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 “Evergreen Copper”:“The copper, the stones--love it all. Lovely, dramatic design.…” read »
- on “Prince Moai”:
“Great set. Jimmy's a lucky moai.…” read »
on “Tourmaline Dream”:“Love it! Exquisite beads.…” read »
on “Prince Moai”:“These pieces are just stunning!!!!! Love looking at the lovely projects beaders have done..it is…” read »
- on “Lots of Copper”:
“You could always start learning etching! I find that 16g through 20g copper makes some of…” read »
on “Violet Tendril Earrings”:“Wonderful use of the sari silk ribbons! Love the earrings! I'm so glad lucite is not…” read »
on “Lovely Impression”:“KO thread is used without a needle because of the stiffness of it. At Lima beads…” read »
- on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:
“Thanks Lynda and Kate!
I'll take a closer look at Swellegant.
Lynda, thank you for the…” read » 
on “Prince Moai”:“Great looking pieces Jimmy is wearing. The nuggets are gorgeous.
…” read »
on “Prince Moai”:“I have a huge crush on Jimmy too and he loves wearing all the blink. LOL…” read »
on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:“Hi, Mary. There are other ways to get the oxidized look without the smell of…” read »
on “Simply Crystal”:“Wow! Simply gorgeous!…” read »
on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:“Mary S-- You could try using Swellegant instead of LOS. These are slightly acidic and shouldn't…” read »
on “A Green Cuff”:“Wow! Blown away. Thanks for all the pics. Wow!…” read »
- on “Lots of Copper”:
“Great earrings. Can't wait to see what you do with the 16g.…” read »
- on “Butterfly Dance”:
“Wanda, I really like this. Love the Butterfly theme and admire all the hard work…” read »
- on “Prince Moai”:
“Please let Jimmy know that he is my first on-line crush. Love a guy who…” read »
- on “Blue Bird of Happiness in Brass”:
“Thank you all. Let me share with you, brass is the hardest metal I have worked…” read »
on “Tourmaline Dream”:“Beautiful! Fabulous pendant...makes for a beautiful necklace.…” read »
on “Tourmaline Dream”:“Dream is the perfect word to use for this set. Oh my gosh!!!!!…” read »
- on “Prince Moai”:
“Much fabulocity here. I'm a huuuuuge Aqua nugget fan. They look great with Quartz.It has such…” read »
- on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:
“Thanks for that tutorial,FB. I would never have guessed about the "loop first" method. I'll give…” read »
- on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:
“I read your tute and found it very easy to follow! And must agree with Kate and…” read »
on “Mystic Mystery”:“Love that color! Great design, too.
…” read »- on “Raspberry and Cream!”:
“YUM! Can I have mine with shortbread? This is such a gorgeous technique, Julia,…” read »
- on “Prince Moai”:
“No earrings for Prince Jimmy! I 'm wearing the earrings! LOL Thank you very much! These…” read »
- on “Blue Bird of Happiness in Brass”:
“Blue with brass. What more could anyone want? Great design.
…” read » - on “Yellow Dragonfly”:
“My kind of color! Love the design, too! Isn't it great to have a stash when…” read »
- on “Evergreen Copper”:
“Mmmmmm, yummy color! Love it!
…” read » - on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:
“Kate is right, It definitely has that "industrial chic" look. Great color, excellent design! …” read »
- on “Butterfly Dance”:
“Thanks so much everyone. When I designed this I was thinking that the butterflies were skipping…” read »
- on “In The Garden of Olives”:
“Great Pendant! Love it! If you aren't sure about the design, put it away for a…” read »
- on “Recycled Blues”:
“Instant summer! Love 'em!
…” read » - on “Butterfly Dance”:
“You should be pleased. You have made a unique and lovely design.
…” read » - on “Tourmaline Dream”:
“Glorious color and a great design!
…” read » - on “Prince Moai”:
“Guys can be such a pain. I'm sure ear rings would look great even if…” read »
- on “Just Plum Pretty”:
“This is a gorgeous piece! Love the purple against the Vintaj. Just beautiful!…” read »
- on “A Green Cuff”:
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I keep thinking I'll get tired of making these…” read »
- on “Lots of Copper”:
“Hey, thanks everyone. Cindy, I'm not sure what I'll do with the 16g but…” read »
- on “Tourmaline Dream”:
“Love the way you used heart gems to go with the pendant, for the earrings. Great…” read »
Summer Sky
About this design:
I think the Sodalite focal says it all. Deep blue sky of summer with various types of white clouds.
