Following My Wild Heart - Heading Toward a Dream

I'm on a wild kick lately...  lots of changes are happening in my life and my inner creative soul is being set free!  I've begun the process of truly following my dreams and listening to my intuition as a guide to help me.  And friends, let me tell you, this is a big, Big, BIG dream... like moving halfway across the country in search of sunshine to design the life I've been building toward for years!  YIKES!

So in spirit of allowing my soul to run free and to be present in all my feelings, emotions and decisions I decided this year to create something special for a few of my very dearest friends.  They are like sisters to me, so I wanted to give them something that will remind them how much I love and cherish them in my life no matter the distance between us!

The fun part is, I found these super great leopard cabochons when I was doing some homework at Hobby Lobby for Cousin Corporation of America... which also coincided with planning the amazing For the Love of Greg Spaghetti Dinner benefit we had last October.  It was a really crazy busy fall for me, so my creativity just wasn't jiving then... but these spoke to me and I knew they'd become something amazing!

I used a steel chain from Cousin Corp so it's hypoallergenic and super light weight!  I beaded the leopard print cabochons to create a delicious palette of chocolate browns, black with a pop of irridescent finishes!  I love how they turned out, my friends loved them and even better... they'll always have a piece of my heart no matter near or far! 

Spread love & joy!
~Hugs~
Dawn

P.S. Follow my journey on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry

Just Call Me Last Minute Lucy

I stand by the old saying that "I work better under pressure!"  And before you go any further, I now present you with the following earworm!  You're welcome! :)



For years (translation - my.entire.freaking.life) I used this as an excuse to procrastinate.  Because I loved sleep, often it won out over studying, writing term papers, cleaning (sleep is definitely better than cleaning) or doing whatever needed doing... because TOMORROW! :) Yes, I'll just get up early and get "it" done tomorrow...

Well over the last 2 weeks, I've pushed that whole "I work better under pressure" statement to the limit! I had 3 full days being a nearly-professional chauffeur taking Greg & my mom to doctors appointments... except without the tux because 80* and a tux, yeah, no thanks.  I launched a fundraising campaign to help raise funds for Greg as he continues to bravely fight brain cancer.  I also had a wedding to attend, clients to take care of and sleep... yes I needed some of that or nobody would like me anymore. Seriously, I pushed it to the point I thought I just might not get done what needed getting done.  And then I'd have some really disappointed people in my life and that just wasn't going to fly! 

And by what can only be classified as a miracle, I got done everything that needed my attention, I kept everybody happy and I even got sleep... and no, I'm not on crack or addicted to coffee (anymore... the coffee, not the crack.)

So I'm really excited to show you one of my two jewelry projects because it makes me feel all sorts of happy that I was able to get it finished and give it as a gift to my baby sister... who coincidentally got asked if we were twins when we took her kids for ice cream.  She rocked it at the wedding that she went to! (Fine Print, the second project I can't show you because it's for a big retailer and they are using it in their print ad this fall... so it would positively land me in bead jail. But I did post a sneak peak of the leopard print beads ;) on my Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry.com)

I used a titanium coated agate druzy, surrounded in aqua mirror beads from Cousin Corporation and finished with copper chain also from Cousin.  I made a dainty pair of earrings because Brenda doesn't like to have things pulling on her ears.  So these rose gold earrings from Cousin with a few mirror beads for dangles added a sparkle and she didn't even know she was wearing them!

So maybe this set did turn out awesome and just maybe I do work better under pressure... but let me tell you, creativity doesn't just come when you snap your fingers.  Actually quite the opposite, I have my best inspiration when I'm lying in bed in the middle of the night... and then I want to get up right.this.minute and start working on those projects.  Which leads to very early mornings and posting on Facebook at 3:30 a.m. And thus why I'm a recovering coffee addict...

Happy thoughts and love to you!
~Dawn

My sister Brenda and with her friend,the bride.

Turning My Beaded Art Jewelry Upside Down for a WOW Design

Jewelry Dilemma #87 - I've collected the coolest components for which I'm planning an extraordinary piece of jewelry.  I lay out the 3 main focals, get out a whole sheet tray (and then some) of beads, pearls, crystals and glass that just might fall into the design perfectly.  I start creating and everything is flowing beautifully. THEN I hit a brick wall... I need to back the pendant and figure out what the heck to do for the bail.  I'm thinking fringe off the bottom, but it's just not flowing right.  And back to that bail... what the heck was meant for this design?  Oy... creativity block kicks in big time!

