Trying My Hand at Something New

 

You may have noticed that I don't like to use just one method of creating jewelry.  I am always eager to learn something new, so for the upcoming holiday season I decided to add some glam and sparkle to my collection by trying my hand at beading with crystals and seed beads.  I have always admired the intricate work I have seen from my fellow jewelry artists, but after taking a stab at this myself I have a newly found respect and admiration for them!  This stuff is not easy!  My first projects was weaving Swarovski crystals into three dimensional balls and hearts.  I purchased the puffy heart tutorial from Anne Made Jewelry on Etsy, and thanks to her amazing instructions and photos, this project was a lot of fun.  The tutorial for the ball came from Areva on Etsy and was originally a cell phone charm, but I turned them into earrings and used bronze colored beads instead of crystals.

 Swarovski Heart in Topaz Ombre

Bronze Drop Earrings

My next project was much more complicated as I didn't have a tutorial.  I was able to find a few tips and what not on the internet that helped with the general idea though.  This is an amethyst Swarovski Rivoli in a bezel of gold colored seed beads and delicas using peyote stitch.  Yes, only one earring has been made!  I love learning new techniques for jewelry making.  It keeps me from getting burned out with metal smithing and allows me to create for much broader clientele.  Now I must go and make the other earring........

Amethyst Sawrovski Earring