Something Blue

 It's Friday night and I haven't finished my craft for the week, so I'm sharing pictures of two bracelets I made for my sister, Carol, last week. 
Carol is a retired teacher who taught first grade for more than 35 years. She lives with her sweet cat, Emily Elizabeth, who shares her name with a character from the series of children's books about Clifford the Big Red Dog.  Carol's favorite color is blue and, when I found some pretty beads with blue flowers recently, I knew that I'd use them in a bracelet for her. The two bracelets are meant to compliment each other and were fun to make with glass beads and pretty findings. 

I'm still working on a chain maille bracelet for Carol, but the pattern is complicated, so it may take a while!! Sorry, Carol!! 

Byzantine Bracelet

Here's what I have accomplished lately - a chain maille bracelet that I started in a class a few months ago. It is made from sterling silver jump rings. There is nothing terribly creative about it - simply learn the pattern and how to handle jump rings.....OK, the truth: it was hard for me and, although I had learned the pattern in class, once I let it sit for awhile at home I was totally confused as to how to continue. Fortunately one of my creative friends, SooKhim, helped me to get back on the right track! And my good friend Andrea put it through her tumbler and out it came with a beautiful shine! Finished at last!!

Silver Clay Bracelet

Here is a gift I have just finished for my sister-in law's birthday. It is a bracelet with links fashioned from silver clay, separated by green glass beads lined with silver. I am not an expert at making jewelery, but I do enjoy working with the silver clay and creating a one-of-a-kind gift!

I found the toggle at our local bead store and thought it made a pretty addition. This is not the best photograph, taken under artificial light, but I had to get the bracelet packed up tonight so that I can get it in the mail first thing in the morning!

Silver Clay Beaded Necklace

Today I completed this necklace, gave it to my mom and felt wonderful to see how delighted she was with it. I had formed the pendant earlier from silver art clay, embossed the design and had it fired. Then I added it to a necklace I had beaded in some of her favorite colors.

This is a new addiction of mine - silver clay, that is. I've taken a couple of classes and intend to take more. My friend Andrea is a gem for exposing me to this and other new crafts. She's a great influence and a wonderful artisan. I have several talented friends whose work I am hoping to show on my blog in the near future.

Right now I am working on a paper quilt square which I'll soon have ready to post!