Have you ever had the moment where you see a finished design in your mind's eye but the actual piece you're working on tells a different story?

So I put this piece aside... took a little trip, okay it was more than a little trip heading down to Florida to spend a week at the beach.  Just letting my soul feel the energy and love from the ocean and hoping to recharge my creative brain.  Letting the sun warm my skin as I claimed MY chaise lounge, ordered up some fruity drinks and watched the scenery go by... use your imagination! ;)

I came home determined to finish this f*@$&%g piece come hell or high water!  So I sat at my table, moved some beads around... the pendant stared back, giving me zero ideas.  Dawn, stand up & walk away.  So I did... for 3 days, then all of a sudden on a Sunday morning inspiration struck!  Holla!!!

Turn that piece upside down!  

It's not the first time I've done a 180 on a design and it always turns out better!  I have to agree with this piece.  It knew what it wanted... my brain was just a little too foggy to "get it!"  So the beach cleared things up and allowed my heart to listen to my art. 

The focals pair so well together in this piece!  I have to give props to my soul sister, Julianna Cannon - Julsbeads, for the amazing lampwork focal.  The druzy and arrowhead came from Cousin Corporation.  So did those super funky space rocks, mirror beads and nut & bolt toggle for the necklace!  The Cosmic collection of space age awesomeness is my favorite, favorite, favorite collection from Cousin!

As we're moving into summer, I have an amazing few pieces I'm starting of commissioned work.  One is another Tree of Life necklace similar to the design I created for myself.  I'm so excited to be working on that piece in particular because it continues to remind me and inspire me to stay true to who I really am.  Be rooted in my divine essence! 

Stay inspired and spread love my friends!
xo,
~Dawn

Everlasting Blue Danube - Featuring Pantone 2013 Spring Colors

Designed to showcase a few of this year's Pantone colors, I set out to design this legacy necklace around a special lampwork glass focal bead.

There's a story behind that bead...

A long, long time ago in the land of Delavan, I was mailed this focal bead.  It came from Princess Julianna Cannon (owner of JulsBeads).  Her instructions were, "This is an UAB (ugly ass bead) but rather than pitching it, I thought you might be able to do something to make it less ugly."

I saw the beauty in this glass focal immediately, and waited for the right opportunity to showcase it in all it's glory.

Everlasting Blue Danube by Dawn Doucette

Into the picture enters a design contest to showcase Pantone's 2013 colors and as luck would have it, this UAB fit 3 of this years colors!

I embellished the natural beauty of this focal by bringing in some gorgeous crystal rondelles and some round glass druks.  My favorite part of this piece (aside from the flower focal) is the fringe.  I wanted to create a fringe that resembled roots, so I used the vibrant spring green to create a funky, root-like fringe.

My piece was selected as a finalist in the Beadaholique design contest.  If you like my design, I'd really appreciate your vote.  Voting is open to the public through April 17th.  Click this link http://ow.ly/jX37w and "Like" the photo of my Everlasting Blue Danube in Facebook. 

The beauty within this flower formed of glass will carry out it's legacy forever.  It will always beautiful and it will always sparkle.  There's beauty all around us, it's up to each one of us to appreciate the small things and see that beauty. 

 {Hugs!}
Dawn

What is Art?

Art is evident in our world in many forms.  Art can be a painting or a sculpture.  Art can be photography or music.  Art can be movement and dance.  Art can take any form your mind can dream up.  

Art tells a story, whether in words, sounds, movements or feelings.  This piece was inspired by my heart and the feelings that are in it.  The focal is a lampwork glass work of art created by my dear friend Juls - JulsBeads.  I've had it in for a year (or 3) and loved it, loved the colors, but hadn't captured it's story. 

Until last week... and then it sang to me.  And I created it. 

I brought in shades of soft lavendar with Swarovski violet opal crystals, a rich amethyst and elegant turquoise.  I was even able to pull in Pantone's 2013 color of the year "Emerald" using blue zircon crystals. The necklace is finished with a few vintage inspired faceted glass beads and luxurious amethyst pearls. 

