The Champagne and Diamonds series continues to evolve and grow.  I have more ideas than time to get everything made.  This single drop pendant is one of my favorites.  I was able to use Peyote stitch, Ndbele, and Netting. 

 The Swarovski Rivoli’s continue to amaze me, and I have had a great response to them.  I will be making several donation pieces using them.  I know they will be a hit! 

Several members of my EGA chapter have asked me to teach this technique, so I am also in the process of developing a class. 

Now I just have to begin working on a bracelet.  I have the earrings done, at least one variation. 

When I think how bored I used to get doing the same thing over again, I have to laugh!

Thank you, JA, for pushing me to be more and better.

One common piece of advice to artists that floats to the surface periodically is “work in series”. I haven’t really done that till now. In testing new techniques and products, I haven’t ever developed a cohesive grouping either of quilts or pieces of jewelry.  Too repetitious!

Times do change, and I have honed in on what I love to do.  So a series is born. 

I have begun to develop a collection called Champagne and Diamonds.  This is a photo of the prototype on which all the pieces in the collection will be based.  Click on the photo and you will see a larger image.

Rivolis are the hot item in the beading world. Swarovski makes a wide variety of colors and a more limited number of sizes.  They are crystals which are domed front and back.  They are similar to cabochons because they do not have holes for stringing.  They must be either glued to a base or encased in beadwork.

I took some with me to the EGA seminar in Chicago and began to work with them.  The particular peyote encasement that I have used is one that I learned many years ago from a friend in my hometown beading group.  At the time, I was gluing my cabochons to ultrasuede and didn’t see the need for this technique.  I took the class anyway and filed it away in my memory banks. And now I am glad I did. 

After encasing the Rivolis, I netted around them and then attached them to each other and made a strap with a toggle clasp.  It was so beautiful that I have been continuing with it and have ideas for many, many pieces of jewelry.  I hope to have some show up in my jewelry gallery (with better photos) in time for Christmas.

I have used 24 and 22 kt gold plated beads.  The are beyond expensive but the look they give is well worth it.

Yesterday I made this component.  I need to have a fancy line of jewelry ready for a gallery that represents me.  The pieces are due on Monday.  I won’t have large necklaces, but I should be able to get some necklaces and earrings done using this pendant. I hung it on the gold chain shown here.  It looks wonderful.

However, I don’t want to part with my chain.  I also think that the piece would look better if the necklace is hung on a beaded chain.  It took a while but I did finally decide on a chain style.  I have included a picture of the metal chain and the beaded chain side by side.  They are not exact but I think the beaded chain feels like the gold chain.  Although it is a bit larger, it still works with the pendant.  When it is finished, I will add that photo also.