Beaded Cuff - A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

And yet this cuff needs more than a thousand words!  I created this cuff as a custom order for a client that just lights up the room!  The process of creating a custom order is priceless!

First we jumped on video chat so she could show me the exact outfit she's wearing for a special event.  Then we did measurements where I had her measure the exact size of her wrist with a tape measure so I could make sure it fit perfectly.

We then talked about the length of the necklace she wanted to wear and what her thoughts were that she wanted for these pieces.

There will be a necklace and earrings to complete the set, but they will be much simpler.  The dress is a vibrant geometric pattern in black & white with gold accents.  So the necklace is going to be long, featuring some gold chain, crystals and a few pearls.  In creating with a black/white/gold color scheme... I got the inspiration to add a pop of red.

So I first checked to make sure my client had red shoes to doll up that black & white dress.  Indeed she did because her shoe wardrobe is nearly as awesome as her jewelry wardrobe. ;) So a little pop of red to attract attention and the piece turned out great.

I have to share with you for this piece I used the COOLEST leather to back the cuff that I've ever seen.  It is a metallic gold genuine lambskin.  It is super soft, took a bit to stitch through as it is thicker than Ultrasuede but it really completed the look of luxury I was aiming for when I designed this cuff.

And because I'm a girl of glitter & sparkle, I ordered silver, fuschia and chocolate brown in the same awesome metallic finish!  Here's a link to where I ordered:  http://www.fashionleather.com/index.html

In addition, I did all my stitching on Nicole's Bead Backing!  If you haven't used NBB before, it's a stiff felt-like material that provides support for all the beads and objects you are stitching.  PLUS it comes in a whole variety of colors made to compliment your designs.  Beadwright: BEADING DAILY AND NICOLE'S BEADBACKING

 I love working on custom orders.  It makes each piece even more special being able to bring the clients personality into a one-of-a-kind design.  Truly, if you're looking for something really special - something you will pass down as an heirloom - then I'd love to chat with you about my art jewelry. 

Hope your day is filled with sparkle & inspiration!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Silver and Gold - Elegance and Oppulance in Beaded Jewelry

Have you seen it?  The bright shiny yellow gold finishes are all over this fall season and it looks like the trend will continue through the holidays!  It's been a long time since gold has been "in" as silver, antique silver and brass lent themselves to vintage inspired designs in the recent past. 

Recently I was inspired by a tutorial in Beadwork.  I usually flip through the magazine, get inspired and file it away with the rest of my jewelry magazines to take out when I'm having a lull of creativity.  However, I've been following their Beaded Bead series for their 15th anniversary and this one beaded bead popped off the page at me.  I thought what the heck I'd give it a try! 

I tried and I like!!!

I created 3 beaded beads for this necklace using the round beads as the inspiration for the color palette.  The rounds are black with silver and gold foil accents on them, lending perfectly to gold & silver netting for the beaded beads. 

I strung the necklace featuring pewter colored pearls, shiny gold rounds, some black faceted rondelles and a few bold, vintage gold beads for a little more va-voom!  The end result is a necklace that is super versatile, comfortable to wear and adds that splash of bling that I think every woman needs!

What's your "Must Have" in a design?  Is it a go-to color?  Are pearls in nearly all your pieces?  I know I bring Swarovski crystal in anywhere and everywhere I can because I really do thing every woman deserves to sparkle!  Follow me on Facebook for more inspired sparkles!

Hope your week is inspired!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

If you like this piece of custom designed artisan jewelry and would like something created just for you (or for someone that means a lot to you) now is the time to begin talking about Christmas gifts.  Drop me a message and we can discuss in more detail what you are looking for!  I just love creating a wearable work of art that perfectly depicts the person wearing it!

Custom Jewelry Order Spreads Happiness around the globe

It's amazing the reach of just one picture and the emotion it spreads.  Recently I finished a custom jewelry order.  What happened after sharing just one little picture shows just how much we can impact and make a difference to others.

The story goes something like this... a woman that knows I make jewelry was heading to a bead show with her friends.  She said if I pick up some beads, can you make me something with them.  Well Absolutely!!! I love bringing in someones personality into a design.

The beads she picked up were a great mix of turquoise, colored magnasite, red coral and some funky lampwork beads.  The colors were such a perfect mix for her vibrant personality I was instantly excited to make something with them.

Large Beaded Bead adapted from Beadwork, Small Beaded Bead adapted from Heather Collin's Anastasia tutorial

After discussing what she likes to wear for jewelry, I set out to make something truly special that showcased her personality to a T!

The necklace is a longggggggg necklace  - 42"-ish.  I wanted to incorporate the beads she selected with some seed bead work of my artisan hand.  I also wanted to make a pair of complimentary earrings because a piece this bold needed some WOW earrings to go along with it.

She received the set yesterday and the follow-up e-mail and voice mail she left me were really, really precious.  I'm thrilled she loved the design as it's what I see in her personality.  She's full of sparkle and shine and truly makes a difference in the lives of all of the people she interacts with!

My jewelry is out of this world! I love it! 

I love the way you write an email your passion oozes through!!!

Your work is so impressive and beautiful!!! I can’t wait to show my mom!

Mary Petersen, Keefe Real Estate, Inc - ABR, SRES,CHMS

www.sellinglakefronts.com

So when posting the picture of this set on Google+ imagine my delight as people started responding with "I agree, it makes me happy just looking at it" and "Absolutely uplifting and gorgeous work."  These coming from people locally all the way across the pond to South Africa!  The ripple effect stretches so much further than what we even realize... so my challenge for you today, do something that will make a difference again and again and again!

If you like this piece of custom designed artisan jewelry and would like something created just for you (or for someone that means a lot to you) now is the time to begin talking about Christmas gifts.  Drop me a message and we can discuss in more detail what you are looking for!  I just love creating a wearable work of art that perfectly depicts the person wearing it!

Dawn Doucette, Artisan

Have a terrific day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn