The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “Violets”:“Peggy, it's a flat herringbone. I think I worked on the base for three evenings, but…” read »
on “Garnet Drape”:“Loving all the garnets..with this length it definitely does not need pendant. Go with your…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“A real statement piece..lovely.…” read »
- on “Antique Copper Rose”:
“Really has a vintage feel. Beautiful.…” read »
on “Relay For Life”:“Thank you !…” read »
on “a taste of honey”:“Thank you so much for the encouragement.
…” read »
on “Dancing Loops”:“Love the chain maille look. Great colors!…” read »
- on “Antique Copper Rose”:
“Beautiful colors and design! Looks vintage to me.…” read »
on “Antique Copper Rose”:“Very vintage and very lovely design!!…” read »
on “Amazon Blues”:“They look good together...I would have never thought of that.…” read »
- on “Dancing Loops”:
“These are all 3 very cool. Another thing I need.to try. Nancy...haha...your comment.…” read »
- on “Ice Ice Druzy”:
“LOL Nancy. That druzy is very nice!! Beautiful piece.…” read »
on “Violets”:“Gorgeous! I could see a design like this making a fabulous choker too! Love the color…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Very striking and well put together. I absolutely love the pendent, I can see why it…” read »
on “Ice Ice Druzy”:“Oh my gosh,Rock Chick. This is a treasure! I'm glad you took a picture in the sun,so…” read »
- on “Dancing Loops”:
“Very nice work. Look how the colors give each set a totally different vibe. I have…” read »
- on “Dancing Loops”:
“Very cool. I've got to try chain maille…” read »
on “Boho Silken Tassel”:“Gorgeous necklace Deb, I love the colour combination…” read »
on “Lovely Impression”:“love it…” read »
- on “Violets”:
“Ah! I finally found the lavender/peridot beads. They're lovely, and I can see some interesting pieces…” read »
on “Ice Ice Druzy”:“This is great. The druzy always puts a piece over the top.…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Thank you Peggy and Laud for the wonderful comments. Yes they are Laud, or peanut shaped.…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Stunning! To me the design looks more Indian (as in India) because it has such richness.…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Wonderful design. I'm very fond of the elements, too, especially carnelian. Great job!…” read »
- on “Leftovers”:
“These colors are very rich. I love the matte finish on those black beads. That gives…” read »
- on “ORANGE BRACELET”:
“You definitely have a way with the sari silk. I'm trying to figure out how that…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“I am so glad you started sharing your work. This is amazing.…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Gorgeous. Welcome to the gallery…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Great design Who doesn't love turquoise
…” read » - on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“This is extremely cool! I love the look of asymetrical flower necklaces.and this one is a…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Spectacular! Wanda you out did your self. A choice peace of art.…” read »
on “Plum Orchard”:“Fabulous design - - and I loved the description of your inspiration and the details of…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Thank you all for the lovely comments.
…” read » 
on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:“Omigosh Wanda.... I do not have the words to adequately express just how awesome this peace…” read »
The Koi Pool
About this design:
The Rhodonite focal is the inspiration. Reminds of dark water, lotus and koi appearing and disappearing.
Components:
Rhodonite, Rainbow Obsidian, White Agate, Rain Forest Jasper. 18 gauge sterling silver wire. Rhodonite with green is a bit hard to find, and the focal is very special to me.Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Aug 15, 2009 at 11:41 am #
John M says:I am sorry about the highlight on the focal.
On Aug 15, 2009 at 12:31 pm #
Little Round Chick says:John, you certainly have a distinctive style and a very pleasing one at that. The pendant is the most unusual piece of rhodonite I’ve ever seen. I’ll have to be on the look out for similarly colored stones. Thanks for sharing all of your great pieces.
On Aug 15, 2009 at 12:49 pm #
Valentine Chick says:Beautiful! Your work is so intricate! I love it!
On Aug 15, 2009 at 12:58 pm #
Lynn g says:Another one in my book, I love it.
On Aug 15, 2009 at 1:35 pm #
Bettys Beads says:John, you’ve done it again. Beautiful beads, beautifully designed and your work is wonderful. I just received a strand of rhodonite with pyrite small ovals LB and several of them have green in them. The first time I had seen it until now. Keep sending us beautiful things.
On Aug 15, 2009 at 2:16 pm #
CAS says:John, I think we may have the same source for our Rhodonite (check out my “Misty Morn” & “Cherry Blossom Hills” pieces). I know what you mean about it reminding one of water/koi/lotus, each stone is a little piece of art in and of itself. Lovely, lovely, lovely…
On Aug 15, 2009 at 2:32 pm #
Sali Jo GemsChica Chick says:Ok chicks and rooster, I want to know where you got that pendant stone. John, it is a work of art.
On Aug 15, 2009 at 3:22 pm #
ChickyD aka Debra says:John, I just love the way you combine fabulous stones with wire! Another gorgeous piece!
On Aug 15, 2009 at 4:11 pm #
John M says:Thank you all for your kind comments. For CAS, yes, it could be. For Sali Jo. At the risk of doing something inappropriate naming a competitor, the pendant came from Ebay seller, pguan78. Don’t remember where the beads came from at the moment.
On Aug 15, 2009 at 4:13 pm #
Debbi aka Sparkle Chick says:Oooh, I think this is my fave so far! I love the rhodonite pendant! The spiral wirework is gorgeous John!
On Aug 15, 2009 at 5:26 pm #
Deb D Grammy Chick says:You,ve done it again John! I have yet to see one of your designs that I didn’t love. You have the perfect touch and a wonderful talent. The pendant bead is absolutely beautiful, and I think this is my favorite (at least so far!)!
On Aug 16, 2009 at 2:17 am #
Cotopaxi Chickie Sue says:John, this is an absolutely wonderful work of art, and aptly named. Love all your work, but I think this one is my favorite. the rhodonite pendant is exquisite!
On Aug 16, 2009 at 3:42 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:John, what an exquisite pendant that you’ve described perfectly! Wonderful job with your wire work, as usual, and the necklace is gorgeous!
On Aug 16, 2009 at 10:05 am #
Mary S - Sweet Chick says:GASP! This is inspiring!
OK John, your work has caught the eye of all the ladies around here!
On Aug 16, 2009 at 10:19 am #
CAS says:Yup! I’ve gotten some of my favorite pendants from the same source. And the necklace is still lovely.
On Aug 16, 2009 at 10:31 am #
John M says:Thank you, everyone, for your kind comments. Very gratifying to be accepted among so many talented artists!
On Aug 16, 2009 at 11:20 am #
AllureofGemsGlamJulia says:Beautiful work, John!
I love Rhodonite with inclusions: it is so dramatic ….
On Aug 16, 2009 at 1:19 pm #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:I really like your “koi pool” idea. I am enjoying your series of conversation piece designs that you have posted, and they are all in my favorites now. Not meaning to gush…I just like your work!
On Aug 16, 2009 at 2:12 pm #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:The beads you’ve used have highlighted that gorgeous pendant beautifully!
On Aug 16, 2009 at 2:48 pm #
Sali Jo GemsChica Chick says:Your age just shows everyone there is no time or age limit to stop creating! You are truly an inspiration to all of us here in the Design Gallery–your choice of gemstones and wirework to go with your theme (or idea) is so right on! You are SUPER talented! I hope you’ll keep sharing designs with us so we can benefit from your experience and technique!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 10:29 am #
John M says:Thanks, again, everyone. Your comments are greatly appreciated.
On Aug 26, 2009 at 4:02 pm #
Cherie D says:very, very nice.
On Sep 27, 2009 at 5:39 pm #
John M says:Thanks, Cherie!