Winter White

W just got through a week of early winter here in Northwestern New Jersey. An early snow kept us without power for 48 hours, the longest for me in my lifetime. I did not do as well as my husband. We did get through it and were luckier than many other people. Hopefully everyone has power by now. I was looking at pictures of my recent listings and realized that WINTER WHITE is the color of the week.! All these items are currently in my Etsy Shop.

Vintage Rhinestones

I LOVE vintage rhinestones and enjoy making jewelry with them. The colors are so different and pretty. Part of the fun is looking for the stones on the internet. Then when I find and receive them, trying to match them up with either other vintage pieces or new contempory findings is enjoyable for me. This items listed here are now in my Etsy shop and I am happy with how the pictures turned out.

We had a very bad storm here over the weekend and we lost power for a couple of days. I could hardly wait for the power and heat to come back on to get into my studio and start creating again!

LOVE crochet, especially the crochet that my Mom does. She makes these fabulous flowers, 4 layers of crochet petals and leaves. She uses high quality cotton threads and uses her needle to create these flowers. My customer's wear themon jackets and sweaters but even dress up purses, hats and headbands. Pictured here are a few.

Necklaces from Istanbul Turkey Oya

Necklace in Muted Shades

This piece can be worn as a necklace or a belt!

Necklace in VIBRANT colors!

One of my favorite stops on our trip was to Istanbul, Turkey. Here we strolled the Istanbul and saw many shops and small eateries. The Grand Bazaar was closed as it was Sunday but I was a lucky girl to find these BEAUTIFUL necklaces. As we were walking I saw a door dripping in crochet of all colors and shapes. As we entered the store it was filled with so many necklaces, earrings and braclelets, such lovely things. I knew I would buy something but it was sooooo hard to choose as I wanted everything. Here we met the Dad and his daughter who were so nice. The daughter, Funda, designs and makes all the jewelry. The 3 pieces pictures here are the ones I choose, and I wanted more, but purchased only three. The crochet work is so fine and perfect, I believe this is still called OYA lace even if crocheted. I wish I had bough at least one traditional OYA piece but maybe this means I will be back for more!

Trip to Europe

Monte Carlo

Pisa

Sorrento

Athens

Greece

Venice

We are back from our trip to the Medeterrain 12 day cruise on the Ruby Princess. This trip was a Whitman Sampler as there was so much to do and not enough time to do it all. I guess we will have to go back! Our trip included Monaco, Italy, Greece and Turkey. Every port was wonderful, the weather was perfect and the ship was stunning. Took nearly 500 pictures and put them into a Shutterfly album which turned out great and very nice keepsake. Back to reality and we hope we can do another trip very soon.

New Bracelets

Just made some Swarovski crystal bracelets in different color combinations. These bracelets are fun to make and the color combinations are endless with Swarovski. Wear a single one or layer them up. Great for bridesmaids as they can be made in any color(s). Here are a few pictures from my Etsy shop.

Wedding Jewelry * Special Order

I just completed a wedding set, bracelet and earrings, for a bride in CA. The bride specified the colors of Swarovski pearls and crystals to be used and we changed the design just a tad. The set is simply STUNNING!

Lily of the Valley Necklace

As soon as I received the June 2011 issue of Bead & Button I knew I had to make the necklace on the cover. I LOVE lily of the valley and working with seed beads. I learned some new stitches and thoroughly enjoyed working on the piece. I think I can wear the necklace up or down and will wear it soon. Happy beading!

Pretty Spring Flowers

The past few days I have busy making earrings mixing and matching new with the old. These combine vintage rhinestones, Swarovski flowers and brass filigree. All vintage inspired but easy to wear all year long. All available in my Etsy Shop.

New Earrings!

It's been awhile since I have made some new things. The past couple of days I have made some pretty earrings for Spring and Summer. I am posting a few of my new creations which I have listed in my Etsy Shop. Swarovski and Vintage are my favorites plus I can't stop from using pretty resin flowers. Soon I need to start making things for Christmas!

Yummy Ice Cream Cone Earrings!

I had to make these! I have had all the parts for sometime but had not taken the time to make them. They turned out really cute and remind of the Summer season! They can be found in my Etsy Shop!

Destashing Supplies on Artfire

I have decided to downsize my stash of jewelry making supplies. It will be a big undertaking to get things posted to Artfire but it is something that needs to be done. I started today and hope to continue for the next the several weeks. So if you need or like jewlery supplies take a peek and you might see something you like or need.

Melissa Grakowsky Design Rose Necklace

Winter is almost over and the daffodils are almost bursting open! We went to Mexico for our 6th time and had a great time with dear friends. # weeks goes by so fast but it is always good to get home and sleep in our own bed. Well I went to a bead class at Beads by Blanche which is my very favorite bead store. Blanche and Wendy (the color maven) are ALWAYS friendly and so helpful, love them both. The class project was taught by Melissa Grakowsky a very talented designer. The project was a challenge for me but fun. I did not finish the necklace during class but I did work on it for several days at home. This necklace caught my eye because of the beaded rose and lace. I LOVE flowers. So I am showing off my finished piece which I am looking forward to wearing soon!