What's singing to you this week?  Are you working with black & gold or are you playing in green for St. Patrick's day!

Stay inspired~
Dawn

Creating a Custom Order and getting Christmas Requests

Yes, it's not yet Halloween, but can I tell you how much I love people that plan in advance to give really special gifts for the holidays?  Indeed I have started taking holiday custom orders.  I am honored to create something so special for their loved ones!  Now that's all I'm going to say about that because Shhhhhh, the rest is a secret!

And now for a piece of custom made jewelry I can share...

I was commissioned to design a piece to adorn a particular dress.  I skyped with my client so I could see the dress on her and get a feel for what style would work best with the dress.  Her dress was a vibrant shade of coral - bordering on deep orange depending on the lighting.  It has a deep v-neckline and shiny gold accents!  GOLD... are you seeing it everywhere this season?  I am seeing bright yellow gold making a come back in everything from belts to jewelry and purses.

I was excited to play in the yellow gold world for a first time in a long time!

This neckwire is PERFECT for the V-neckline of the dress... I was so excited to find it the wheels just started turning!  So I used Swarovski crystals in the Padparadascha shade (say that one 10 times fast) along with turquoise accents.  I just love that pairing together!

The finished product is elegant, sparkly and on trend with the gold theme that's en-vogue for this fall!  And even more special is that it is the PERFECT compliment for my wonderful client.  What other trends are you seeing?

{Hugs!}
Dawn

P.S. If you'd like a piece of custom made jewelry designed for yourself or to give as a gift, contact me via my website:  http://www.DesignsByDawnMarie.com or on my Designs by Dawn Marie Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/DesignsByDawnMarie.  I'm happy to work with you to make something really special that can be worn countless times and passed down as your legacy to your children or grandchildren!

Jewelry Repair - From Broken to Beautiful With an Extra dose of WOW added

For people that know I create jewelry, I often get those phone calls, e-mails and pleas for help to fix pieces that they've purchased or been given that have broken. 

Before - Broken Strand of Freshwater Rice Pearls

One jewelry repair I received recently was from a sweetheart of a woman that works with Chris (we'll call her E.J.)  She had a strand of pearls her daughter gave her years ago.  It broke and has been in her jewelry box for a couple of years now.  So she asked if I could shorten it and do "something maybe earrings" with the extra pearls.

The strand was on a cotton thread, so with time anything on cotton thread will wear through.  I did shorten the necklace, used a lobster claw clasp and an extender chain to give her flexibility in the length she wanted to wear the necklace at.

I also made a pendant that could be removed if E.J. wanted to wear just the chain.  The pendant is bead embroidered using a quartz stone I already had, the adding the pearls as embellishment. 

The quartz has a special significance or meaning.  I know some of my dear friends can add on to the description I've found, but I really love the fact it enhances the human energy.

"Crystal is a common stone, but a powerful one. It is mainly used in healing as amplification for the energies of the other working stones. In healing, the crystal point is best and the size can be important.

For meditating the crystal ball or point can be used. As it is a powerful stone the user should experiment with each to find what is best for him. The Quartz Crystal has a similar vibration as humans. This is why using Crystal to meditate and keeping a Crystal helps one to know oneself. It will sometimes not work for a negative person." ~http://crystal-cure.com/crystalgem.html

Because I have a thing about having matching sets, I also used the additional pearls to make a pair of earrings.  Creating a grouping effect, much like a bunch of grapes, I wire wrapped each pearl and attached them to a length of chain.  They dangle perfectly and can be worn as regular, daily jewelry. 

I delivered the set in person yesterday so I could see E.J.s face when she opened them.  To say she was thrilled was an understatement.  Her excitement about something new created from something old was priceless.  I treasure opportunities like this - to breathe life into something so special that it will continue to live on and make people smile!

What's old is new again!  
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Black and White Classic Bead Embroidery

What's Black and White and Worn All Over... this bead embroidered necklace!

Well it will be worn all over by whomever says they've gotta have it!  I just listed this piece in my Etsy Shop.  After making my sister's wedding veil, I felt like I was staring into a blizzard... which was a bit too much white on white for my eyes.  But since I had all my white seed beads already out... I thought I might as well use them rather than just put the beads away.

I know (insert brilliant Ah Ha! here) I'll use black and white to make something totally dramatic in design.

