Trip to Bead Cache

I don't usually like to spend sunny days indoors, but the wind made it a little too chilly for my taste. So off to the Bead Cache in Mansfield, MA. They are moving by the way. Sometime in May if all goes well. It will be a space improvement as well as new class and service offerings.

I finally finished wrapping a stone that I purchased at Seven Arrows. I really like the copper colored cord they have at Bead Cache. I must have been in round disk mode because I made two pairs of earring using round beads. The orange colored beads are coral with small black accent beads attached to copper chain. The blue/pink beads are made from Sculpey clay, coated with glaze and I added a 3mm Swarovski bicone.

I still haven't gotten the lense needed to take closeups.

Using my polymer beads in jewelry design

I finally used some of my polymer beads to make jewelry. I created two necklaces and some earrings. I may take the earrings apart to bake them longer since I have learned a great deal about clay from Clay Central and from Cindy Lietz's blogs about curing. The strength of the beads are compromised when they are undercured.

The first photo (not too clear) is a necklace incorporating three black and white beads stung on black leather cord. I used my Gizmo (Thank you Sarah) to curl sections of red art wire to separate the beads. I made these beads at Beadworks in Providence at a class that they had in late January.



The next two photos are of beads made with the faux lapis lazuli recipe that I got online. I strung the beads on Soft Flex Metallics copper beading wire. Between each bead is a copper tube flanked by 4mm Swarovski crystals. I did the stringing at Beadcache in Mansfield. As usual Jane and I closed the place Saturday afternoon.

I'll post the rest later. I really need a light box to get better photos.
Later....Sue

Jewelry

Someone asked to see the jewelry that I've been making so I thought I'd post a photo. Quick description from top left cw:
1. coat hanger earrings-black wire, orange/blk. bead is a real seed.
2. glass blk./white dangles w/ red crystals
3. copper tinged leaf with turquoise and orange dangles
4. 28 g. wire macrame w/ pearls and copper textured beads
5. Swarovski crystal ring (on stretchy cord)
6. green glass w/wire spiral
My favorite place to make jewelry is the Bead Cache in Mansfield. The shop is small (cozy), and has the best selection of supplies, knowledgeable employees, classes...etc.
I am currently working with hemp and other fibers to make variations of friendship bracelets.
Take care