Pearl chandelier earrings

I love fresh water pearls. Their irregularity make them interesting and challenging. I had those chandelier earring bases in my bead stash for the longest time and finally figured what to do with them when I sorted everything out to pack for the big move and made those just before when sold our townhouse. I just never got around posting about it. 

They are fun and go with just about any outfit. The only downside is they are a bit heavy so I might replace the hooks with clips.

Having fun with beads

We are still camping in tight quarters while we figure out the house situation... and since small projects are easier to tackle in small spaces, here are a couple of things I have been working on:

I am not sure what I will do with this piece of lace now that I have added all those pearls: a bib necklace, a cuff, a corsage embellishment?? I'm open to suggestions.

Still loving making those simple ribbon flowers. This one will be perfect for the winter :)

Shades of grey necklace

The advantage of beads is that it doesn't take much space. So I managed to find a small spot to squeeze my beads in the apartment and I'm still making jewelry ... 

This one combines two tones of Swarovski crystal pearls and some square sparkle spacers

I love how it goes with pretty much any outfit

Trading posts - Paper piecing and sweet bunnies

 In good trading post fashion, we did tray something new and out of our comfort zone again. This time around we were joined by another fellow blogger, Morgane from Bear, Dolly and Moi, that graciously agreed to school us in the art of paper piecing. Both Amie and myself were a bit nervous but very excited to try out this technique. Morgane made it easy and fun. She brought a pattern selection and great tips/expertise for a successful first experience. 

Morgane adding embroidery details to a lovely paper pieced panda and supervising our efforts

Morgane demonstrating the technique and Amie attentively observing

Euuuhh I swear this mess will turn out good

See Amie proudly showing her completed bunny

Yay! We made it!

Not bad for a first time :)

Now I'm working on turning my bunny into a small Easter quilted wall hanging.

Lemon twist necklace

 After slacking off for a few weeks, I finally got some pictures of my latest jewelry creations. I love those chunky light yellow glass beads that I bought over a year ago on sale. I had 2 strands left when I found those cute bead caps. It just was the perfect combination for the elongated shape of the beads and their slight twist. I added anthracite Swarovski pearls for contrast... grey and yellow are so pretty together.

You can guess the blooming branches of my forsythia bush in the background. 

Spring has definitely arrived in MD

Spring envies necklace

Looking at the calendar, spring is just a few weeks away and frankly I can't wait. I never made a mystery I'm not much of a winter person. Even though this winter has been extremely mild, I long for flowers, grill parties and just hanging out in the sun. I have "spring envies". Time to pop some spring colors to help the mood. So I made a fun necklace with green polka dot beads. To finish the look,  I decided for some matching "pompom" earrings.

Aren't those polka dot beads too much fun !

Pretty in Pink Necklace

My hubby's company recently had they annual party and I wanted to add a little color to my black evening gown. Amie swapped a few stands of beads with me on our last "bead fest", I especially loved those pink cube beads. I immediately knew I wanted to mix them with silver beads. 

A little craft shop trip later, I had found the perfect match. Pink and silver round beads soften the cubes.

I even made matching earrings :) 

It looked great with the black gown and my ribbon clutch. And I think I will wear it for Valentine's day too.

Trading posts - Bead party

My studio saw another crafty party with Amie (Kitty Cats and Airplanes) and Meg (In the Loop). This time we went all out beads with a bit of Valentine in the back of our minds. Amie brought her stash, we spread out the combined loot on the floor, sat down and got started. It was an epic bead explosion! Jewelry making is a bit out of Meg's comfort zone but she went along, with a bit of assistance for the more technical parts. designed those adorable pink bracelets:

Amie made a long chain necklace

And I finally used this glass heard shaped pendant I bought last year with some braided seed beads and hematite heart earrings to go along.

The three of us had a great time as usual.

Zebra necklace and earrings

When I feel the need to do something that is not as much of a production as sewing, I now (thanks Amie!!) turn to jewelry making and not just fabric flowers. 

During my recent craft slump at the end of december, I was mostly NOT sewing... and instead making jewelry. I'm starting to have too much to reasonably wear just for myself but I'm sure I'll make a happy girl with this one: Aren't those zebra beads too much fun ?!? 

The necklace is actually pretty long almost 30"

Rustic terra cotta and pearls necklace

Santa's workshop entails a lot of sewing of course but for the past year I have enjoyed creating jewelry. For this necklace, I mixed some Swarovski crystal pearls and more rustic glazed terra cotta beads. I wish I had taken more pictures because it looks fabulous on a rustic sweater as much as on a blouse. I love it. Too bad Santa has to deliver it somewhere...

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Christmas before Christmas giveaway with Shabby Apple

Only 6 weeks until Christmas? 6 Weeks !! What is on your list ? How about adding one of the absolutely gorgeous  Shabby Apple creations. Yes just for you! Are you excited yet ? 

Shabby Apple has wonderful and timeless designs, stylish women's dresses that will make you look fabulous for every occasions. They also have an extensive selection of vintage inspired jewelry and accessories, dresses for little girls, and so much more.

CLOSED

 

I can see myself in any of these wonderfully designed dresses 

How about this classy red number ? Or a navy everyday look?

   

Classic lines oh so feminine  in taupe?

Or  the quintessential little black dress in retro chic ?

 

Don't you think my little Bug would be adorable in one of these?

  

And how fabulous would you look with this stylish bauble around you neck ?

 

Yes that's right, you may be the lucky recipient of this 

 MAD HATTER'S TIME KEEPER

"Antique brass filigree pocket watch with etched detail on back suspended on 24” long chain.
Pocket watch face opens up to reveal working clock."

How lucky do you feel? Well you are even luckier than you think because SHABBY APPLE is also offering a 10%  discount to all Artfully Caroline's readers with the code artfully10off for any purchases until December 9th!

HOW TO ENTER ?

MANDATORY

- You must be a follower of Artfully Caroline (new or current) 

- Go to the SHABBY APPLE page and leave a comment telling me which of their dress design you prefer or your favorite accessory

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES 

- Like SHABBY APPLE  on facebook and leave a comment you did so  (new or existing) 

- Like Artfully Caroline on facebook and leave a comment you did so  (new or existing) 

- Blog about this giveaway an leave a comment with the link to your blog post

Giveaway details

- You are entering to win Shabby Apple's Mad Hatter's Time Keeper - A $66 value 

- No exchanges

- US residents only

- This giveaway is open until Monday, November 21st, 2011 11PM (Eastern)

- The winner will be selected using random.org and will be announced on November 22nd, 2011

- Make sure to either include your email address in your comments or that your email is linked to your profile so you can be contacted