Handmade Pearl, Onyx, and crystal Choker Necklace designs using Herringbone stitch Technique

Handmade Pearls And Coral Necklace - Choker

This necklace was the inspiration for the following various jewelry designs.  When I learned how to do tubular herringbone stitch I immediately thought of freshwater seed pearls. I think they are a perfect match for this technique and the end result creates a luxurious necklace. 

I tried variations of the above design as mentioned above and still my favorite ones are with the seed pearls.  

Design 1 - Pearls, crystal and coral barrel

I made the pearl clusters using small white cultured freshwater potato pearls, added two red crystals between the pearls and the crystal rondells and used the coral barrel for contrasting accent. The back of the necklace has two clusters of red crystals on each end.

White pearls, coral barrel and silver spacers handmade necklace

White pearls, coral barrel and silver spacers necklace choker

Design 2 - Pearls, crystal and coral disks

Similar to design 1, except I replaced the coral barrel with three coral disks with silver spacers in between them.  The back of the necklace has two clusters of red crystals on each end.

White pearls, red coral disks and silver spacers handmade necklace

White pearls, red coral disks and silver spacers handmade choker

 Design 3 - Pearls and crystal

I made the pearl clusters using burgundy cultured freshwater pearls, added two siam crystals between the pearls and used the cracked crystal quartz for contrasting accent. The back of the necklace has two clusters of clear crystals on each end.

Burgundy seed pearls, cracked crystal and red crystal handmade choker necklace

Design 4 - Onyx and crystal 

Here i used small black onyx beads instead of the pearls, added two round clear crystals between the clusters and used the cracked crystal quartz for contrasting accent. I think this black and white combination came out nice.

Black onyx , cracked crystal and clear crystal handmade choker necklace

Design 5 - White pearls, red crystal and cracked crystal

Similar to design 1, except I replaced the coral barrel with cracked crystal barrel and added two red crystals.  More emphasis on the white than the red color.

White seed pearls, cracked crystal barrel and red crystal handmade Choker necklace

You can find a tubular herringbone tutorial at Beading Instructions E-Book directions for Tubular Ropes in CRAW, PRAW, Herringbone & Chenille Stitch Instant Download Pattern QUATROPES 

Complimentary earrings

Below are some complimentary earrings to go with the above necklaces:

Interchangeable Earrings Dangles - Cracked Crystal Quartz And Sterling Silver

Interchangeable Earrings Dangles - Red Coral Nuggets And Sterling Silver

nterchangeable Earrings Dangles - White Freshwater Pearls Sterling Silver

https://www.etsy.com/listing/71882543/interchangeable-earrings-dangles-onyx?ref=shop_home_active_11

Interchangeable Earrings Dangles - Faceted Red Coral Stacks And Sterling Silver

Freshwater Real Teardrop Pearl Earrings - Handmade

Coral and Pearl Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Various Types of Earrings Designed using Black Cube Onyx Diagonal Drilled Beads

I found these black cube onyx beads a while back and I made some necklaces and earrings with them in past.  A while back I tried different earring designs using these gorgeous beads for a custom order.  

Black Onyx Cube Curved Bar Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx Cube Short Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx Cube And Chain Long  Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx Cube Curved Bar Long Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx Cube Curved Long Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx And Chain Short Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx Cube Short With Spiral Earwire Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx Cube Short And Chain With Spiral Earwire Dangle Earrings

Black Onyx Cube Post Earrings

Birthday Gifts For Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

I am excited to write this post, because I am a Pisces myself and writing this post is like writting about me.  I hope my family reads this, because there are a lot of good ideas for my birthday gift.

Pisces is represented by two fish swimming in different directions. Do I need to say more?

Imaginative, mystified, baffled, empathic, unearthly, secretive, impractical, spacey, tendentious, intuitive are just a few words that describe Pisces.

While they can be extremely empathic and compassionate, they can also act in a heartless fashion. They have a magical personality, gentle nature, with a certain childish element in them. They are charitable and honest and usually active in charities.

They are artistic by nature and very perceptive with an uncanny ability to recall stored knowledge. They enjoy many short trips as a way of relaxation and getting away from day-to-day activities.

Their unpredictable nature makes it difficult to find a perfect gift.

