Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Latest

Still staying really busy with the shop!

Yay!

We had a holiday party last week at the shop, and may I just say: Champagne punch. We had some kick-ass champagne punch. And a lot of fun! It was absolutely pouring rain, complete with thunder and lightning, but we had a great turnout, and a terrific time.

I have very little time to be creative, but I spent about an hour yesterday photographing the things I have made since I bought the shop - and over the next few days, I hope to have these listed either on Etsy or Artfire.

In the meantime, here's a preview:


I love this beaded byzantine bracelet! I used 16 gauge copper rings, and gorgeous cobalt blue lampwork beads.
I made this Sunday as a sample for the chainmaille class I'm scheduled to teach in January.
Love that chainmaille!



Classic black and white herringbone bracelet, made with white 4mm glass cubes, and black size 6 seed beads, and then embellished with black size 11s. Then I found this great vintage black and white button to use as a closure.
This is one of the more popular beadweaving classes I teach.





I came upon this gorgeous freeform carnelian cab which had been set in a sterling silver bezel.
I paired it with carnelian rounds, big chunks of citrine, and big silver Bali spacers.





These are the matching earrings.







I taught myself the Dutch spiral, and this is my first attempt - I used size 8 Delicas, in a rich mauve color, and dark pink galvanized elevens.
It started out to be a simple rope, but then I saw how well it went with this gorgeous painted jasper focal, and here's the result.
I stiched a large bail with the same beads as the rope, and added some embellishing fringe.

This is a fun bracelet - simple peyote stitch using 3 different sizes of seed beads, which gives a ruffle effect.
This bracelet is royal purple, but purple never photographs well for me - maybe I'll learn the secret one day.


This wire wrapped bracelet was a nightmare!
I love the colorful ruby in zoisite focal bead. I love the bracelet, and it fits like a dream, and is very comfortable.
But it is truly one-of-a-kind for me, because it was the hardest thing I have ever done, and I will never make another one!

These aren't the only things I have made over the last 5 months, because several things have actually already sold, but I still hate that my creative time is so reduced by the amount of time and energy it takes to run a small business!
So, Happy Holidays to everyone, in case I can't get back here anytime soon!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! You have really been busy creating haven't you?! Every thing is SO gorgeous (as always)! ;-)

The champagne party sounds like it was a real hit and nothing like a thunderstorm to add life to an occasion. So glad things are going well for you!!

Sweet Freedom said...

Wow, Sharon - you were lightning quick with that comment!

Thanks as always for your kind words!

I keep piling up beads to go with the ideas I keep getting - I think I probably have about 95 projects either partially completed or waiting to be started - So many beads, So little time!

Anonymous said...

Oh I just miss you so much I hang out at your blog waiting for a posting. ;-) Nah, timing is a funny thing!

Isn't is wonderful to have a mind full of ideas, just need a load of time to go with it. :)

Sweet Freedom said...

I ♥ manamoon!