Swarovski Crystal Patina Hearts

Have you seen the new Swarovski Crystal Patina finished hearts? I recently came across a giveaway of some through JillyBeads and I was so lucky to win a pack of 10. They are beautiful, They have the sheen and sparkle you would expect from Swarovski but also a vintage feel to them too. 

The hearts measure 10mm x 10mm and I have decided already to use a few as part of gift I am making as Christmas presents this year. (I'm sure I will be able to share photos of them soon). I feel so lucky to have gotten my hands on so make lovely Swarovski hearts so thank you to all at JillyBeads I'm really going to enjoy incorporating these into my Christmas presents.

I Made Another One

.... I just couldn't help myself. I have a bit of a wire wrapping bug after finally getting out of my making slump yesterday. This time I really wanted to make a fuller piece using a selection of Czech glass pearls and crystals I received as part of a challenge pack a while back. The colours worked so well together I knew they would suit a piece like this. This one is also slightly bigger. I think I much prefer this one although the gemstones in the other piece are beautiful too (who says I have to choose between them anyway, I plan on keeping both). 

So all in all I have had two very productive days in comparison to the last few weeks. Click here to read the blog post on the piece I made yesterday and find out the inspiration behind it. You can see it in the picture below. Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comment section below.

Simple Crystal Drop Necklace Tutorial

I have made a few of these over the past few years for different occasions from weddings to everyday wear. They are simple but make a statement as the crystals have such a great shine and come in so many colours you could have one to match everything.

These are very simple to make and need very little materials. They are also a great gift for someone.

What You Need:

1: Slide the largest crystal onto the headpin.

2: Make a simple loop in the headpin (see my tutorial here on making a simple loop)

3: Slide the Middle sized crystal onto the wire.

4: Now make simple loop on either side of the crystal and do the same with the smallest crystal.

5: Using the flat pliers open the loop on the headpin and attach the loop on one side of the middle sized crystal and close the loop. Now open the free loop on the middle crystal and attach the smallest crystal and close the loop. You now have your pendant.

Find the centre of your chain and attach the smallest crystal by opening the loop and linking it into the centre link of the chain. Close the loop.

Enjoy your new necklace!

I love to hear if you have tried my tutorials and how you got on so let me know in the comments below. If there is something I have not explained correctly let me know!

Fusion Beads 30 Day Challenge: Day 1

Make A Pair Of Earrings

I'm going to try and do as many of the challenges in the Fusion Beads 30 Day Challenge this March. Day 1 is make a pair of earrings to start off small so I made these earrings using red crystal set silver beads simply hanging on an ear wire. I think the bead is so beautiful that I didn't want to overwhelm them with too much fuss.

Follow the challenge or take part on Facebook or Twitter using #FusionDailyChallenge

Jewellery Design Star

I've entered this necklace into the Art Beads Jewellery Design Star competition and the result depends on public votes. Please click the link below to vote for me, it takes just 10 seconds.

VOTE NOW

Bookmarks

I spent quite a while during last year making bookmarks. I had 3 different types. These ones were named bookmarks using the pewter cubed letters like in the memory bracelets to spell out a persons name surrounded by Swarovski crystals in the persons birthstone colour.

I also made a few by stamping the letters of a persons name onto small round silver-plated discs and attaching them to chain. These go down really well as gifts and for any person who loves to read.

There are so many options when making bookmarks and so many things available to attach to them - I used word beads saying "LOVE" on a few - so you will never get bored putting together different designs.

Memory Bracelets!!

I started making these when I was thinking of something to make for my mam for her birthday a few years back. They are a very popular idea the last few years and most never look alike as different birthstone colours are used in them.

I used Pewter letter blocks and Swarovski Crystals when making these bracelets. Pewter is a great alternative metal as it is not expensive like silver and still has a lovely colour to it. When the light hits the crystals it shines beautifully.

Loads of Earrings!!

I love to make earrings because they can be quick and stunning at the same time. It means when I have a load of different ideas I can get loads made in one day. I just wanted to share a few pictures of some of my favourite earrings I made last year. Mostly they are crystal earrings following the trend of crystal jewellery last summer.

Pictures are after the page jump:

Best of 2012

This is what I expect to be part one of my Best of 2012 videos. I have already posted this onto my YouTube  channel and its been viewed quite a few times already. Ive tried to put at least one of each style of jewellery I have done from rosary beads to earrings and bookmarks. Hopefully you will like the pieces in the video.

Knotted Cord / Macreme Bracelets

I have made quite a few of these bracelets using varies types of beads and in a lot of different colours. They are very popular at the moment and look great stacked up or mixed with a few other bracelets.

I generally use 100% cotton cord thats comes dyed in a variety of colours and is anywhere from 1mm to 3mm thick. 

I hope to have a tutorial up on how to knot this bracelet very soon so check back or leave a comment below. 

Vintage Pearl Necklace

This is a necklace I made a while ago inspired by vintage pearl style wedding jewellery. I used white pearls and clear crystals. It looks simple and elegant and not over powering on the neck.