Do you have a favorite bead?

Do you have a favorite bead? One that you just want to look at and hold against the light and watch how it sparkles and shimmers? Well, it's hard for me to narrow my collection down to just one particular bead, but (for today anyway) I have one. I cannot get enough of these blue/teal Jablonex firepolish rondelle beads that I bought from Fire Mountain Gems. They are truly expensive looking with a gem-like quality.

When designing a new jewelry piece, I was tempted to string them into one long necklace and just roll them around in my fingers all day long but, I'm afraid their individual beauty would become lost. So, I went through my collection in search of other teal beads that would complement the rondelles.

Now, my beads are separated into boxes by colors. I have some beads in the teal-colored realm, but what are they really? Are they blue? Green? Apparently, I'm not very clear on the subject as I found a box of teal 6/0 Dynamite beads in my blue box and a container of teal-lined amber beads in my green box. I bought the teal-lined beads at Cloud Nine in Nags Head about a year ago and they have just been sitting ever since, waiting patiently for their opportunity.

I decided to use the Dynamites and teal-lined beads to make three beaded beads. I plan to combine them with the Jablonex rondelle beads and design a new bracelet. As soon as it's complete, I'll post the bracelet in "This week's featured jewelry" at Jewels of the OBX, www.jewelsoftheobx.com. What's exciting to me is the fact that there are plenty of the gorgeous rondelle beads (today's favorite!) still left for future projects! If only I could decide which color box to keep them in.

Take care!

Sea Turtle Pin!

I really enjoyed creating this cute little Sea Turtle Pin with bead embroidery, who is approximately 2 inches long. Silver-lined rootbeer cylinder beads were used to outline seven Outer Banks shells that define his shell. Silver-lined cream cylinder beads were used for his head and front and rear flippers. I used gold luster Rocailles to finish the edges, which was probably the most time consuming part of this piece, but the most rewarding as it provides a nice feel and gives it body. The backing is smooth and luxurious dark brown Ultrasuede.

Although the Outer Banks is in the sea turtle's northernmost range, I haven't seen one on the beach ... yet! If I do, you can bet I'll be right here telling you all about it! There's a great website at www.nestonline.org that provides pictures by those who have been lucky enough to see them, along with helpful information and a brochure that can be downloaded and printed. All sea turtles are either endangered or threatened so it's great to see there are people willing to help protect them.

Please check out my pin at www.jewelsoftheobx.com when you get a chance and don't forget I'm offering free earrings with your holiday purchase!

Take care.

Taylor Christian Richard Smith makes his arrival!

We're so happy to announce the much-anticipated arrival of our grandson, Taylor Christian Richard Smith! Born November 30, 2009, 7 lbs., 14 ozs. and 21" long! Emily and Chris are as happy and proud as they can be! Harry and I, Aunt Jamie, Cousin Aiden and Angel will all be travelling to visit within the week ... so you just know there's more pictures to come!