Available in my Online Store and my Etsy Shop!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100341255/seashell-filigree-black-and-white-bead

And away I did bead.  This necklace worked up beautifully.  The contrast was very striking and the way that each element added a new texture or shape really helped make the pendant something special.

Sometimes found objects make the most interesting impact on the pendant.  See the seashell in the lower right side of the pendant.  We used those as bingo markers for Bridal Bingo at my sisters shower a few weekends back.  It transformed from "Free Space" to "HOLY Cow, I want that in my space!" :o)

I also love the way the glass cabochon is bezeled.  Once I finished the bezel, I pulled out my little 3mm Swarovski Sequins (also known as Lochrosen or #5128 from Fusionbeads.com) and used them to embellish the gunmetal delicas.  SO if I were a professional photographer (which I'm not) you would totally see how sparkly this pendant is.  For those that have worked with the Swarovski sequins... I know you're drooling right now!

Classic & Elegant, I'm sure this piece will strike a chord with many.  But only one lucky person can own this beauty... it's a One-of-a-Kind Designs by Dawn Marie original!

Hope you have a fantastic day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Bead Embroidered Necklace in Red and Gold

When I saw the bead that I used as the focal for this bead embroidered necklace, I had one person in mind that the reminded me of.  The bead had a slight oriental flair.  The gold foil added a great metallic finish around the edge and in the texture of the bead. 

I don't often work in gold finishes as I personally wear more of the silver family (gunmetal, antique silver) finishes in my jewelry.  But this focal called for gold, so gold it got! 

I finished the custom beaded necklace with a 3mm red crystal picot style edging.  The end project has class, sparkles like the dickens and showcases that metallic gold finish for a pendant that is very versatile!

This weekend I attended a women's retreat at the Geneva Inn in Lake Geneva, WI.  We discussed everything from time management and knowing your true financial picture to dealing with the "stuff" we all carry to making cooking and eating healthier much easier. 

I took a few golden nuggets from the cooking/eating healthier discussion we had with Kristin Arnett, a Holistic Nutrition Consultant .  First, let me preface this by saying I don't dislike vegetables (with the exception of onions for which we share a mutual dislike of each other).  My challenge is A. I don't like to prepare vegetables.... it takes way too much time at meal time when I'm starving and B. I get BORED with vegetables.  I feel like I get the same peas, broccoli, beans and I steam them and it gets old.  I also like salads which are a great way to get good produce into the body... if you make the right choices on dressing. 

But anyhow back to the golden nugget... the nutritionist shared her "secret" to get more vegetables into our diet since on weeknights when our kids are coming home from school, hubbies are coming home from work and we ourselves are wrapping up our business for the day.  She make a vegetable "compote" for lack of a better word with a weeks worth of veggies at one time.  (Her vegetable medley had peppers in all colors, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, kale, onions which I won't use and anything else that is in season.)  Then she keeps it in her fridge and adds it to each dish she's preparing.  She simply sautes the veggies in a little olive oil or grapeseed oil and puts them in a glass dish to hang out in the refrigerator so she can use them scoop by scoop.  Now THAT makes sense to me!

She also does this with her brown rice and quinoa as well.  It takes the 45 minutes out of cooking time it would take to make that brown rice.  Brilliant?  I think so!  I have to do my grocery shopping today so I'm going to give the vegetable medley a try and see how I do for a week.  We received a whole week worth of recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner so I'm excited to try new things.  She even had kale in her vegetable compote and it was delicious. 

The dishes she prepared were fast, delicious and huge portion sizes and under 400 calories per serving because vegetables are low calories.  Now how awesome is that?  If you want to check out her tips her website is currently being developed so she will be adding many more resources and terrific content.  http://www.KristinsHolisticKitchen.com She's a gem of a woman, a great mom and she made some awesome HEALTHY food... who would have thought?

I feel more energized this morning than I have in a long time (especially on a Monday) so I'm going to take a walk, work on photos of the black & white piece I started last week and see what this day has in store for me!

Hope your week is fantastic!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Featured in Great Finds Fiesta of Handmade Contest

Chitralekah - Bead Embroidered Necklace

Every week Anne with Made for me by Oaklie puts together a collection (similar to a treasury but it's outside of Etsy) of great artisan created items that match a theme.  This week the theme is "Fiesta for Handmade!" Anne is featuring all different colors of handmade items.

