The Design Gallery
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Chatter
on “Elissos Earrings”:“The large patinaed upper brad on the Elliso earrings are shown in the instructions but there…” read »
on “Filigree, Turquoise & Lapis”:“Thanks Lima beader buddies! I really appreciate all your comments. I got into a wireworking phase…” read »
on “Fantasy Fuscsia earrings”:“Thank you all for your kind comments. I am isolated due to illness and think…” read »
on “More Hearts from Nancy”:“Love the color in the first bracelet and the nifty focal in the second one. …” read »
on “More Hearts from Nancy”:“Love the cool, relaxing colors in these bracelets. The material bead & the large PC…” read »
on “More Hearts from Nancy”:“Both bracelets are beautifully colored. The focal on the second bracelet reaches out and grabs…” read »
on “Hummingbird bracelet”:“Just delightful Althea!! The colors and design are great!…” read »
on “Hummingbird bracelet”:“bright and beautiful! The clasp takes the show.…” read »
on “Beggers Beads”:“Great pieces to grab & go--they would slip on in a flash. I have a…” read »
- on “Monstera Set”:
“Delightful set that will draw many compliments!…” read »
on “On an Earring Kick”:“Definitely fun! Love the texture & layers in the designs.
…” read »- on “Hummingbird bracelet”:
“Flowers, leaves, and hummingbirds all sing-out warmer weather & days spent outside enjoying sunshine & playing…” read »
- on “Rhyolite”:
“I like how you took the same gemstone & made three different styles of earrings with…” read »
on “Fantasy Fuscsia earrings”:“Saved to my favorites it goes!…” read »
- on “Hip & free”:
“Those are gorgeous and on trend too! I've marked them as my favorites.…” read »
- on “Black Dahlia Necklace”:
“wow! Stunning.…” read »
- on “Beggers Beads”:
“Love the title! I remember the original bracelets, from India, in the early '70's. Nice!…” read »
- on “Rhyolite”:
“Rhyolite is my favorite mineral. You found a lovely batch with fantastic patterns. Very nice, simple…” read »
- on “Caribbean Christmas Necklace”:
“I’ld happily wear this one - a beaut. But doubt I’ld attempt it. Still mildly phobic…” read »
- on “Asymmetrical Drop Earrings”:
“Ooo - like em all but particularly the asymmetric pair!…” read »
- on “Collar Necklaces”:
“Ah - as usual your designs grab my attention & seem entirely do-able. Did these go…” read »
- on “Collar Necklaces”:
“Are these on a heavier gage memory wire or regular wire or different form that keeps…” read »
- on “On an Earring Kick”:
“They are a bit funky. They're also bold and bright and would be fun to…” read »
on “Monstera Set”:“Love the bold colors and designs. Should be fun to wear. You are so right…” read »
on “Hummingbird bracelet”:“What a wonderful, bright and sunny bracelet. Spring or summer or any time would be…” read »
on “On an Earring Kick”:“So funky and fun!…” read »
on “Monstera Set”:“This a beautiful set. She I first glanced at the pendant my mind yelled peacocks!…” read »
on “Green Bracelet with a heart”:“Thanks you all for your support. I have one more bracelet with hearts in it...I…” read »
- on “Hummingbird bracelet”:
“Stunning bracelet! It looks like a sunny spring day. I think we are all waiting…” read »
- on “Third Wire Wrapping Class”:
“I love this Melody!! It's just perfect the way it is. I commend you for…” read »
on “Back in the swing of things”:“Thanks, Sweet Jane. Sorry I missed you in my first reply!…” read »
on “Back in the swing of things”:“Thanks so much, Pam, Crystal, and Little Round Chick, for the kind comments.. It’s great to…” read »
on “Beggers Beads”:“Love these bracelets! What fun they would be to wear all of them at the…” read »
- on “Rhyolite”:
“These earrings are all great! There are small tweeks between them but how many identical…” read »
on “Green Bracelet with a heart”:“Great use of green in this bracelet. Hearts are trending this year. Reminds me of a…” read »
- on “Filigree, Turquoise & Lapis”:
“I’ve been thinking about this necklace since I saw it. Striking pendant with a perfectly accented…” read »
- on “Necklace with Bling”:
“This set is beautiful, I love the colors. The fuchsia/cantaloupe beads have caught my eye before,…” read »
on “More from Nancy”:“This is really pretty. I especially like what you did with the drops.…” read »
- on “Leather & Brass Necklace”:
“Love the combination of elements in the focal and the black leather. Definitely boho style.…” read »
- on “Sun Disc earrings”:
“Love the rustic quality of the new African beads. The "Family Photo" showcases…” read »
At The Water’s Edge
About this design:
Lima’s last two ‘Beach week’ sales & the lovely sea themed postings in the Gallery, had me looking in my ’Sea’ box full of fun charms, shells, & beads with an ocean theme. The sand dollar focal was purchased several years ago, and I had a sketch tucked in the bag of what I had in mind when I purchased it—yay! for that reminder. It turned out much like the original idea, but the mechanics of it where causing me a bit of trouble. I’m not sure if I’m happy with the coral silk--it was originally a hard connection, but that brought about its own problems. Do you think the silk detracts—should it stay or go?
I hope you all enjoy beach time this year & any cool treasures found lying in the sand. Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves rolling in & the sand between your toes!
