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! ♥

Surprise Accomplished - Now I can tell you the story of the HOPE Beaded Brooch

Can I tell you how much I love to help surprise people?  Custom orders are always so much fun when the client gives me creative freedom.  In this particular case, a son-in-law came to me asking me to make something really special for his Mother-in-Law's 70th birthday.  Since it was a surprise, I couldn't share the story ... until now. 

Custom Beaded Brooch

Here was my "instructions" - she doesn't wear jewelry, but she's a breast cancer survivor and very proudly sports the pink ribbon whenever she can.  Maybe something like a pin would be perfect!

I mulled this over for some time... because when inspiration strikes, magic happens when I'm designing custom made jewelry.  When this design struck.... it was the perfect idea, at the perfect time.  Here's the note I sent with the beaded brooch to give to the MIL after she opened her gift:

"When I was commissioned to create your birthday present, I was also taking care of our oldest dog, Cody who was aging and injured at the same time.  Since I have no children, my dogs are my babies and they are truly treated as such.  So while taking care of Cody, I had worked on a few design ideas for your gift, but the “perfect” design just hadn’t come to me. 

While Cody’s health deteriorated, and my heart broke, it came to the day we had tosay our final goodbyes.  I was beside myself because I couldn’t do anything more to help him.  That morning I was cleaning and organizing like a wild woman.  I just didn’t know what else to do.  While I was organizing my desk and studio, I came across a pendant that sparkled so much I just knew I had to have it over a year ago.  At that time I had no idea why I needed it, but I just did.  Inspiration struck in that moment and the colors and sparkle said Gloria!  The perfect design idea came to me like a bolt of lightening.

From there I let the stones and crystals do all the talking.  The design came together like a mini work of art that I hope you truly enjoy.  It’s beautiful, made with love and shares the message of Hope!  I think my final gift from Cody was the inspiration to create the One-of-a-Kind gift for you.  I couldn’t be happier that it goes to someone who I’m told shines despite adversity and   continues to be the light of the family. 

Happy Birthday Gloria!  I hope this year brings you all the dreams and wishes you ask for and that you are surrounded more love than you could ever imagine!  I feel so very blessed to be able to share in your special day!"

And can I tell you, the e-mail I received after the party was nothing short of wonderful.  Honestly, I feel so lucky to have added such a special moment to such a special 70th birthday for this special woman.

"Hi Dear,

Here is a pic of Gloria in all her glory!!! It was an absolutely fabulous evening and the brooch you made her was perfect!! She loves it and has already received complements from people as she walks by them!! The letter you included was simply icing on a perfect cake....she will tell your story a million times....every time she wears the brooch..... Thank you Thank you Thank you for making such a unique gift for her......she'll always remember turning 70 with fondness....

 

Thanks to for your thoughtfulness in sending something for Jan.....you're truely a special lady....Chris is one lucky fella!!! Make sure he never forgets it!!! ;0)"

The Birthday Girl - 70 years young & glowing!

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If you would like to have a piece of custom made jewelry from Designs by Dawn Marie, contact Dawn to discuss your dream style.  Each piece of artistic jewelry is OOAK and made to order just for the recipient!  For handcrafted beaded jewelry that is ready to ship, visit Dawn's online store!