Anne was kind enough to feature my Chitralekah necklace.  You can read more about how I named her Chitralekah in my Etsy store:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/82179405/bead-embroidery-necklace-turquoise-and .  Chitralekah combines turquoise, petrified wood and magnesite with a variety of seed beads in a 3-stone pendant.  It's a beautiful necklace and I'm just tickled to have it featured.  To view all the entries and cast your vote (the poll is on the right side of her blog about 1/2 way down the page) visit: http://madeformebyoaklie.com/greatfinds.html

Thanks for the feature Anne!  I appreciate it!  Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Purple - Violet - Blue-Violet - Lavendar - Violet-Blue - The One Crayon Color Challenge Blog Hop

Did you ever wonder why Crayola made violet-blue AND blue-violet crayons?  Sounded redundant when I was 3, now 30 years later I get it... more of blue, less of violet... or more violet, less blue.  But through the eyes of men according to a recent photo I saw posted in Facebook, all they see is one color - PURPLE!

I love a good challenge and today we're sharing a challenge put together by the very talented artisan, Sally Russick of The Studio Sublime!  The idea of the One Crayon Color Challenge was to create something using just 1 color... doesn't matter how hard or soft you press on that crayon, you get multiple shades of that color.  The end result a monochromatic work of art!

Alas, I pick.... PURPLE! (If you know me, insert cheesy grin here) ☺

Because I lurve purple so much... I couldn't stop at 1 piece... I did 2 (Fozzy Bear wokka, wokka, wokka!)

I created 2 bead embroidered necklaces.  The first is a necklace made of two components.  The top features a crazy purple agate, and the bottom is an amethyst.  It's a sheer coincidence that both stones start with "A" honestly... my type A part of the brain didn't plan that, for real.  I used Nicole's Bead Backing in dark purple because I wanted everything to be matchy matchy too... yes, that was Mrs. Type A speaking.

The second necklace I made turned out to be like a color canvas.  I wasn't sure what the finished project was going to look like when I started... I just laid all my purples on a cookie sheet and put it together one bead at a time.  The glass cabochon featuring the butterfly was created by my good friend Sandy Spivey with Glass Art Cabochons.  I used black goldstone, amethyst beads, purple magnesite (from Happy Mango Beads) and a funky vintage cabochon.  Using primarily Miyuki 15/0 seed beads I brought in all different shades and finishes of purple to make this monochromatic masterpiece pop!

The necklace itself is comprised of purple magnesite, black goldstone and amethyst beads.  It's finished with chain and a lobster claw clasp for adjustable wear from 19" - 22"!

The Purple Butterfly is Available for Sale.

$200 USD

What a very fun challenge this was!  Like I said, I lurve purple... so any excuse you give me to play with it... I'm in heaven!  Now why don't you slide down the rainbow and stop over to visit many other talented artists!  Have a terrific weekend!
{Hugs!}

Dawn

Hosted by:
Sally Russick http://thestudiosublime.com

Purple

Tracy Mok http://bumblebeadsdesigns.blogspot.com

Jennifer Judd Velasquez http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com

Marti Conrad http://marticsclay.blogspot.com

Lori Anderson http://prettythingsblog.com

Donna Bradley http://strandedbeads.blogspot.com

Courtney Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com

Linda Younkman http://lindysdesigns.blogspot.com

Susan Kennedy http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Lisa Liddy http://Lisaliddy.wordpress.com

Tracy Stillman http://www.tracystillmandesigns.com

Dawn Doucette http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com <-- YOU ARE HERE

Blue

Cherie Reed http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Rebecca Anderson http://songbeads.blogspot.com

Hope Smitherman http://craftyhope.blogspot.com

Patti Vanderbloemen http://myaddictionshandcrafted.blogspot.com

Michelle Buettner http://MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com

Alicia Marinache http://allprettythings.ca

Charissa Sloper http://blog.obsidiansoda.com

Sonya Stille http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com

Maria Grimes http://mariagrimes.blogspot.com

Nancy Saccoccio http://risingdesigns.blogspot.com

Sandi Volpe http://sandivolpe.com

Joanne Tinley http://daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com

Catherine Pruitt http://boobeads.blogspot.com

Green

Mary Harding http://maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com

Karin Gilman http://www.qaygee.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Lorelei Eurto http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com

