My Charitable Contribution

One of our local High Schools is having a silent auction as a fundraiser. While I don't have children, I know how important fund raisers were when I was in High School. Our booster club made so many donations to help our athletic program out and I feel very blessed to have been able to enjoy 4 great years of athletics... including a win at the State Championship in Women's Basketball.

So when asked if I'd donate a piece of my jewelry, my answer was ABSOLUTELY!!!

3-Piece Set - Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings

I wanted to design a piece that would be appealing to both the female students and the mothers of students. Because I have no idea who the highest bidder will be, whether they'll keep my design or give it as a gift, I wanted something that had mass appeal and versatility!


I chose to go with a black and silver theme with a slight oriental feel. The school colors are Scarlet & Silver, so I wanted a piece that would match the school colors and could be worn anytime...


Double Strand Bracelet with Diamond Cut Black & Silver Beads

So here's what I created - a matching 3-piece set; Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet. I can honestly say, I love it! I really hope that it brings in a great donation for the High School and that the winner loves it as much as I do!

I wrapped it in pretty packaging so the winner would fall in love.

My Latest Projects...

Some days you have inspiration... some days you have less. I've had a wonderfully inspired week thus far and wanted to share some of the pieces of jewelry I've completed. I'm still diligently working and practicing with wire crochet and I'm really pleased with how it's coming along. I made this choker that I call "PARTY!" out of some black artistic wire and multi-colored Rocailles.


I also had a request to do another piece in Turquoise and Amber. I have a wonderful woman that purchased a turquoise & amber wrap bracelet just before the holiday and she asked that I make a double strand necklace to match. So here's what the bracelet looked like and the necklace I designed to match.



Wherever your inspiration comes from... run with it. Don't let anybody blow out the candle of your dreams! When it comes to following your passion, I've read this book twice! It's a great read about turning your passion into ca$h!

My First Dance with Wire Crochet

What a fun little project I've been working on today. I saw a necklace on Etsy about a week ago that just really caught my eye. It was a combination of fine wire, beads and gorgeous color.

The seller said it was crocheted... I was fascinated. So I started on a mission to learn more about wire crochet. I've talked with other bloggers to find out of they taught themselves or which resources they used to learn.


As a kid, my grandmother taught me how to crochet dish rags. I can't tell you how many beautiful cotton yarn dish rags I made for my mom. While my life got busy and I gave up crocheting. Now 25 years later, I'm so excited now to be finding the hobby again. I'm still busy, but it's a different busy than when I was in school. My grandma will be so excited to see my wire crochet jewelry next time we get together and I feel so lucky to be able to share it with her.


I started with crochet thread and tried hooks of various sizes to see what it did to the pattern. I'm still fascinated. This is the first real piece of jewelry I've crocheted with wire and beads. It's a wide cuff bracelet and I'm tickled... I have a long way to go, don't get me wrong. But it turned out really, really cool.


So we'll see what other creations I can put together.

Here's one of the books that was recommended to me:

Under the Sea Necklace

What is it about sunshine that makes everybody happier? We've had 5 or 6 days with no sun, not one peak. So today when I woke up to blue sky and sunshine, my brain went, "Wow, it's going to be a great day!"

I can finally get some pictures of pieces I've made over the last week and the sun always makes them brighter!


Here's a necklace I made that reminds me of the sea... a tranquil beach vacation, under the warmth of the sun, slowly dipping your toes into the cool ocean water, smelling the salt from the ocean breeze. Ahhh, bliss!!!

The vibrant blue and teal swirls through the glass pendant are highlighted by the shimmering silver foil background. Blue and teal are colors that blend well no matter what the season... from fall sweaters to summer sundresses... this piece hangs beautifully around your neck.

Hope you are able to fully enjoy the sunshine today... I know I will! Have a beautiful day!

Spring, Chocolate & Jewelry

Click here to see this necklace in My Etsy Store!

Spring, Chocolate & Jewelry - Aren't those 3 of your favorite things? Well I love all three and that was my inspiration behind this beautiful pink & chocolate necklace. I love the first flowers - daffodils, tulips, hyacinth... all popping through the ground. I love the smell of brownies baking in the oven, or rich melty chocolate fudge dripping down my sundae. And Jewelry... well that speaks for itself to anybody who knows me. :)



So today as our high temps here in WI struggled to reach hmmmmm 8, yes that is eight, 8 degrees above zero and the wind was biting your cheeks and nose, I made a delicious pot of coffee and sat down to think warmer thoughts. Think of new growth, think of warming sunshine, think of the fawns we see in our woods every May/June. All those things put a wonderful smile on my face.

What spoke to me in creating this design was the soft pink of the pendant and glass beads warmed by the chocolate color of the accent beads. I love pink and brown as a color combination and think this piece really blends the two together beautifully!

Wherever you are, whatever the temperature is in your neighborhood... think spring and all wonderful new growth. Here's to warmer days, and a wonderful year!

Heart Jewelry - Just in time for Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day a little over a month away, people are pondering what to get their sweet heart... and of course we all know the theme for Valentine's is hearts, hearts, hearts. Well it's really about love, but the symbol we see plastered in all the media and advertisements is the heart.



Thus my inspiration for this piece. I saw the heart-shaped glass pendant and instantly knew it was meant to be in one of my creations. After trying numerous ideas, then going back to the drawing board, I decided I could use the beads as a simple backdrop to really showcase this beautiful glass dichronic glass pendant.



I have just posted this beautiful necklace for sale in my Etsy store and hope that some lucky woman can receive it as a gift for Valentine's Day. If you'd like to take a look at this beautiful heart necklace or any of my other jewelry, you can go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/dawnmd092979 and see all of my special creations!

I hope your New Year has started out wonderfully and that you find much love not just on Valentine's Day, but all year long!