Mismatched Beads

I often have leftover beads after making a set, so I was inspired to make this bracelet and earrings set with a few "leftovers".I just love this denim color. It pairs well with silver or copper and is very popular right now. Balancing the beads aesthetically and physically is always a challenge when you are working with odd shape beads. Just remember your design basics, line, balance, rhythm, movement, pattern and color. Sorry for the iphone photo!

Adorable Bracelet and Earrings!

Today's customer feature is a beautiful bracelet made by my niece, Lisa Suver. She designed the bracelet and earrings with my lampwork "Southwest Summer" beads. I have seen this set in person and it is TDF!! If you would like a set of these beads just visit my Etsy If you don't see the beads, they probably have sold(they have been very popular) so just contact me and I will custom make a set for you. If you would like a bracelet like this one you can order one from Lisa through her Etsy

New Bracelet

"Rustic Manor" bracelet was featured in the March issue of Bead Trends magazine!
I love the simplicity and earthy feel of this bracelet. When I opened my latest issue of Rena Klingenberg's Jewelry Business Success online newsletter I found it also in the Highlights from the Handmade Jewelry Gallery. If you do not recieve Rena's newsletter, here's a link to a wonderful, informative newsletter for the jewelry community.
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/newsletter-168.html

Dahlia Bracelet

I love it when a customer takes the time to let me know what they have made with the beads they purchased from me. This adorable bracelet made by Diane Scott combines one of my lampwork lentil focals with seed beads and assorted Czech glass beads and pearls. I love it!!
You can view more of her work at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DichroDivaDesigns

More about one bead...

Here's another bracelet my niece, Lisa Suver made with one of my lampwork "orphan" beads. I just love it!
Be sure to check out all the participants of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party going on today!
http://networkedblogs.com/uGXnb

Bead Star Magazine

I just picked up 3 copies of the new Bead Star magazine, 2011 issue! I was lucky enough to win third place in the Glass category. (thanks to everyone who voted for me!)There are some beautiful designs in this issue. It's so exciting to enter a competition like this and finally see the much anticipated issue come out.
Congratulations to all the winners!

New Bracelet

I found this style of beads is becoming one of my "signature" beads.I also had a few that didn't quite fit into a set,so I made this adorable bracelet.(listed in my Etsy of course!)

ABS Designer of the Week

I'm so excited to have been chosen designer of the week by Art Bead Scene editor Heather Powers!Thank you so much.I love designing with my own Lampwork beads and these were begging to be combined with Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls in all the colors of the glass.(believe it or not,all that color comes out of one rod of glass!) I think it compliments the beautiful painting by one of my favorite artists, Paul Gauguin in this months challenge.

Snow Days

We have been having very strange weather for this time of year! Here it is almost March and there is 2" of snow on the ground,it's 23 degrees and more snow expected.
Therefore,I have not been torching! When I am in my studio,which is attached to the garage,which is unattached to the house,my ventilation system pulls the cold air in from outside.(you have to have an open window or door for intake air)So...even though I have a heater on,the kiln is putting out heat and of course the torch,it is still too cold to make beads.So...I have been making jewelry at my little beading station in the corner of the living room.It has been good for me because the spring and summer shows will be here before we know it.
Here's a sample!

Contest!

abeadstore.com by Beaded Impressions is having a contest!I have have entered a Lampwork bracelet in the Beaded Jewelry category called "Skittles". If you would like to vote for your favorite design here's the link:
http://www.abeadstore.com/Beading-Contest-Winter-2011 You will recieve a 10% off coupon just for voting!

Cover of Bead Trends Magazine

I am so thrilled to be on the cover of Bead Trends magazine September 2010 issue!
I recieved my jewelry back from the magazine with my free issue and I am on the cover!What an honor. The bracelet featured has my Lampwork beads with antique brass components.Here's a link to the bracelet "Sicilian Nights".
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39603072/lampwork-bead-bracelet-featured-on-the

Christmas in July

I'm participating in Etsy's Christmas in July sales promotion with a great deal!I've put several of my beadwork bracelets on sale 20% off from now until July 31.This is a once a year sale so don't miss out!Here's a link to the bracelets that are on sale...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StoneDesignsbySheila?section_id=7180983

Icing on the Cake

The link below will take you to an awesome bracelet that was created by my talented niece,Lisa.She purchased the handmade Lampwork beads from me after our Spring jewelry home party and promptly made the bracelet on Sunday,then listed in her Etsy store!The link will take you to an incredible web site by Rena Klingenberg.If you are not familiar with her,she is awesome!A jewelry designer,business woman,amd entrepeneur who is very helpful to other jewelry designers trying to make it in this oversaturated jewelry market.She has a very helpful website packed full of information for the designer in you!
http://www.making-jewelry-now.com/the-icing-on-the-cake.html