The Rest of the Necklace

 

Here's the rest of the "sneak peek" necklace. The "Queen of Kindness" necklace is composed of one strand of vintage faux pearls and one strand of beaded purple vintage chain. A rhinestone clasp adds an opulent touch, a nod to royal treasures of long ago. Patti and Karren, thanks for guessing! Karren, isn't it fun? You pretty much got it!

She will make her debut in my shop this week, along with "The Queen of Patience" and "The Queen of Wisdom."

On the Bead Board

I've always got a running list of what I am planning to make. Also, I never know when inspiration will strike, so if I get an idea, I write it down or sketch it and keep it in a notebook that I carry around with me.
I call my list "On the Beard Board". A few things that I have started working on are: Filigree necklaces and bracelets, some new charm bracelets and birthstone jewelry for my other shop (keepsakejewelry.etsy.com).

I have almost collected everything I need for the necklace that is sketched in the picture. The vintage book chain is a lovely shade of light copper. The pendant is almost ready.

A Blue Match

Isn't this a pretty pair? This lovely shawl comes from "Mommytyme" on Etsy: mommytyme.etsy.com

There are all kinds of charming gift items in her shop.
The BeadRee "Midnight Peacock" earrings are made from vintage glass buttons.

A Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at one of the necklaces I have been working on this week. I am so excited about these! Can you guess what the rest of the necklace looks like?

A Pretty Match

These charming peridot green earrings from Rose of Sharon Jewelery make a pretty match with my BeadRee Kimono Bracelet. Looks like they were "made for each other".


http://www.roseofsharonjewelry.com/

My Treasure Necklace and a Special Locket

Every beader needs a treasure necklace. I have made lots of treasure necklaces to sell, but a few months ago I decided it was time to make one for myself. I got out a pretty tin and started collecting favorite beads from my collection. When I made something with beads or crystals that I especially loved, I put one of the beads aside. One day, I went through all my bead boxes. The secret to picking beads for a treasure necklace lies in a simple question: When you come across that bead or charm, does it make your heart go pitter pat? If so, nestle it amongst the other ovals and roses and rounds and bicones, the milk glass, the magic sparkle, the rouge red and the dreamy purple. Eventually, I had enough beads and I just waited until I felt ready to begin.



I decided to use one of my favorite types of vintage style chain. Just before I started to work, I realized that I wanted something very special as the pendant for my treasure necklace. I looked over my pendants, but couldn't seem to find "the one". A few weeks later, not even looking, I discovered a beautiful Victorian locket (used for postage stamps). It stopped me in my tracks! I knew my Treasure Necklace was complete.

For all you locket lovers and vintage afficianados out there, the locket came from a very special Etsy shop: The Eclectic Diva.




It's so much fun to browse through Diva's shop, but bring tea or coffee because there's LOTS to look through.

I love this locket so much I decided to keep it on a matching chain, so I can where it with my treasure necklace or solamente.

I used almost all of the beads from my tin, and I saved a few beads from the next version.

A Lovely Surprise From a Dear Friend

One day, a dear friend of mine sent me a mysterious email message....."This could only be worn by you". I love surprises, but I forgot all about her message, and not long after, a pretty package arrived. Imagine my delight when I opened it and saw this lovely gift, a beautiful vintage necklace:



I love the creamy sherbert colors and the beads have such a luscious feel to them.
Thanks again, B. You are so sweet to think of me!!!!!

I included the name of the Etsy shop in my photo: Carmen and Ginger. It's a wonderful shop, definitely full of all kinds of vintage surprises.