling silver toggle with emeralds embedded in it stunning?

I'm not sure at this point what else I'll be using...probably sterling silver beads, maybe semi-precious stones similiar in color to the ones I've added in the photo, how about leather and silk, or what about hand forged fused fine silver links? Or a combo of all/some of the above...regardless of what I use it will be fun.
Don't you just love a personal challenge...I do!
Cheers