Once again, Artbeads has invited me to do a review of products on their website: Artbeads.com and I was very happy to oblige! I have ordered supplies for my own personal jewelry making and my business Beadin' By the Sea for many years and have always been very happy with their products and their wonderful customer service. I also have the added benefit of being in the same state (WA) and I receive my order very quickly; usually the next day after they ship. The theme for this review is the "Colors of Fall". I was encouraged to use Pantone's Fall Color Report for 2010. Here is the link to view it online:http://www.pantone.com/images/pages/20710/2010-02/index.html
The traditional colors of Fall; warm browns, reds, russets and golds, remind us of the glorious displays we see in nature as the temperatures cool. I have been using more brass elem
ents in my jewelry lately and paired with Swarovski pearls from Artbeads, this metal just seems to capture the feel of Fall with a vintage vibe. I also love working with the pearls from Swarovski. They are so reasonably priced, they have a gorgeous luster, are perfectly round and they are weighty just like the real ones (without the price or care needed in cleaning).Although Artbeads does not carry these exact bead caps used in these "acorn necklaces", they do carry a large variety of brass findings and chains that are perfect for Fall themed jewelry.
The antique brass filigree components that I used in these vintage-style earrings (below) are available at Artbeads. I was very impressed with the detail and quality of these findings; just beautiful paired with Swarovski pearls in light gold and lever back ear wires.
I found this page inspiring by BabyPhat in the Pantone Fall 2010 Color Report. I have always been fond of the color purple and I was inspired to combine Amethyst Swarovski crystals and gunmetal components in this necklace. This one is for me, but I also received some of the Swarovski teardrops in Siam AB ( a gorgeous dark red) that I plan on using for a similiar necklace, perhaps to list on my website.
Here is a better photo that shows how this necklace drapes. I actually started to make this necklace using oxidized sterling silver chain but I found that I needed something that had some weight to it, as the "swags" tend to get tangled up with a very lightweight chain. I changed the entire design to gunmetal after running into this little problem and consequently spent way too much time on this design. Hopefully the next one will be easier!
Well, that's all I have for now. I need to submit this article before this Fall season turns to winter! Please be sure to check out Artbeads for their great prices and awesome selection of jewelry making supplies!
FTC disclaimer: I have received these products free of charge from Artbeads.com . I am honestly reviewing the products and have not been paid for this endorsement as it pertains to the products received.
