New Jewlery Designs for Some Friends!

Here are a few of the new designs I have been working on lately.

In the first photo is a matching earring and bracelet set that was designed for a friend who had a favorite necklace and she wanted pieces that would compliment it. They are designed using Indian glass, lampwork glass & sterling silver.

This friend is Carrie, of Bean Sprout Babies If you are in need of baby gifts or something unique for your own baby or toddler....Check out her website for unique items and gifts for babies, toddlers and mothers. She also paints custom designs as well as florals, of which are not necessarily for babies. I found a couple of floral canvases for myself which are hanging in my office/beading studio. Carrie is also an accomplish baker and is in the process of developing a website to offer her delectable treats. Trust me they are delicious!!

The other two pieces were designed for a friend to wear with an outfit for a special occasion. The necklace and matching bracelet are designed with pearls, Swarovski crystals and copper for a soft warm look.

There is Beauty...When You Step Out of the Boat!

Sometimes it is necessary for us to take a day and spend it entirely for our enjoyment. This helps us to reconnect, relax and rejuvenate. Sunday was that day for me and my husband. We took a canoe trip down the Wildcat Creek, which is very near our home. We had a wonderful day of relaxation and discovery.

In everyday, for everyone there is beauty for our enjoyment and all it costs us is our time. But sometimes we must step out of the boat to truly appreciate the wondrous gifts that God has provided for us.

Yesterday I stepped out of the boat and above are a few photos I took that show the the beauty I found right in my own back yard.
Enjoy!

~Shades of Coral Wedding~

Wedding season is in full swing at White Iris Designs...Here are a few photos I thought I'd share with you from last weekend.

The first 3 photos are an example of the centerpieces..all were in a cube vase with each one a bit different. We were using coral roses, blush roses,lilies, alstroemeria, hypericum berries and stock.

The next 2 photos are of the bridal bouquet and the stem wrap of the bridal bouquet. The bridal bouquet was a combination of coral & blush roses, hypericum berries, and mini calla lilies. It was accented with ming fern, sea star fern, varigated mini pitt and blush colored beads.

The last 2 photos are the groom's boutioneere and the cake.
Please click on the photos to enlarge them for the finer details.

Thanks for looking and leave me your thoughts!

~Strong Woman vs. Woman of Strength~

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...

A strong woman walks sure footedly...but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...but a woman of strength wears grace...

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey... but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

~Author Unknown~

Yesterday I was rearranging things that I have on my bulletin board above my beading table and I ran across this. As I re read it I paused for awhile to reflect on it and thought about what kind of woman I am.

I think that I am constantly trying to become a better "ME"...a better wife, mother, business woman, sister, daughter, and as of late....a much better "Friend".

After re reading this and thinking about all that it says.... I have to say that not only do I want to be a woman of strength, trusting in and being pleasing to God, but I also desire to be a strong woman.

I believe that if I am first a woman of strength .....then becoming a strong woman will be a result of that.

I know as women, we all struggle with these sorts of issues from time to time..so I thought I would share this with all of you. I hope it is a source of encouragement and inspiration to you.

New Jewelry Designs...experimenting with copper

I have recently fallen completely in love with using copper as a main design element in my jewelry designs. I love the warmth it has and the way that it plays off the colors of the beads. Gold & silver will always remain staples in jewelry design, but for now I am having fun with copper.
I have also started to design earrings to offer complete sets.

Above are a few of the newest designs I have created using copper chain, findings, & copper beads.

The first one compliments a one of a kind clay bird focal bead created by Heather Powers of Humble Beads.

The next is a complete set I designed exclusively for a dear friend, The Muse. A vintage button is the focal point in the bracelet, which was the inspiration for the set. I love this color combination, the warmth of the golden amber gemstones with the copper accents play well off of the black vintage glass & ceramic beads. This set is a one of a kind set appropriately named..........Vintage Muse.

The 3rd photo is another complete set using the copper findings, chain, & beads to accent Paintbrush or Artist's Jasper. This is one of my new favorite gemstones..each on looks like a little piece of artwork, with no two stones alike.

The 4th photo is a double chain bohemian style necklace using two different types of copper chain and copper leaves. The large leaf is the backdrop to complimentary beads
designed in a collection of charms.

The last photo is a long rectangular cut carnelian gemstone with a few small charm beads on top of the focal gemstone. The carnelian gemstone & the charms hang beautifully from a copper chain.

I have told you that I love copper, but now after taking a peek at these designs, I am curious as to your thoughts on the use of copper in jewelry design.
Let me know your thoughts.