Melissa Meman http://melissameman.blogspot.com

Alice Peterson http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com

Jenny Davies Reazor http://www.jdaviesreazor.com

Cynthia Machata http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Melissa Essenburg http://chinookdesigns.blogspot.com

Regina Santerre http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com

Lauren Streets http://ornthoughts.wordpress.com

Elizabeth Auld http://beadsforbusygals.com

Yellow

Jennifer Justman http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com

Rose Brisson http://ahteesblog.blogspot.com

Kim Bender http://www.kimmykats.com/

Heather Powers http://humblebeads.blogspot.com

Shelly Joyce http://www.aujourlejour-shelly.blogspot.com

Orange

Linda Landig http://LindasBeadBlog.com

Cherrie Fick http://designsinthelight.com

Beth McLarnan http://threetrees-art.blogspot.com

Cece Cormier http://thebeadingyogini.com

Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Tanya Goodwin http://pixiloo.blogspot.com

Jean Welles http://jeanawells.blogspot.com

Amy Severino http://amybeads.blogspot.com

Rebekah Payne http://treewingsstudio.com

Lola Surwillo http://.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

Judy Turner http://silver-rains.blogspot.com

Red

Therese Frank http://theresestreasures59.blogspot.com

Rochelle Brisson http://acreativechelle.blogspot.com

Lisa Lodge http://pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com

Malin de Koning http://beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.com

Bobbie Rafferty http://beadsong.blogspot.com

Brown

Diana Ptaszynski http://suburbangirlstudio.com

Shannon Chomanczuk http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/

Janice Everett http://JLynnJewels.blogspot.com

Karen Williams http://Baublicious.blogspot.com

Black

Kashmira Patel http://sadafulee.blogspot.com

Heidi Post http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.com/

Lejonklou http://lejonklou.blogspot.com/

Holly Westfall http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

Karin Slaton http://backstorybeads.blogspot.com

Hot Sets - yes, with a T

I love a good hot set... of jewelry.  Holy cow, slow down your reading, I know what you were thinking. :o)  Because I have a gremlin in my brain.  There, I admitted it. 

My gremlin tells me when I finish a necklace, "Don't you want earrings to go with that."  And of course my inner soul is all "matchy, matchy Dawn."  So really, there was no choice left but to make earring to go with the Eternal Growth bead embroidered necklace I showcased last week. 

Earrings Designed with 15/0 Miyuki and Delica Seed Beads

I wanted the earrings to be more simplified, allowing the necklace to be the star of the show.  Since the necklace has such a beautiful focal and all that wild and crazy fringe, I made the earrings less of a show stopper and more of a supporting actress style.

I used the Tropical Berry Nicole's Bead Backing again, and this time, I created a tear drop shape allowing the bead backing to show through.  It's the perfect compliment to the beadwork, so it was a great opportunity to let my colors show - literally! 

Originally, I was going to hang them the other way from the ear wires, so the larger part was on top and it tapered down.  But to me, it just didn't look right... so upside down they went and I think they have a much better flow.  No fringe... although I did fight with my inner goddess urge to make them dance with a wild and crazy fringe.  I had to tame her down reminding her these are supporting actresses for the main show... the necklace.

Turquoise colored focal bead is 8mm

Hope you like!  Hope you check out Nicole's Bead Backing too because it's really just the best!  No dye, no mess and LOTS of colors!  When in doubt, I love her Dove Grey which really lets the beadwork pop, but it doesn't contrast like stark white LSS does when it peeks through!  If you've never done bead embroidery before, Nicole also has authored a book called "Flatwork Beading Techniques from old to new Elegance in Tradition."  You can scoop that up in her store too!

Have a fantastic day! 
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Hot Tropical Berry - You have GOT to See The New Nicole's Bead Backing

Before we go any further, I have to give you a disclaimer:  When I'm making bead embroidered jewelry, I have a thing for matchy matchy.  Meaning all those tiny little finishing details kind of a big deal for me.  Between seeing the thread and the bead backing, I like things to look aesthetically finished to anybody's eye.

