Week 29 - Let the Games Begin

This is the bead embroidered bracelet that I have been working on, kind of like it!
To me, it is a Summery garden, full of flowers, all we need are some bees and butterflies and the scene would be complete.
Summer is a time of fun and games and flowers... I always end back with flowers.
This is no exception!
Glass seed beads 10/0 and 6/0;  resin flowers 

Week 28 - Beach, Sun, Water!

This is my interpretation of "Beach, Sun, Water!"
I've been experimenting for a few years with underwater themes, waves and using different, natural items in my jewelry, I kind of like the use of real shells, real natural stones, and seaglass, I have even used sand brought home from different places I have visited, like from Normandy, the Firth of Forth, Mississippi coast, White Sands, and I can safely say... I have so many vials of sand that I can do maybe 20 more without repeating a single visit!

Bead embroidery done with 15/0; 11/0; 10/0; 8/0; 6/0 seed beads; bugle beads; 4-8 mm round crystal pearls; 4-6mm crystal bicones; 6mm crystal; stones; seashells, Polymer "Seaglass"  and a crab pendant.
The 'chain' part of the necklace is random glass beads and stone and a modified right angle weave also, the clasp is made from a silver plated connector and a sterling silver shaped wire.

Year of Jewelry-Week 27-Birthstone of the Month- Ruby

This month is a special month! My daughter was born in the middle of July... a very hot and dry year... and I can remember thinking that her birthstone would be lovely...when someday when she was grown, she would have rubies, very precious stones. I love the phrase ..."A price above rubies"... and that is how I think of my daughter... as being precious.
This necklace is not made with actual rubies, but if I could afford it, it would be!
I loved the color of the cut glass and crystals, what a rich and welcoming birthstone.

An actual gemtone in itself, the ruby is prized in many countries as being worth more than other precious gemstones. It's deep red evokes thoughts of blood and life itself.

The Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan was said to have offered an entire city in exchange for a sizable Ruby.  Rubies were given in offering to Krishna along with gold to ask to be granted rebirth as an emperor, and Rubies are mentioned in the Bible and by the Roman Pliny, who used it's description in his writings. The word Ruby comes from the word in Latin RUBER, translated into English as 'red'.

No wonder we have a fascination with this gem. It seems to have been used throughout the ages as a good luck charm, bringing safety, health and invincibility!

Here is my homage to the ruby...