Spring green, pink, blue, yellow, violet….

Spring is here in Friendswood, and my azaleas are bursting buds open daily. Just one of the colors (rose, second row in the middle) in my latest necklace. This is the first one I made so any flaws like horizontal wire that isn’t quite straight will be corrected on final versions. I couldn’t say initially where the design came from, but after checking my sketchbooks I had been drawing triangular images with curving wire, stars, grids and other elements before the design found itself in just one drawing. Also, the swarovski crystal beads at my bead shop haunt are displayed like candy and I had been pawing through them like pirate treasure, so probably this design came about from the drawings, the crystals, and the new season.

I love the silver pendant because the flower is in high polish, contrasting with the sanded texture of the background. It tones down the shine and blends the pendant well with the pastel colors. The photo doesn’t show it well so look for a better one when we put the necklace on the website.

At first I did not have the spiral jumps at the top corners, but after trying the necklace on, I installed them because the pendant was stealing the show. I also changed the chain from a delicate little 1.5mm cable to the larger linked flat cable chain seen in the photo. The flat links reflect more light, and along with the spiral jumps, the top of the little garden popped out. Have you ever tried making wire spiral pairs (of anything) to match? It’s h-e-double-hockey-sticks! We are looking for a better way–a wig jig? Any tips?

Look for this new creation at our store soon. And I am still working on the earring bezels!