Gift from the Sea

Three years ago, my youngest son, gave me a beautiful silver plated starfish pendant for Christmas.  It is not only a beautiful pendant, but was also a very thoughtful gift. He knew his momma's favorite store and hand picked this starfish for me.  I loved it!  However, it sat on my work table until recently because I wanted to do something extra special with it. The finished necklace is a collection of treasures including mother of pearl flowers, mother of pearl starfish, seashells, a vintage reflector (reminds me of ocean bubbles), lamp work flowers, Swarovski glass pearls, vintage glass beads, artisan pottery, vintage Japanese head pins, wire mesh ribbon and the silver plated starfish.  My son was pleased which is the most important thing. It is definitely a statement piece that I love and will wear with joy because of its story.

Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop Reveal

Today is the reveal day for the Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop hosted by the awesome bead artist, jewelry artist and hostess Lori Anderson.  When she first announced this blog hop about a month ago, I quickly signed up. 

 I thought it was a great idea to dig into my stashes to create something fun. However when I create, I never have enough space so my work space takes over every adjoining space.  With Thanksgiving for 19 at the house this year, my workroom required cleanup.  I must say that when I clean up it looks so good, but I can't find a thing:( 

So I began to look on the work table itself to see what I had grouped together....that is where I spotted the pendant focal.  This focal is not a piece that I have hoarded, but rather a work in progress.  I love vintage jewelry pieces and the vintage color of sea foam green. This focal has been a piece that has been on my work table for about 3 years.  Every time I go into my workroom, I pick it and say maybe today.  I add a crystal or pearl here or there and then lay it back down. I have made and sold similar pieces adding chain or beaded rosary style chain but this one I just didn't want to do that.  It seemed too simple.  Then, I found the aqua blue freshwater heshi pearls and the vintage sea foam green glass leaves.  Only one problem, the pearls would not string on anything except (Ughhh) the dreaded traditional beading wire.  Out comes the crimp tubes and crimpers with a sigh.  I am smiling, pleased with the outcome... an ode to Miriam Haskell.  Miriam's Garden is an unique, one of a kind, modern piece with a vintage twist.

Thank you Lori Anderson for being an amazing artist and an inspiring hostess.

Be sure to check out Lori's blog and the other participant's in this Bead Hoarder's Blog Hop to see the reveal of their beautiful creations and hear the stories behind them.

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2014/12/welcome-to-2nd-annual-bead-hoarders.html