Green Beaded Necklace with Tassel

Last time when I was crocheting with beads was long ago. Looking at small boxes with Matsuno Japanese seed beads, I took leftover green beads and a small amount of brown beads - just enough to make a necklace. Checking for some matching beads to make a focal piece, I found 4 leaf-shaped Czech beads.
So, sitting in front of my computer, I watched a movie and crocheted :) 

I used all the beads. I was surprised that I had exactly enough beads to make this neckalce, no more no less, not even a tiny pinch of beads left :)

Tassel is made of a large dragon jasper bead, unakite and Czech faceted and leaf-shaped glass beads. S-hook clasp that attached to the large jump-ring by the tassel.

 You can buy this truly one-of-a-kind necklace here

Lariats . Part 1.

Lariat necklaces are a great way to make a unique jewelry statement. A lariat necklace does not have a clasp or hook at the back of the neck like most necklace styles. Instead, you fasten a lariat necklace by tying a knot in the jewelry itself. There are several ways to tie a lariat necklace. You can choose from a variety of different knots, which each offer their own aesthetic. Lariat necklaces frequently have beads or tassels at the end.

Lariat necklaces tied with a simple knot in front are classic and elegant. Try this look with a formal black dress or dressy business suit. Place the necklace around your neck, with the ends draping across your chest. Place both strands of the necklace in one hand. Make a loop with both strands of the necklace. Pull the ends of the necklace through the loop to knot the necklace in front. The knot ends of the necklace should resemble the ends of a bolo tie.

  

Aventurine Jewelry Set: Necklace and Earrings

Yesterday I made this necklace. I really love this bright autumn colors.

The red aventurine gem chips are combined with mix of black seed beads, agate and crystal beads.

Total length is 19" (48cm).
Closure- silver button.
This necklace comes a pair of matching earrings with sterling silver ear wire.

Buy it here

Beaded Crocheted Necklaces.

July was a very productive month for me. I made 8 crocheted necklaces and several bracelets. Today, I finally get a chance to photograph all of them. First of all, I want to thank my friend Olena who taught me this technique. 
I bought a lot of  Matsuno Japanese seed beads, bead caps in FireMountainGems. I love those beads- they are perfect quality.

My first set is Orange Coral necklace. The tassel is removable, so if you want to wear just one rope for more casual look just slide it off!

Of course, I made a matching bracelet:)

 The next day after finishing this "carrot" set, I strung beads for the next project :)

Thanksgiving Day Tutorial Giveaway!

Thanksgiving Day Giveaway!
If you are jewelry making lover and would like to try some of my jewelry tutorials, welcome to this giveaway ;) The winner will be able to choose any 4 single Jewelry tutorials from my AroundBeads shop.

 Go to my Around Wire blog for more details. 

Playing with Polymer Clay Again

Last weekend, I bought 'Premo' polymer clay because it was on sale at Michael's- for only $0.99. Well, I needed to make something with it. My 7 y.o. daughter helped me rolling clay in my pasta machine. Conditioning clay, to be exact.
To make long story shorter, I will show you my results. OK, not every single item ( I made 7 pairs of earrings, 3 pendants, and dozens of buttons.)
This pendant reminds my Picasso's art. Don't you think? My daughter sees olives, ham , fried eggs and peacock feathers. Hm-m-m... Did I feed her?

Tucson Jewelry Classes

I wanted to let you know that you can find me in Tucson this winter! I'll be available to teach classes at Tucson Electric Park/Kino Sports Complex at JewelryTools' Tool Tent, #ES14.

You can see all the classes and days I'm teaching here: http://www.jewelrytools.com/classes/albina-manning /

Classes start at just $99 and will be held January 28-February 12, 2012

You can find directions to Tucson Electric Park here: http://www.jewelrytools.com/classes/tucson2012-directions

Hope to see you there! 

Earrings for You E-book

Hurray! I finished my second E-book tonight - Earrings for You! (My first one is Beaded Trees)

This is fully illustrated , easy to read 43 page instructional e-book how to create 13 different earrings with wire. This e-book also includes instructions how to make your own ear findings. Techniques used: wire wrapping, coiling, chain maille.

Have a peek:

 You can buy this e-book here .

I Did It!

My Nautilus necklace made with turquoise donuts and copper wire got Bronze medal in Wirework category :)

Pearl Jewelry

This month we celebrate the elegant luster of the pearl, June's birthstone.
Pearls are one of the earliest gemstones found by prehistoric man, most likely along the coastline of India. They've been used for personal adornment and coveted by peoples throughout the globe for thousands of years. Ancient myths tell of pearls being formed when oysters opened their shells, rose to the water's surface and were seeded by the early morning rays of sunlight and drops of dew.

Button into Ring

Yes, I know it sounds funny :)

Till recently I separated these two things. Buttons were for dresses, shirts, jackets, etc. Rings were just rings :)

Now , when I see a pretty button, I always think how I could  use it to make a...ring!

... I had this mother-of-pearl 4-hole button, resting lonely in my box. Why not to give you,  my little friend, a new life?

I love the idea of recycling. The next were  shell 2-hole buttons (plus extra buttons from daughters pants, that usually put in little plastic baggy). So,  Party Shell ring was ready !

