Since I haven’t been buying new supplies, aside from those for custom orders, I was really looking forward to a local bead and gem show that is happening this weekend. This morning I got up with much anticipation at all the goodies I would find. In particular, I was looking forward to visiting the vendor from whom I purchased my beautiful fire agate opal slabs like the ones to the right and the one used in Fire Drop Necklace. I was ready for more slabby goodness in as many variations and stones that I could find!

Sadly, after walking the whole convention center in search of the vendor, the promoter informed me that the vendor had several deaths in the family. The time periods have been such that they have missed the last 3 shows for this venue. (The shows occur in different states each month.) Having just lost my dad, I can’t imagine what it must be like to have more than one death occur in such a short span of time. My heart truly goes out to them.

Once I got my mind back to the task at hand, I realized that I had money burning a hole in my pocket! Having participated in the Use What You Have Challenge, I had racked up a nice stash for future supply purchases and I was ready to buy.

Wouldn’t you know it – I knew I was in trouble when I walked the whole convention center and found not a single thing that absolutely drew my attention. That made me so sad I had to call my close, always fashionable friend and sometimes advisor to bemoan how badly I felt. (Yes, I was just calling to complain.) I really wanted to spend some money and I couldn’t find anything that did it for me!

From top to bottom: rutilated quartz, tourmalinated quartz, rutilated quartz, imperial jasper

Well, I did find something that I have wanted for a long time – rutilated quartz. I bought two strands of it in a faceted heart shape. I also picked up some tourmalinated quartz and imperial jasper. Oh and some 3mm Swarvoski pearls for a custom order experiment to match the ring I made earlier this month. (If you’re wondering what the difference is between the two quartz’, the rutilated has gold colored rutile spikes in it, while the tourmalinated has black and green colored rutile spikes in it.)

So, that was my shopping adventure today. I didn’t walk away with exactly what I was looking for, but at least I did walk away with something and that gives my inner shopaholic a little comfort. :)

You may also like -

Gemmies!Wishlist: OlaDesign TeapotUWYH: A Burst of Turquoise

When we had some down time, I did pull out the supplies I took with me to make some new pieces of jewelry and work on a custom order. Wouldn’t you know, aside from the custom order, I made not a single thing. On top of that, once I got home, I realized that I didn’t like the outcome of what I had worked on, so I started again from scratch.

Re-reading my customer’s email, she said she liked the style of the Amazonite Criss Cross Cuff, but was looking for something a little more low key with a mix of fire opal agates and rose quartz. She also gave me some ideas on what she envisioned. Then she gave me free reign to come up with a design.

However, due to the size and color of the rose quartz, I felt the bracelet would work best as two separate bracelets. She did mentioned that I could go that route. My hunch was that incorporating the stones into one bracelet would have made for a good looking piece, yet separately, but stacked, they would look fantastic. So, I chose to make two bracelets.

This is the first one with rose quartz rondelles, Swarovski crystal rondelles, Balinese spacers and findings and a Thai leaf bead. The bracelet is on a wire base, with a handcrafted enclosure and a chain extension to accommodate any preference for bracelet wear.

The second one is made with smooth fire opal agates and Balinese spacers and findings. This bracelet is also on a wire base, with a handcrafted enclosure and a chain extension to accommodate any preference for bracelet wear. With slightly more length in the cuff itself, the chain is shorter than that of the rose quartz bracelet.

The thing I like most about these bracelets is that they act as a cuff. With the wire base, they can be molded to fit the wrist tightly, like a cuff, or more loosely, like a strung bracelet. There’s lots of versatility in that. The best part? The thinness of the bracelets does allow them to be worn stacked and yes, they do look fantastic! One can never have enough jewels on the wrist when you’re in the mood…

When my customers give me free reign, it always makes me a little nervous, in a good way. So I’m hoping she loves the bracelets as much as I loved making them.

So where am I? I’m in China visiting my brother! :) If you’re interested in seeing pictures of my trip, you can check out my flickr account.

You may also like -

New Camera! Can't wait!When good flan goes badFinally! PayPal shipping labels print in Chrome with no glitch... almost