Beading with Cabochons

For me, cabochons create the basis for each of my custom jewelry designs.  The fun part is selecting which cabochons to use, which pair well together and create the desired look you want.  What I love about working with cabochons is that you can work with gemstones, crystals, art glass, clay and pretty much anything that doesn't have a hole!  I've used seashells, bottle caps, rocks (from the first walk as husband & wife).  Because of how I create my custom designed jewelry, I can work most any object into a design.

In the past, I've used cabochons to create detailed, magnificent cuffs and earrings.  I'll share a few photos of some of my favorite works in a little bit.  But for this challenge, I was inspired by the colors of fall.  The weather in Lake Geneva, WI where I live is turning a bit nippy.  While the leaves aren't changing yet, give it two weeks and they will be.

Apple & pumpkin season are in full bloom.  We're getting excited about having a fire in the fireplace.  Football is on all weekend long - and yes, I'm one of those women that love football!  Go Badgers!  So for this challenge, I chose a pair of jasper cabochons that showcase a beautiful palette of burgundy and gold.  I used the natural veining in the jasper cabochons and the natural coloring as the foundation for the design.

Now if you ask any college aficionado (or more specifically my hilarious, football-loving brother) I designed these earrings inspired by Florida State University - the college of Deion Sanders, one of his idols. Or if you ask my mom, surely I chose this elegant, luxurious color palette in honor of her beloved San Francisco 49er's.  Either way, everybody is happy and that makes me smile!

I have to thank Sally Russick who organized an incredible group of artisans that are all working with cabochons for this challenge.  Some have never used cabochons, others are old pros. Either way, please take a moment to visit Sally's blog where you'll be able to connect with all the participants!

Click here to visit Sally's blog!

And for further inspiration, here are some of my favorite designs I've created with cabochons!  Many were custom orders and received with squeals of happiness and joy as the women opened their boxes.  If you live in or around the San Diego area, I'd like to invite you to an event I'm participating in October 10-12th as my VIP guest!  Linda P. Jones' Be Wealthy & Smart Intensive is going to be an incredible event.  If you're looking for a sound plan to create the income and type of lifestyle you want to live, then touch base with me about this event.  It'll be at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, and I can tell you having been there last year, it's an amazing experience!

Let's connect on Facebook!

Have a terrific day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

And of course... the necklace inspired by my small town, Lake Geneva Wisconsin... With cabochons, the design possibilities are infinite! ♥

Winner Winner - Chicken Dinner - or how about earrings instead

Earrings... how did we get from Chicken dinner to earrings?  Heck, I don't know... it just sounded good.  But what I DO know is that I've got 2 winners for Designs by Dawn Marie Earrings!

Last week I did a dual blog giveaway with my good friend Sky Purington.  I was giving away a pair of earrings on each of our blogs as part of her "What Every Woman Wants" Christmas giveaway.  So without further adieu, here's the winners.

On Sky's blog, I created these great turquoise magnesite and chocolate wire earrings.  The winner of these earrings is Veronica Scott! 

On my blog, I gave away a pair of custom earrings featuring some gorgeous artisan lampwork beads by my good friend Juli Cannon of Julsbeads.  The winner of these fabulous earrings is Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati.

Ladies, send me your mailing addresses and I'll get these right out to you!

Thanks to all who participated!  I love meeting new people and I've met some wonderful jewelry lovers with this giveaway!  Hope you wrap up 2011 in grand style!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Blogmania is This Weekend!

Earlier this week I blogged about a very special necklace I had created with turquoise and petrified wood, Chitralekha was her name.  To complete the look, I made some fun, beaded dangle earrings.  The earrings use some vintage czech glass button beads and I've embroidered around them with seed beads.  I added fringe for fun with turquoise chips dangling off the bottom.  They are a great compliment and were so fun to make! 

This weekend is Blogmania - a HUGE bloghop giveaway.  I am unable to participate this round due to some personal circumstances.  However, I want you to win a boatload of prizes.  So if you're interested in hopping around to all of the Blogmania blogs - and let me tell you, "boatload" is not a dingy.  :o)  It's like the USS Alabama + the Love Boat combined (Nearly $15K and growing!)  You can hop from blog to blog, checking out their prizes and entering to win what you wish. 

To start the party, I want to refer you to Bree's blog.  http://breebee.com/  Bree has done a ton of work to organize all the bloggers and prize sponsors for the giveaways.  The party starts at midnight tonight and runs through the entire weekend.  From Bree's blog, you'll be able to enter her giveaway and she will have links to every other blog participant!  So hop around, and enjoy meeting new bloggers!

I hope your weekend is superb!  Thanks so much for visiting with me this Friday!
{Hugs!}