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 “first”:“I'm wondering why this person didnt go back and delete? Being the detail-oriented person I…” read »
on “first”:“I don't think so.because I don't usually have a problem. I know JenniferLynn had the same…” read »
on “Leather, Silver and a Rainy Day”:“Funny, Deb Harding, I borrowed the book from the library because of one of your posts…” read »
on “To be,or not to be? Advice needed.”:“I think them! Love the color combination. They would go with everything.…” read »
on “To be,or not to be? Advice needed.”:“Inspiring me about what to do with all my smaller chips, stones, etc! Extra nice design…” read »
on “Bluebells”:“Both the flowers and the earrings are beautiful! Great job capturing the feel of the real…” read »
- on “Country Leaves”:
“Those leaves are gorgeous...this bracelet is a perfect setting for.them.…” read »
- on “Leather, Silver and a Rainy Day”:
“I have that same book....its awesome isn't it? You did an excellant job on the leather…” read »
- on “Bluebells”:
“Fantastic job...you definitely captured the look of your flowers. I seriously want your flowers...lol.…” read »
- on “first”:
“Its not just you. This has happened to me twice. There was an upload problem...it took…” read »
on “Bluebells”:“Thank you ladies, so glad you like them
…” read »- on “Tourmaline Dream”:
“Thank you all ~ glad you like them !
…” read » - on “Leather, Silver and a Rainy Day”:
“You can't beat black with silver and pearls! Great designs!…” read »
on “Raspberry and Cream!”:“love how you're exploring so many beautiful variations with this technique, Julia....they all end up in…” read »
on “Tourmaline Dream”:“This a stunning piece, the heart pendant,WOW!!…” read »
- on “Grampa's old tree”:
“Gorgeous!!…” read »
- on “Leather, Silver and a Rainy Day”:
“It is 3 strands of sari silk. The silk is knotted on either side of…” read »
- on “Country Leaves”:
“I agree with Kate. Bright and cheerful! Love it, love it...want it.…” read »
- on “Leather, Silver and a Rainy Day”:
“What a nice, clean design. Both are winners. I have been working on jewelry…” read »
on “Leather, Silver and a Rainy Day”:“These would definitely cheer me up, love them both! I have some of this sari silk…” read »
- on “Copper and 'a green thumb'”:
“Fantastic, I really like it.…” read »
- on “Sonya or 'Earth' earrings”:
“very pretty !…” read »
on “Totally Teal”:“This is lovely work - you should be very proud. And that totally teal bracelet is…” read »
- on “Copper and 'a green thumb'”:
“This is wonderful - a really sweet design and I especially love the cute earrings to…” read »
- on “Leather, Silver and a Rainy Day”:
“Love them all!!…” read »
on “Sonya or 'Earth' earrings”:“Love it! still trying to figure out how you did this tricky wire work. …” read »
on “Country Leaves”:“Oh My Goodness!! This is so bright and cheerful! I usually associate maple leaves with Fall…” read »
- on “Cultus Lake Market”:
“Great looking jewelry - enjoyed looking!…” read »
- on “Tourmaline Dream”:
“Beautiful necklace and I love the design of your earrings!!…” read »
- on “Copper and 'a green thumb'”:
“Great design!…” read »
- on “Grampa's old tree”:
“Beautiful piece. I love the vintage look, and the cabochon is fabulous.…” read »
- on “Country Leaves”:
“This is a fun and easy bracelet. Lots of options to make matching earrings. …” read »
- on “Country Leaves”:
“I love copper and am crazy about these! Those Czech leaves are gorgeous.…” read »
on “Pearl with a touch of Silver”:“Beautiful classic look. Very nice work!!…” read »
- on “A Green Cuff”:
“Can you please tell me if the 14 gauge is Dead Soft? I just started…” read »
- on “A Green Cuff”:
“I really like your bracele, the design is great! Good work.…” read »
on “Grampa's old tree”:“Love the way your design makes the pendant pop. Gorgeous colors! Great design!…” read »
- on “Copper and 'a green thumb'”:
“Great design for your pendant. Beautiful!…” read »
Turquoise Sticks
About this design:
These are inspired by an earring design called Gypsy Sticks (great name!) by Sharilynn Miller. Hers feature pearls & silver beads & a few more spirals, there's a picture on her website if anyone wants to look, a preview from her new book.
The Turquoise is actually Turquoise Magnesite but still gorgeous I think & a lot more affordable!
I really like the style of these & feel the need to make some in Copper real soon!
Components:
Turquoise Magnesite, 20g & 24g Sterling Silver wire, Bali Silver spacers & beadcapsRead the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 10:30 am #
Purple Chick aka Violet says:These are so elegantly beautiful !!!!!
I love them!!!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 10:38 am #
Debbi aka Sparkle Chick says:WOW! These are incredible! I just LOVE the jewelry you create!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 10:52 am #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:Thank you!
I’ve just posted on Dream Chicks latest design to say that I have 100s of 3 & 4mm Swarovski bicones in lots of colours that I don’t need anymore. If any of you would like them please send me a message & I’ll happily post them off to a new home with a fellow bead lover! I could try & sell them on eBay but I don’t want the hassle at the mo!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:05 am #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:So pretty! I was afraid you had left out the spirals until I enlarged the picture–then I saw the spirals at the bottom of each earring. LOL
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:13 am #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:Forgot to mention I’m away for a few days from Sat night so if anyone does send me a message about the bicones don’t think I’m ignoring you!
Harriet ~ I was rather restrained with the spirals this time!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:23 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Yes, you showed great restraint, Spiral Chick! LOL
These are gorgeous!!! They would look beautiful in copper, too!
