Interesting Materials: Naturally Shed Deer Antler
Naturally shed deer antler is the first jewelry making material I have encountered that feels almost sacred. The grace and peaceful existence of deer has enchanted me since my teens when I would often...
View ArticleUnusual Materials: Dandelion Seeds
Karen Nichols of Karma Beads has created a collection of intriguing jewelry pieces showcasing natural elements inside of glass vials and hollow lampwork beads. My favorite are her captivating dandelion...
View ArticleEmbellished Friendship Bracelets by Karin van Rijn
If you grew up in the eighties or nineties, you remember friendship bracelets. A boon to the embroidery floss industry and and training ground for many developing crafters, these colorful ornaments...
View ArticleDelicious Lampwork Beads by Aimee Milan of Polychrome Beads
There is something about lampwork, isn’t there? Tiny glass baubles gleaming with color, lampwork beads justly demand to be the stars of the show. I love them best in simple settings where there is...
View ArticlePretty Rocks: Chrysoprase
Pale green with splashes of brown, chrysoprase is the mint chocolate chip of gemstones. It is cool. It is often scooped into balls before serving, but it can be enjoyed in any shape. It is delicious...
View ArticlePretty Rocks: Lapis Lazuli
With a name that sounds like the beginnings of a zany children’s song, lapis lazuli makes a fun presentation for both the ears and the eyes. Vivid blue, with swirls of white and gold-colored pyrite...
View ArticleGuitar String Jewelry by Jewelree
Jewelree by Sheree Semonich is a unique line of handmade jewelry built around guitar strings adorned with colorful bead mixes. Sheree wraps guitar strings into bangles and embellishes them with...
View ArticlePretty Rocks: Rhodonite
Rhodonite is pretty pink with a dark side, a sweetheart rose veiled in smoke. The gray, black, and white swirls can sometimes be quite heavy, but at other times are barely visible. When the mood...
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