In the Marina

"In the Marina"

The newest bracelet and earring set at Jewels of the OBX. This is a light bracelet where I used three different shades of blue and green 5mm opaque rondelles and then tucked each one into a beaded ribbon of 11/0 mixed blue/green seed beads. The bracelet also includes 6mm teal resin rondelles and antiqued gold and dark gold seed beads. A rondelle loop makes a cute embellishment and the bracelet is completed with a 10mm antiqued gold lobster clasp. The earrings are a simple drop of matching rondelles with antiqued gold earwires. The bracelet is 7 1/2" long and the earrings are 1 1/2". The set can be viewed at Cloud Nine in Nags Heads.

See you on the beach!

Julie

Goodies

To those curious about what goodies I bought at the Intergalactic Bead Show last weekend, here's some eye candy for you!

Here's the entire booty ...

My favorite is this 8" strand of textural copper beads. I love the way the light plays between them, making it appear as if they're two different shades of copper.

All I could think of was "party" when I saw these multi-colored glass bead chips! Can't you see them strung along with the copper beads into something interesting? Hmmm, maybe.

Beadwork Magazine featured these hand-painted porcelain beads which, of course, with the starfish and shells on it, caught my eye. They were $7 each, a slightly larger size was available for $10 each. These are probably destined to be focal beads in a necklace/bracelet set.

I also liked these copper seahorse charms although after further inspection, I'm not thrilled with that goofy smile on their faces. Seriously, don't they look like they have little beaks?

The sheen on these top-drilled tigereye nuggets is mesmerizing.

I see them in a spectacular multi-strand necklace with these small green and cranberry button cultured pearls.

Perhaps the necklace will look nice with this copper toggle clasp that I also bought at the show.

One vendor was doing well offering great prices on these bone beads. You'll probably see them in some unisex surfer jewelry one day soon.

I enjoy square cut beads and this little strand of mixed gemstone beads caught my eye, too.

After getting them home and checking them well, though, I realized they're unfortunately just a medium grade with a few irregularities. Defintely not quality material for Jewels of the OBX jewelry! I've decided to just use them in a bracelet for myself along with some faceted jasper rondelle beads I already purchased the other day at Cloud Nine.

While I was in Cloud Nine, a girl came in who Harry and I had just talked to at the show. She had been working for the vendor I purchased the copper beads from and turns out she lives here in Colington! It's a small world.

Hope you enjoyed browsing my new stash! That ought to keep me busy for a little while!

See you on the beach!

Julie

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.