Such a fabulous design, Spiral Chick!
I’m familiar with Sharilynn Miller and her work — just wonderful!!!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:23 am #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:The spirals you put in the design are just exactly right! He-he.
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:25 am #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:Does it ever surprise anyone else when they look at the time their comment was posted, and forget for a moment they are in another time zone? I thought, very briefly, that it was an hour later than it really is here in the central time zone. LOL
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:31 am #
Cuban Queen Crazy Chick says:LOVE these earrings, Spiral Chick!!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:38 am #
Little Round Chick says:Absolutely beautiful.
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:45 am #
Carrie Rachel says:I LOVE these! I’ve only made one pair of earrings so far (I don’t have pierced ears). I’ve never done wire wrapping before & I’m still a little intimidated by it. These are beautiful! It makes me want to go break out my head pins!
Is that what you used to make these, head pins? Does anybody have any suggestions on what gauge to use?
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:58 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Carrie makes jewelry and she doesn’t have pierced ears?!?!?! Is that even allowed? ROTFLOL
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:59 am #
Fashion Chick aka SC says:Incredible!! I’ve added them to my favs.
On Aug 21, 2009 at 12:04 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Carrie, wire wrapping is a snap once you learn it! The key to nice looking wraps is practice, practice, practice.
Depending on the style, I use 1 1/2 – 2 inch head pins in 24 gauge wire. Sometimes I have to use 22 gauge because certain types of wire only come in that gauge. But SS comes in every gauge imaginable!!! Good luck!!! 
On Aug 21, 2009 at 12:06 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Carrie, if you have more questions, just ask any of us!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 12:11 pm #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:Thank you Chickies!
Carrie I used 20g & 24g wire, headpins wouldn’t be long enough. Don’t be intimidated by wirework, I taught myself how to do it & am still learning! Get yourself some copper or craft wire & have a go, you just have to practice!
Time zones?! We have one time only in the UK but that changes by an hour twice a year. Something to do with farmers originally I think, something about making mornings lighter in the winter & evenings lighter in the summer. We lose an hour in March & gain an hour in October. It’s funny the things we do
On Aug 21, 2009 at 12:23 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Ah, yes, Daylight Savings Time!
Indiana only started observing it in the Spring of 2008 and people are still complaining about it. LOL Arizona and Hawaii are the lone hold-outs now.
It’s not a surprise to me because my comments post in the same time zone I’m in. In other words, Indiana and Michigan (LB’s home) are in the same one. It does surprise me a lot to realize how long I’ve sat here!!! ROTFLOL
On Aug 21, 2009 at 12:39 pm #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:Same here Lynn…I really need to get busy today. Tomorrow is hubby’s birthday, and I need to decide whether to buy a cake or make one. decision time….but it is so hot and I hate to use the oven today. I think the weather just decided for me. LOL
On Aug 21, 2009 at 4:09 pm #
Sali Jo GemsChica Chick says:These earrings are FANTABULOUS! Long and sexy!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 4:42 pm #
Carola says:Love the earrings. Hey, when in South Bend, Indiana general area years back for a collectibles show, it was strange to drive into and out of one time zone just going down the street !!! Don’t know how the locales do work, school, etc schedules…but guess get used to it.
On Aug 21, 2009 at 4:50 pm #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:Thank you
That’s weird Carola!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 5:19 pm #
Carrie Rachel says:My naked ears are burning, lol! I guess maybe I should think about getting my ears pierced.
On Aug 21, 2009 at 5:21 pm #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:You must Carrie, then you will be inspired to make earrings to go with your gorgeous bracelets & necklaces
On Aug 21, 2009 at 5:34 pm #
Chicky Bear-Tara says:Very beautiful earrings!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 5:37 pm #
Leigh D says:Stunning!!!!
On Aug 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:Carrie, my dad promised Mom real jade earrings on real gold ear wires to get her ears pierced. LOL She never did it until both of us girls got our ears pierced. Then–OK!
Then she wanted those jade earrings!!! Not sure if she ever got those particular ones, but she did get lots of pretty earrings.
On Aug 21, 2009 at 11:53 pm #
ChickyD aka Debra says:Great earrings! I pre-ordered the new book from Amazon, and it arrived today. Full of GORGEOUS projects!
On Aug 22, 2009 at 3:42 am #
Little Round Chick says:I don’t have pierced ears either, Carrie Rachel. I tell every one who ask why that I didn’t want to ruin my aura. I really don’t know why I never got it done. I have a grand old time making earrings for pierced ears but if I need to see how they will look I have to borrow one of my neighbors to try them on.
It is 12:45 a.m. on the west coast. Any one else up at this hour?
On Aug 22, 2009 at 5:11 am #
Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:Chicky D ~ I’ve just ordered her book on copper jewellery & she’s got another coming out soon
On Aug 22, 2009 at 6:57 am #
Jeannes Gems - Gem Chick says:Spiral chick – thise earrings are fabulous!!!
How long are they?
I have a colleague/customer who kept buying my earrings even though her ears are not pierced. Now that I know, I keep a stock of various clip-on components just for her!
On Aug 22, 2009 at 7:17 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Jeanne, Spiral Chick e-mailed me that she is going to be on vacation until Friday. Just wanted you to know in case you don’t hear back from her right away.
Just a guess, but they look to be about 2 – 2 1/2 inches long to me. Maybe she’ll send them to me as a prize if I’m right!
On Aug 22, 2009 at 9:23 pm #
IVONNE R says:What a beautiful earrings. So elegants.