When I first started thinking about designing and assembling jewelry that I would just be using semi-precious gem stone jewelry with gold-filled and sterling silver findings. The more I shop and look at beads and gemstones, I’m finding that I like different kinds of beads and not just the pricier gemstones.
Since I’m teaching two tree-class sessions at our county’s senior centers, I’ve been looking around at what beads and findings I can put together for the classes. In Michaels craft store I came across some faceted square 12mm glass beads for $1.00 a strand (they were on sale). I looked them over and felt that I could make very nice bracelets with these glass stones so I bought what was left of their supply–4 strands. I really do like them. They have an unusual shape–square. They are large–12mm. They are faceted and clear. Wouldn’t gold beading wire running through the see-through holes look great! Then I started looking at the base metal gold stones. Hmm . . . I found some very interesting multi-colored round glass beads that would look great with these square stones. I can’t wait to design a bracelet with these new beads.
A few weeks ago I found some multicolored glass drops at Michaels Craft store as well. They come in different colors and they make fun necklaces and bracelets when the beads are tightly held together as the beads stand up and out at different angles. I received several compliments when I wore one of my creations.
My local bead store, Ya-Ya-Designs, has been selling seed bead blends. I’ve bought several different color blends. With each blend I’ve tried to design something a little different. The first design was a two strand necklace, the second design was a three-strand necklace with extra beads, including drop beads, included in it. The third design was with blend of black seed beads and with that I designed a three-strand necklace with larger glass beads throughout. I have an idea for earrings but I don’t have the correct size sterling silver wire so I have to wait until I have time to order the wire. For one of the designs I made a 21 inch extra necklace that can be used as a wrap bracelet. What fun!
So, I’m finding out that there is more out there than just gemstones, pearls, and Swarovski crystals.