Their colors:         lilac, lavender, purple and yellow
Their birthstones:  amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, jade, rock crystal, and sapphire
Their flowers:        iris, violet and daffodil;

They love to eat and try cuisines from all over the world.  They love romantic, spiritual, mystical and artistic things. They have their own unique sense of luxury, glamour and quality.

Fragrances are good gifts; however before buying perfume make sure the recipient does not have any allergies (click on the images for details).

Magical Mind Perfume - Magical Mind™ begins with a melody of sweet, fresh, and spicy top notes and moves right into narcotic jasmine notes enveloped in a lush forest scent.  From Trust Your style - handmade natural perfume

Vintage Pillbox filled with 1/4 oz InCarnation Solid Perfume - Classy vintage pillbox illustrated with carnations, appropriately filled with InCarnation solid perfume - our new carnation soliflore to be released in winter 2008!  From Ayala Moriel Parfums

Handmade Bags and Purses for Under $50

Like any woman, I can never have enough purses and bags.   Here is a sample of what I found on Etsy. 

Botanical Batik......Holiday SALE from L B ARTWORKS for $34.80

Design for you ... Black and White denim Bag from CrazyBoy For You bags and purses,diaper bag, tote,pouch

Messenger,School Bag, Black and Orange canvas with bird ,adjustable strap from Sinem Inugur for $38

Hand Made Apron Gifts for the Chefs in your Family

I was wondering what can you buy for $50?  There were so many categories, that I decided to do one category a day.

Here is what I found in the Accessories, Apron category.   So, before you run out to Target or Walmart, try these handmade gifts.

 New Adult size bib style embroidered hot stuff apron

Handmade in Salamanca , US by Ginksburg's handmade dresses, quilts & fashion jewelry for $3.

Queen and Princess of the Kitchen Personalized Mommy and Me Apron Set - with Polka Dots, Ribbons, and Pockets - Embroidered Applique Monogrammed

Handmade in Atlanta by Memento ~ Personalized Monogrammed Gifts & Embroidery  for $40.

Shabby Chic Half Apron . . . red roses with green rose dots

Handmade in Florida by Fancy Boutique - Accessories ♥ Fancy Aprons ♥ Tea Towels ♥ Headbands for $26

Personalized Apron Example Grandma's Kitchen Kids Eat Free

Handmade in Arlington, Texas by Custom Threads - Personalized Embroidered Aprons & More for $18

Sagittarius Birthday & Christmas (December) Gifts

C

hoosing Presents for Those Born November 22-December 21

Those born under this sign are very optimistic, always looking on the bright side.  They are patriotic and loyal, very honest and caring.  They have a great sense of humor and capable of making you laugh your head off.  Richard Pryor, Woody Allen and Dick Van Dyke are all Sagittarius.  

On occasion they may show a little temper, it does not last long and typically they do not hold grudges.    They are  impatience, restless and generally on the go.  They have a need for freedom and personal space.  

Organization and sticking with a routine is not their forte.  They are fun and lively people and tend to bring a lot of  joy and happiness to the relationship. 

They love to entertain - so a big birthday party with all their friends and board games is a must. 

The Royal Game of Ur (Ancient Chaldean) from Antiquity Gamecrafters

ZOTS WAHOO board game WOW new board game WAHOO plus 2 signed game from Wood Designer

T

hey are fond of traveling and love the great outdoors. They like outdoor activity such as hiking, camping, horseback riding.

Statement Necklaces for Petites

Fall arrived quite suddenly and here we are in a rainy and cold day and nothing else to do but to search the web for interesting posts about this fall's trends.

That is when I ran into a series of articles about fashion tips for petite women on About.com . I am a petite woman myself, so when I run into a bunch of articles focused on petite women I was supper excited. The articles offer general fashion tips but the most existing one is about Necklaces for Petites.

It covers tips on a variety of necklace styles including the statement necklaces. I have seen pictures of statement necklaces on the runways, and every time, I wondered, gee that covers my whole torso, I can never wear that.