That's why I first tried Nicole's beadbacking.  (that and I couldn't stand the whole picking of frizzies from the LSS from multiple passes with the needle after the piece was completed.)  I had created a bead embroidered necklace in blacks & grays on LSS and when it was done, the itty bitty bits of white that were left stuck out like a sore thumb.  It drove me crazy, and I knew there had to be a better way.  I mean sure, I could dye it and then spill all over my counter, stain my thumbs and have dogs licking up Rit dye, but that would be supremely bad.

Enter into my life Nicole Campanella whom you might know as The Beadwright.  Nicole has been doing traditional beading longer than I've been alive.  Her experience in all different types of designing led her to creating her own line of Nicole's Bead Backing.  I love the fact Nicole's Bead Backing comes in a whole host of colors... which is why I'm sharing this post with you.

I saw Nicole's 2 newest shades Tropical Berry and Kermit the Frog... no not Kermit, but it is called Chartreuse Shine and I was immediately drooling.  I began seeing vibrant flowers, fruity drinks and yet, Kermit & Ms. Piggy did pop into my brain.  The colors are very vibrant and when put together I think even the angels in heaven are singing because they are gorgeous!

If you create bead embroidered jewelry, or you are contemplating trying, you have to give NBB a try.  She has a sampler pack that includes all of her color options - including the 2 newest options - so you can try something new without breaking the bank.

I created this piece using Nicole's Bead Backing in Tropical Berry.  I like how the vibrant pink edges the design.  It makes the pressed flower pop and adds that summer feel.  The necklace chain was created by braiding Softflex Beading wire with teal fire-polished Czech Glass crystals.

Now, Nicole has a birthday coming up, another anniversary of her 29th birthday last I checked.  You can give yourself and Nicole a present by trying her newest colors of bead backing.  You'll smile the minute you open the package because these colors just exude happiness.

Connect with Nicole online:

Blog:  http://beadwright.blogspot.com

Website:  http://nicolecampanella.com/

Etsy Store:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadwright

Bead Embroidery as an art form has given my creative soul the ability to dance!  Just letting the artwork talk has provided me with so many ah ha moments in the last year!  I encourage you to step out of your box and try something new.  You just might really like it!

{Hugs}
Dawn

This Bead Embroidered Necklace has Gone to the Dogs!

No really, my bead embroidered necklace really is going to the dogs, or rather FOR the dogs!  

Our local humane society (Lakeland Animal Shelter) is having a big charity dinner.  At the dinner they are hosting a silent auction of all sorts of items to help raise funds for our furry friends that don't have a voice for themselves.  When I first heard of the dinner and silent auction I felt compelled to participate.

Right now the shelter is much too small for the amounts of animals that need help.  Even with the help of foster homes, there seems to be more animals than beds at the inn.  Recently the shelter acquired additional land adjacent to their current facility.  The goal is to raise the funds to build a much larger shelter with a special surgery room for any medical treatment the animals need when they come into the shelter. 

In my effort to help, I raise my tools (pliers and sewing needles) and make something special just for our furry friends.  You see, all of our dogs have been rescue dogs.  Cody actually was adopted from Lakeland as he was supposed to be a hunting dog and was afraid of anything that went boom.  Brandi we got from the Springer Rescue (ESRA) after her prior owner passed away and his family no longer wanted her.  Bella adopted us... enough said.  So I know how important it is to these "unwanted" dogs (and cats too) to find a home that appreciates their quirks and nuances and loves them unconditionally no matter what! 

This necklace features a custom designed focal created by Sandy Spivey.  I've ordered from Sandy's Etsy store in the past on a referral from a friend and was so pleased with her quality that I knew she would be the perfect one to take on my "special project."  I asked Sandy to custom design several cabochons with each of my dogs featured.  We had a blast trying to get just the right pictures and I'm so very happy with how they all turned out.  Just wait until you see what else I design with my babies!

The photo I chose to feature of Brandi is on her 12th birthday!  I must say, she's a looker - especially for being her age.  She's in beautiful health and just the picture perfect image of a dream dog that once found herself homeless. 

I used shades of rich chocolate brown and white to really make the photo of Brandi stand out.  For the necklace I used a strand of beautiful, elegant pearls accented with Swarovski crystals.  The piece is finished with antiqued copper chain and a lobster claw because I just don't know who the winner will be, so I wanted to make the necklace versatile and adjustable.