I could not stop now! I made really cute ring with Swarovski crystal® button and sterling silver wire.
Perfect for party nights or casual outfit:

You can buy all these rings at my Etsy shop

If you want to make your own ring,  I have step-by-step tutorial, that shows how to make an elegant ring using any (even recycled!) 4-hole button. You can use this method to make a ring with 2-hole button(s) as well.
Only $2.50
 

A licensed copy of the lesson in the PDF format will be sent to your e-mail address usually within 24 hours from receiving your payment .

Hummingbirds

I watch hummingbirds every morning that are flying around. It's hard for mе with my small camera to take a picture while they are flying. 

Photo by Yana.

 Do you know Aztecs wore hummingbird talismans? Hummingbird talismans were prized as drawing sexual potency, energy, vigor, and skill at arms and warfare to the wearer.

Of course, I couldn't resist to make a jewelry with this bird using hummingbird charms.

Like this Copper Moon Pendant that is available at my store:

Or this cute ring made with sterling silver wire:

Necklace-Transformer

When people hear the name of this necklace, Necklace-Transformer, they always smile :) Maybe they think about movie 'Transformers' or about a device that transfers electrical energy. But non of them above:)

You can wear this jewelry in two different ways: as a long necklace on a single chain, or like a choker on a double chain.

 The fun part when I make this necklace is to make a tassel. It is like to put puzzle together. I play with gems, beads, chains, and findings (bead cups, charms,spacers, etc).

Spring Drops Earrings

Hurrah! 

Today I have received my copy of the Ukrainian magazine Модный (Fashion magazine) where my step-by-step instruction was published. This magazine is in Russian language with a lot of beautiful beaded and knitted works.

I have whole double page with instructions, photos, and a little about me :)

The main beautiful shot of my earrings was made by IrinaN . Thank you, Irina!

This pair of earrings is made with sterling silver wire, fresh water pearls, and Swarovski crystals. If you love this earrings, you can buy them now for only $35

Mixed Media Jewelry Techniques- Book

This is an excellent book! Written for jewelry makers of all media and skill levels, this book encourages the mixing of techniques with the skills of others to create unique designs.

The book features 9 exciting projects combining various materials into new jewelry designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. Each project brings together two or three jewelry making techniques, each of which could also be used for independent projects.

The techniques include: wire work, beading, chain mail, lampwork, beading, macrame, bead stitching, metal & polymer clay, PMC.

Size:8 1/2" x 11". 80 pp. Soft cover

Look inside:

Only $10.50! 

Lovely Labradorite, or Upgraded Pendants

 Did  I tell you that I love labradorite? Labradorite is truly a fascinatingly beautiful mineral. Its a mineral whose charm is not fully noticed and may be overlooked if not viewed from the proper position.  The usually intense colors range from the typical blues and violets through greens, yellows and oranges.

Labradorite is a tremendously spiritual stone.  It helps us regain our energy and aids our bodies and spirits in healing themselves. Like the sound and glistening beauty of a gentle rain, this gemstone quiets us physically, emotionally and spiritually...

I had a pretty labradorite cabochons.

One  was classic an oval cab, and I made a netted bezel for it :

I liked it, but something bothered me.

 It was kinda small pendant.

I have never thought that it is possible to upgrade jewelry :)

Story about Viking Knit Coiled Copper Bracelet

First, it was not an idea to make a bracelet. 

I had a link of copper viking knit chain that was "leftover" example from my classes that I taught in Tuscon. This and other pieces were resting in my box for months waiting for their 'lucky' moment. Last weekend I pulled them from the box: "Let's start a new life!". My first idea was to make just something like this pretty Viking Knit Purple Bracelt with Lampwork beads.

But copper chain was not long enough. Just then a piece of another leftover, coiled copper bead, was screaming, "Pick me! Pick me!"

Well, you wish is my command :)

Playing and folding accidentally viking knit chain in half, I came to idea to use this fold as a part of a clasp. I made a toggle with 16ga copper wire and wrapped it with 26ga, just for fun :) ... Added pretty copper bead cups that match to coiled link, green lamp-work beads and a couple of agate beads... and truly one-of-a-kind bracelet was done!

Chain Mail Bezel for Coins and More

Not long ago, I found 5 ruble coin at home (I guess, I brought it from my last visit of Russia). Turning it in my hands, I decided to make something with it since I cannot spend it  here anyway:) Besides, coin jewelry has been popular since coinage began. 

5 ruble coin with a double eagle on reverse is 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter, so it could be a good pendant. I  did not want to make any holes in it, so the chain mail bezel should work. 

 Silver plated jump rings are woven so that they hold the coin firmly in place.
Diameter of the pendant is 1 3/8" (35mm).
You will not believe, just  after making this "Russian" pendant, my daughter found a genuine Canadian Elizabeth Head Penny 1966 coin. I wanted to make a bezel for it too!

Ear Cuffs

Ear cuff jewelry is great for folks who do not have pierced ears or who want the look of multiple piercings without having to have any additional ear piercings. An Ear Cuff clips to the cartilage at the edge of the ear.Ear cuffs are large and fit on the middle of the ear over the cartilage. Whether they are plain or with dangles, Ear cuffs go on the same way. 

Start at the top of the ear and slide down and push in over the cartilage. Then adjust them once, if needed so they barely fit over the cartilage at the middle of the ear. Just make sure they feel snug and secure... 

Order it

Little Suns for Good Mood

I got new gold tone brass wire a couple weeks ago from Wire-Sculpture.com. It really looks like real gold filled wire, not like yellow brass. I love to play with it! I want to show you the result :)

First, I made Sunny Earrings on golden chains (yes, it's the same pattern for my North Star Earrings).