Birthday Gift Ideas for Libra

Click the image for the product information
The second half of September is approaching and so is the zodiac sign Libra – the scale, the sociable, cheerful and charming soul. Librans tend to be strong supporters of equality, the rights of man and universal brotherhood. They seek balance in life and are strong willed and will succeed at their chosen goal using their wit, charm. The Libra person is easygoing, sociable, idealistic, diplomatic, romantic, charming and refined.

They love the finer things in life and love to be admired especially for their taste in the arts, home decor, and hair style and so on. Books, music, flowers, and perfume are typical delights for a Libran. Libra is associated with social and aesthetic pursuits, intellectual activities, luxury items, decadent pastimes, and mind-body arts such as yoga and tai chi.

I have been featured

Check out this lovely review about me and my work written by Kayla of
The Eclectic Element

Artisan Jewelry Gift Certificate Giveaway

$25 Gift Certificate

From Zeba Collection ($25 value) – Open worldwide

One of the drawbacks of having an online shop is missing the interaction with the customers. In a retail store you can be the fly on the wall and hear customer's opinions while they shop. With an online shop, you view the item from your home and I never get to hear your feedback. So, this giveaway is to give me a change to hear your suggestions about my shop, products, policies and so on. To show my appreciation for your time and help I am offering Free shipping on your first purchase to anyone that participates, in addition for a chance to be entered in the drawing for a $25 gift certificate from my Etsy Shop. Gift certificates must be redeemed through my Etsy shop only toward the purchase of products listed in the online shop.

Great Artisan Jewlery Giveaway

A Peyote Stitch Bracelet From Windyriver ($30 value)
TCheck out this great giveaway sponsored by the Etsy Jewelry Design and Supply Shops.

The giveaway end September 30, 2009.

I have been featured

I am very existed about this article on one of my earrings. I thought the reference to 'MadMen' was very clever, which by the way I am a huge fan. I think I am more of a Betty Draper type. Check it out Feminist review

Birthday Gift Ideas for Virgo

Click the image for the product information
The first half of September belongs to the modest, shy, meticulous, tidy, reliable, practical, diligent, analytical and intelligent Virgo. The basic outlook is toward practical considerations in every facet of daily life. They make an impression with their skilful insights and broad-based knowledge.

They are the most interesting person to be with. When you get to know them a little more, you find out they are fascinating people with all sorts of useful tidbits of information.

They have a well balanced mind and superior intellectual abilities. They are considered by friends and family to be courteous, diplomatic, cool and rather reserved. They are real thinkers; having a quick and keen perception.

They are loyal as partners and friends and are caring to the ones that they love.

My new Line - Wire Crochet

Coral & Hairpin lace Technique
I have been really busy lately working on my new line of wire-crochet jewelry.

It all started with me picking up a book about wire crochet jewelry and saying, "OOOH this is so nice". Well let's say I have not been able to put down the crochet hook ever since. I like the outcome and it is a nice change from the traditional methods.
Turquoise & Half Double Crochet
So what is crochet and where did it come from?

The origins and when it started is kind of mystery, but everyone agrees that it has been around for a long, long time.

The word comes from croc, or croche, the Middle French word for hook, and the Old Norse word for hook is krokr.

Onyx For Leo

Birthday Gift Ideas for Leo

Leo - The Lion- The fifth sign of the zodiac - July 23 - August 22
Their color is gold and orange. Both are warm colors, representing sun, energy, and joy very much like the warm-hearted, loving, and enthusiastic Leo.

Their birthstone is Ruby, symbol of love passion and power. Their zodiac birthstone is Onyx. Black Onyx and gold or orange make a stunning statement.

Leo's flowers are merigold and sunflower.

For a perfect gift, combine an artisan handmade Onyx jewelry set and a bouquet of Sunflowers flowers.

All merchandise available at Zeba Collection

Sources
Leo The Lion
Flowers.vg

White Pearls for June

Birthday Gift Ideas for Cancer

Cancer - The Crab- The fourth sign of the zodiac - June 22 - July 22

Their color is white and silver. White is symbol of purity and stands for wholeness and completion.

Their birthstone is Pearl, symbol of purity and perfection. It is the ultimate symbol of good taste.

For a perfect gift, combine an artisan handmade pearl jewlery set and a white boquet of flowers.

All merchendise is available at shop http://zeba.etsy.c0m