This necklace and many more great items will be up for auction at the Lakeland Animal Shelter - Second Chances Charity Dinner on May 4th.  If you are local in Southeast Wisconsin or Northern Illinois, the dinner is going to be hosted by The Abbey Resort and Spa in Fontana.  For information about the Second Chances Charity dinner, or to see how you can help visit the Lakeland Animal Shelter's Facebook page at:  http://www.facebook.com/LakelandAnimalShelter.

This piece is near and dear to my heart.  My Brandi has been with me through so much and I just cherish her.  All the volunteers that donate countless hours to help socialize and find homes for the animals that can't speak for themselves are truly priceless.  I think you are all angels on earth!  I'll be dropping off my donation in the next day or two and hope that the dinner attendees bid high and bid often to raise funds for this great cause!

I hope your day is full of love and joy!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

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Dawn Doucette is an international jewelry artisan that creates one-of-a-kind art jewelry out of her studio in Lake Geneva, WI.  Each piece Dawn makes is truly unique and takes countless hours designing and creating.  Each bead is hand stitched, then the pendant is professionally backed with a soft Ultrasuede for utmost comfort of the customer.  Dawn specializes in custom designs that brings your dreams into a real, tangible piece of art jewelry you can pass down from generation to generation.  Find Dawn online at:  http://www.DesignsbyDawnMarie.com

Worlds Apart - The Tale of a Bead Embroidered Necklace

When you're looking at art, you know that to the artist that created the piece, every piece tells it's own story.  No matter the place or time, the inspiration that started that design was something special to the artist.

Worlds Apart for me is exactly that.  Throughout the process of the move I knew two things.  1.  Nobody was going to touch my studio.  I knew I was going to have to organize, pack, unpack and organize again at my own pace.  2.  If I was going to focus in order to get the rest of our house packed, I knew I needed to pack the studio sooner than later.  Which lead to #3.... I would be without my beads for at least 2-3 weeks.

What, 3 weeks without beads???  Am I crazy???  (Hey, at least I didn't do away with coffee in that time frame too!)

Week 1 was very productive... packing, organizing, taking things to Goodwill.  Week #2 I started to go a little crazy and by week 3 I was ready to lick the Miyuki right off that seed bead.  Okay, maybe that's a little exaggerated, but I was going through withdrawls.  So when the opportunity arose that I had a little extra time, and some brand new shades of Nicole's Beadbacking that I wanted to play with, I "allowed" myself to sit down and create - in my new studio.

I created this piece a little at a time whenever the stress of the move really got to me.  I'd bring a van load of tubs over to the new house, unpack the contents, then sit in my new studio and listen to the beads.  It brought me such peace as I was making it. 

This piece is called Worlds Apart for a couple of different reasons.  The obvious is that the focal resembles a globe.  Being in purple and green it represents passion and growth, two feelings I really experienced in the process of finding a new home and moving.  The other reason Worlds Apart fits this piece so perfectly has to do with the timing of it's design.

Our old home was a classic, early 1900's Victorian.  It was a large 2 story with winding staircases, no air conditioning, and cable... well, we had to "create" our own wiring for tv in the bedroom.  Our new home is a contemporary ranch.  It's fairly new with the open concept design.  The windows are all high efficiency, we have central air and cable in all the rooms.  The basement is finished (great for Chris' man cave) and it's 180 degrees opposite from our old home.

Hence "Worlds Apart" for the name of this beaded design.  Leaving what we knew and had become very familiar with for a new, unknown yet equally welcoming home.  We're in a place now that we truly appreciate the simple things.  Less maintenance means more time being with those we love and doing the things we love.  No stairs are so important to our aging Springer.  She's acting like a kid again because all the windows are eye level for her.  Puppy Dog Delight!

So this bead embroidered necklace was my first creation in my new studio.  The lighting is beautiful, the windows just beg the sun to shine in and my creative heart is all fluttery with love and happiness.  May your day be filled with delightful adventures too!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Worlds Apart is available in my Etsy store.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/95747906/worlds-apart-bead-embroidered-necklace It's the perfect necklace for spring and summer because the colors are so vivid.  If you'd like to have a one of a kind piece of jewelry made just for you, feel free to e-mail me and I will work with you to turn your dream design into a reality!