Components:
Not a lot going on here, 18 gauge ss wire, Sodalite, Lapis, White Agate, White Fire Agate. Simple, easy design.Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 4:07 pm #
Jeannes Gems - Gem Chick says:You say simple, I say fabulous! Your wire work is wonderful. The silver spirals enhance the marriage of beautiful blue and white stones.
On Aug 17, 2009 at 4:09 pm #
John M says:Fellow jewelry artists, this will be my last submission to the design gallery until sometime in September. I’ve got a lot of designs in various stages of completion and if I don’t get a move on, you folks won’t be able to see them at all! I will check in from time to time to see how the rest of you are doing. In the meantime, happy beading to you, and again, thanks for all the wonderful comments you’ve given.
On Aug 17, 2009 at 4:09 pm #
Little Round Chick says:Another exquisite piece of work, John. Is your back ground the neutral gray generally used in photography? I don’t remember the % any more. Regardless it is a beautiful necklace.
On Aug 17, 2009 at 4:11 pm #
K H says:Impressive! Good luck with your other projects, I look forward to seeing them.
On Aug 17, 2009 at 4:17 pm #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:This is lovely John, needless to say I love your spirals
On Aug 17, 2009 at 4:21 pm #
Jeannes Gems - Gem Chick says:It has been an honor to view your designs. We hope to see more of your work in the future.
ps – I enjoy your blog, too!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 4:42 pm #
Carola says:Beautiful !!! Looking forward to your new designs in September. Added to favorites!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 5:08 pm #
Wemai Coffee Chick says:This is sooo nice, John! Blue summer sky, can it be better!!? Great piece of work, no doubt about that!!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 5:09 pm #
Shannon aka Silly Chick says:Just beautiful, John! I’ve enjoyed your work so much and will look forward to your return in Sept with what I know will be gorgeous and inspirational pieces! Happy beading to you!!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 5:22 pm #
Fashion Chick aka SC says:Beautiful necklace!! Look forward to your work in September! Take care John!!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 5:29 pm #
AllureofGemsGlamJulia says:Beautiful work, John. There are two weeks left until September, so… see your works in two weeks
( I hope…)
I wish you happy splash of creative beading.
On Aug 17, 2009 at 6:20 pm #
Leigh D says:Another beautiful design – I cannot wait to see your new creations!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 6:31 pm #
Sali Jo GemsChica Chick says:Another fabulous piece John! Do you sell your pieces anywhere? Festivals or on line? They are truly beautiful and look forward to seeing your creations upon your return. Farewell for now……
On Aug 17, 2009 at 8:11 pm #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:Another one for my favorites list!!! Blue with spirals..love it.
I know what you mean about having to take some creative time. We have a home show coming up at the end of September, and I just have very little time now. That said, I surely enjoy taking a break to enjoy the work of all the other artists who are putting their designs here.
On Aug 17, 2009 at 11:06 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:John, it’s been a pleasure to meet you here again after first seeing you on Eni’s Jewelry Lessons!
Enjoy your creative time and know that we’ll welcome you back anytime!!!
This is just beautiful! Blue + spirals = a favorite!
On Aug 17, 2009 at 11:39 pm #
Lynn g says:So nice,can you read my mind? I like looking at your jewelry.
On Aug 18, 2009 at 3:27 am #
Cotopaxi Chickie Sue says:Very colorado sky! again, a wonderful piece, John. We’ll miss seeing your smiling face around the site. Can’t wait to see your new pieces in September!
On Aug 18, 2009 at 10:55 am #
Deb D Grammy Chick says:Another outstanding piece! All of your work is so incredibly beautiful and inspiring. I love the blue and the spirals in this.
Will certainly miss you in your absence, but I know how hard it is to find creative time. I will just have to wait it out and look forward to your return. Don’t make us miss your smiling face for too long!
On Aug 18, 2009 at 11:48 am #
Valentine Chick says:Your work is fabulous! Best beading wishes to you!
On Aug 18, 2009 at 12:38 pm #
Chicky Bear-Tara says:This is a beautiful piece. I love all the wire work you did on it.