Coleoptera Collection Conquers California

 I just handed these three pendants off to Margaret of MZ Glass so she can take them with her to LA. I'm pretty happy with all of them! I got a little bored of just using seed beads, so I threw some Swarovski crystal rhinestones in for extra sparkle. I wonder if any of them will find a new home in California?

A slightly different angle. Each one has a different bail and edging style, depending on what I thought would look best with the embroidery, and what I was in the mood to do.

Check back next week for more new beadwork!

It's done, it's done!

 I finally finished "Orientale" -- my 2012 Layne's Legacy -- Beading For A Cure necklace -- yesterday! Hooray! It's so good to have it done. It sat unfinished on my desk for too long, as I struggled to find inspiration on how to use every single type of bead included in the kit. I have to admit that while I think it is a beautiful, wonderful necklace and I wish I could keep it, it's probably not as grand as it should be due to the fact that beader's block made me simplify things in order to get it done in time. I have no doubt that whoever wins it will be very happy with it, but I also know that I will not even be in the running for the contest portion of LL-BFAC.

This is the kit I started with! To that, I added the cabochon with a vintage belly dancer and peacock image, some size 15 Charlottes, and Swarovski sequins in Sapphire and Lime to compliment the Colorado Topaz ones already included in the kit, plus a shibiuchi clasp. The sequins around the cab are my favorite part of the necklace, and an element that I will be incorporating into more work in the future.

If you would like to own this necklace, it will be up for auction in Spring next year!