Commissioned Works

Today’s project: custom work using a quart-sized Ziploc bag full of green and pink unakite (Virginia’s state stone, even!), some glass beads, and an assortment of silver findings. The only information I had to work with was that the receiver of this jewelry likes pinks and greens, so I chose to accent the unakite with pink beads.

For optional wear, I made 4 different pairs of earrings. I may make another bracelet or necklace (or both, if the materials will stretch that far). The necklace designed itself. Stone beads are hefty, especially 6 mm and 10 mm rounds. Use enough of them and the recipient might think what you really want is for her to take a swim in Lake Tahoe wearing concrete booties.

Really heavy. I opted to use only 5 of the 10 mm rounds in the necklace and the betel nut beads (dyed a rose color) are much, much lighter, helping to balance some of that heft.

The bracelet was an attempt to break away from a strict pattern:

I feel it’s the best of the bunch, but I’m still not sure about the use of stretchy cord. I’ve used tiger tail for nigh on 20 years now, but I’ve always found closing barrel and lobster claw clasps one-handed often involves more swearing than it does clasping. I’m not convinced that magnetic clasps are the answer, either, but I’m willing to give them a try. At the moment, I’m a fan of toggles.

The glass Millefiori beads are just fun. They’re like wearing little flower gardens around on your wrist!

The happiest of days to each of you!