Safari Jasper and Friends

I have made a necklace and bracelet set using nuggets of safari jasper with goldstone and deep blue beads.  These colors all work nicely together, and end with a decorative pewter toggle clasp.

I know some designers like to make a piece either ALL gemstone, ALL glass, or ALL acrylic, but I tend to mix it up a bit.  I'm looking at the colors, shapes, and textures really.  Another important factor is the actual weight.  I want the piece to be practical to wear, and sometimes a strand of nothing but huge chunky gemstones can be quite heavy.  I always use high quality beading wire with good strength and size, but I never want to stress the wire so completely that I cannot be sure it will stand up over multiple wearings for my customers.

Cobalt Blue Puffed Discs with Sherbet Colored Crystals

I have made a necklace and earrings using these wonderful glass beads.  The cobalt blue puffed discs are a lovely medium to dark blue and have a matte surface.  I've accented them with fire polished orange crystals and small round coral beads.  The pink and the orange are creamy colors and remind me of sherbet, which may mean I am hungry.