This has to be have been one of my favorite challenges to date. Aquamarine just happens to be one of my favorite stone. It's light blue is the color of the sky as well as the ocean.
Andrew of
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton was extremely generous as always. Along with the strand of aquamarine, he also included a selection of premium Czech glass (both new and vintage), vintage lucite, quartz rock
crystal, vintage glass, waxed Irish linen,hand-dyed recycled
sari silk ribbon, aquamarine chip strand, vintage Venetian seed beads,
and a Luxury Bead Blend. I made up a few designs and have quite a bit left to use in other pieces.
First up are a couple of pair of earrings that I plan on donating to Ears To You. The beads are from this dragon's hoard and I added the charms/dangles from my stash.
Next up is a necklace that features the 'mystery component' that Andrew always sends along. This time, it was a beautiful blue focal with puffy clouds. I added some cracked glass along with some beads from the Luxury Bead Blend. The little butterfly clasp adds summer touch to this necklace.
Since I was sold on this challenge by the Aquamarine, I had to design up a necklace celebrating it in some of its various forms. This necklace has Aquamarine nuggets, beads and chips along with one of my hoarded Blu Mudd focals. I finished it off with pewter beads and clasp.
Finally it is summer and I have had oceans and the beaches on my mind. This casual necklace combines aquamarine chips, a brass starfish that I applied patina too and brass chain. It's long enough to just toss on as you head out to enjoy your summer day.
All of the necklaces will be part of my August update to
Jewelry Because where a portion of the sale is donated to the
World Wildlife Fund however if you are interested in one, drop me a line. I am always ready to give my readers a discount before my jewelry hits the website. And yes, I still donate the same amount to WWF.
Now this is a challenge and there are a few of us artists participating. We all start out with the same beads and it is a real pleasure to see where everyone's muse takes them. Just
click here to get a chance to view some real eye candy.