Components:
Recycled Glass Sand Dollar focal (LB), Recycled glass chips 2 colors (LB), Czech coins (LB), coral, cupolini coral, pearls, peanut seeds, silk (LB), Nunn jumpring (LB), misc metal beads & findingsAdditional Images:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On May 12, 2022 at 6:33 pm #
Crystal Canary says:Sorry about the dark pictures! I was so excited to take my pictures outside in full light rather than from a southern window as has been the case all winter–it was such a sunny, warm day. I was messing around with the camera settings, and as you can see, I didn’t do the photos any favors. Maybe next time…..
On May 12, 2022 at 9:05 pm #
Robin nursechick says:Wowza Crystal-this is gorgeous! I love the sand dollar focal- this bracelet is one of your best! All your work is beautiful, but I love this. I like the coral silk- you’ve balanced it nicely with the coral pearl. The blue in the chips is so cool and soothing. You added all the right touches with charms and the selection of beads- love the addition of the coins (I can never figure out what to do with czech coins-they look awesome in your piece). And the fish clasp is perfect!
On May 12, 2022 at 9:30 pm #
Jogi says:Crystal, I love this bracelet!!!! All of it! The coral silk and the coral pearl work together with the rest of the piece. The sand dollar focal is too sweet! What a beautiful creation. I am so ready for the adventure!
On May 12, 2022 at 10:06 pm #
dolllady aka Pam says:I love everything in your bracelet! The colors are gorgeous for the beach look.
On May 13, 2022 at 12:54 am #
K Ralston says:Wow Crystal. What a work of art this bracelet is. I like the silk. It adds just another layer of interest. There’s so much to look at here. All beach inspired. The fish clasp is so cute. I am in love with the Czech coins. I haven’t bought many supplies for a while but I am going to take a look at what LB has in the way of Czech coins. This is really one of your best pieces.
On May 13, 2022 at 8:40 am #
Deb Harding says:WOW!! I totally love love love this Crystal. You know how much I love beach themed jewelry so this is just perfect. I really love how the white strand reflects the focal and also picks up the color of the adjacent czech strand.
Okay let me ask you a question about the Czech coins. Did you find that the holes were so small that the only stringing you could use was beading wire?? Because that is my dilemma. And I’m not very good a crimping.
On May 13, 2022 at 9:32 am #
kye says:Another CC beauty. I agree with Deb-I really like the way the white strand ties everything together. There is so much to admire here. Outstanding work as always.
On May 13, 2022 at 10:32 am #
sweetjane says:This just fantastic! Everting works so well together, to create a very beachy bracelet. You know I love the little piece of Coral silk….it’s perfect!
On May 13, 2022 at 11:30 am #
Fresh Baked says:What beachy glamour! Love the touch of pink silk.
On May 13, 2022 at 3:17 pm #
Crystal Canary says:Such nice comments–Thank you very much! It was encouraging to read all your kind words. I appreciate the feedback on the silk too.
**Deb, I know what you mean about the small holes on the Czech beads! This has been a thorn for me for years. I always want to incorporate them into designs, but it’s a challenge just because of this reason. The holes run about .8mm, although the newer ones say 1mm. With that size, stringing material can be quite limited. I’ve used C-Lon .4mm to pass back thru two times, but worry when I do because it’s so thin. With waxed linen, you have to use 4ply–which also makes me nervous as just a few beads can add up in weight, and with a lot of wear can become a problem. Czech beads are awesome, but to do more other than stringing on wire, one must have to be real creative. I don’t particularly like using wire in bracelets, but I guess if it’s flexible enough & not strung too tight, it will work. But using a natural material is my first & favorite choice. **I’d love to hear other people’s ideas on how to get around the the small holes in more natural-based designs with other stringing materials.**
On May 13, 2022 at 7:54 pm #
Robin nursechick says:Have you tried the 5mm polyester Linhasita wax cord? Try it and see if that works for you. They sell it on Etsy.
On May 14, 2022 at 7:15 am #
Deb Harding says:Thanks for that info Robin. I’m going to have to search for that. Never even heard of it.
Crystal I don’t really have much of a problem with most czech glass. Just those coins and a few others (all coin shaped or flat). No issues with cruellers, rondells, etc. I’ve tried bead reaming. Takes far too long. I use primarily S-lon or C-lon. I’ve also gotten some other waxed cording at Hobby Lobby but it is usually bigger than S-lon.
On May 14, 2022 at 10:13 am #
Crystal Canary says:Thanks for the tip Robin. I’ll also check online for the Linhasita cording. Using the C-Lon at .4mm & feeding in back through, I figure at least I’ve upped it to .8mm–the size of the hole. When the hole is ‘filled’, I guess that’s the best you can do.
On May 14, 2022 at 11:25 am #
Robin nursechick says:Linhasita wax cord is the only I use. They have hundreds of colors and sizes. I do keep extra wax when working with it- that keeps it a little stiffer as you go through tiny holes
On May 14, 2022 at 12:39 pm #
Beady Little Eyes says:So much to see in your bracelet. Love the array of beads and findings. I really like your use of the peanut beads. I also like the coral silk – looks like something that washed ashore.
On May 16, 2022 at 9:49 pm #
Little Round Chick says:Ditto to all of the above comments. This is one gorgeous bracelet!
On Jun 06, 2022 at 10:10 pm #
Original Barbie says:Great design. Thanks for sharing!
On Oct 27, 2022 at 7:42 pm #
Midge S says:Crystal, this bracelet is fantastic!! Love everything about it