Recent beading projects

I used to be an avid beader - I even know how to do actual hand beading. I prefer simple projects but can also do more complex beadwork. Because I am also into blogging, reading, writing, film and sweepstaking in addition to all of the kids activities (which come first), that does not leave much time for anything else.

I did recently get the urge to break into my craft supply and whip something up. I did 2 pairs of earrings - one to go with a necklace I made over a year ago and the other that I had been trying to figure out what to do with these beads that I loved but had not figured out how to purpose them in a finished piece.

Below are a couple of quick projects (this also gave me an opportunity to try out my new camera). I usually use sterling silver findings but for both of these I used bronze. I also buy most of my beads from bead stores or wholesalers, but these were actually purchases from Micheal's and AC Moore. I found that in the last 10 years their beading selection went from "minimal to many":

Fancy necklace and earring set:
The necklace is composed of champagne colored glass pearl beads, teal crystal faceted rounds, teal crystal bicones and pink Czech faceted rondelle glass accents. Bronze daisy spacers also give some added dimension. The matching earrings are made with the champagne colored glass pearls but are accented with the bronze daisy spacers, iridescent seed beads and bronze crystal bicones.

Modern, casual earrings.
These earrings are so great - they did not photograph well, but are really beautiful. Again I used brass findings. The focal beads are flat, matte taupe-grey squares with iridescent irregular polka dots. The accent beads are iridescent seed beads and a smoky grey freshwater pearl. These would be great accessorized and dressed up with all black or dressed down with jeans and a t-shirt

Hopefully I will have more pictures to share soon!