In celebration of Pisces!

I have a lot of Pisces people in my life.  My husband, and my closest friends throughout the years, are all Pisces.  It is said that Pisces depend on their intuition and are very perceptive.   Whatever it is, I am very drawn to the fish (or is it that they're drawn to me?).  I just learned that the sun sign in Pisces always ends on the moment of the Vernal Equinox!   Can't think of a better reason to have a sale - Egret Designs celebrates Pisces and Spring during March.

Sodalite and Silver

The latest pair of Sodalite and Silver, new on Etsy today.  I've been learning more about Etsy and think I will create a Treasury of Sodalite.  Sodalite is said to balance the head and heart, promote peace and harmony as well as release stress, anger and fears.  It's a lovely color too!

Playing with Facebook

Just set up a Facebook page "Egret Designs".  If you're inclined, check it out and comment, or like it (if you do).  I'm working on linking it to my Etsy store and vice versa.  Gotta keep up with technology... even sent my Christmas greetings out electronically this year.

Copper Caps

I love using bead caps!  The caps are copper - the bead in the middle is unknown material but I thought it went together well.  Made myself a similar pair but more vintaj in appearance.  These are going up on Etsy tonight.

Ready for the Craft Sale!

My husband made this display rack for me and I've been working hard to fill it up.  Marquette-Alger RESA has an annual craft sale and they allow me to participate since I work in the building.  Sale starts tomorrow and goes through mid December.  Working on 3 more very different designs that should be done in a week or so.  Here are some up close shots.  One click on the photo will enlarge for more detail.

coconut shell beads

teal n gold spiral 

blues n silver spiral

green and bronze

coconut shell beads w/copper caps

dark green and shiny gold

earrings

For my Seester!

My favorite matte metallic luster bronze Delica's with a Chrysocolla in Quartz stone.  Chrysocolla is hydrated copper silicate.

For my Niece

Not quite finished, (the thread cinches up the stone), for my niece in blues and greens.  I've found an ebay seller with side 2 side drilled stones and had been watching for a nice fluorite.  Completed and sent it off last week.

Sodalite with Sterling

 A matte blue grey Delica rope with sterling end caps, swarovski crystals and sodalite stone.

New spiral colors

I really enjoy making these spiral designs. This one has a combination of matte metallic luster bronze delicas sandwiched by two matte iris brown seeds. The large bead is a Miyuki size 8/0 matte metallic gold. The matte iris brown beads are actually greens, purples and blues of the most subtle of shades. Clicking on the photo will enlarge the image and if you look closely, you might be able to pick out these hues. This is my new favorite bead!

Another knotted necklace

This is such a fun design!  An earlier post shows one in a matte metallic gray with sterling silver focal beads and clasp.  This one was designed for my niece who wears gold tones well.  The focal beads are from an Etsy seller, Heritage Haven.  They are Naga Conch Shell beads, named after the tribal people of Northeast India who live in Nagaland.  Post title link will take you to more info.  My niece has probably been there - she's a mega world traveler!

I will gladly design a piece especially for you - just let me know your colors and take a look at some other designs to get ideas.  To my relatives - it's the holidays, time to let me know what you want... Click on "my designs" under Post Categories.

Ocean Jasper

Paired this Ocean Jasper stone with matte gunmetal size 11 seed beads. I'm into the "matte metallic" finish on any size bead. Working on a matte metallic gold, 2 piece knot rope now. Similar to an earlier post that was done in matte metallic grey. Thinking about some teardrop swarovski crystals for the focal beads.

For the Fall

Matte metallic gold and "root beer" beads surround this gorgeous cracked agate stone. Now at Garden Bouquet and Design in Marquette.

Tedious to string, but well worth it.

I'm loving these multi-colors/shapes and size of beads together. Very fun to play with the combinations. The colors are pretty versatile in this combination. My favorite - matte metallic bronze luster Delicas are in this design. Going to work with some blues next.

Beads ready for latest project - see next post...

Latest project - multiple colors and sizes

A trial with mixed colors and sizes. Delicas, size 11/0 seeds and size 8/0 seeds. Have enough strung for a very long necklace to go around twice? Or maybe several 16" necklaces with clasps. Not sure yet.

Garden Bouquet and Design - Flowers, Plants and Gifts "Beyond the Ordinary"

Stop in and check out this shop for unusual gifts and plants. Lots of local artists on consignment, exquisite floral arrangements and great staff.

Closet up of Artistic Jasper Stone

I purchased some of these stones from the Silver Rae Bead Shop in Houghton, MI. This one is perfect with these Delicas! Already starting the next necklace with Delicas - Matte Luster Khaki.

Almost Done!

Just need to finish sewing the focal bead (Artistic Jasper) and the clasp. This is my first attempt with Delicas and I'm totally addicted now. These are the beads featured in an earlier post when I was learning tubular peyote. They are Matte Metallic Luster Bronze.

First finished bead crochet piece!

The focal beads and clasp on this are sterling silver. Beads used for the rope are Miyuki 8/0 Matte Metallic Gray. They have hues of copper, gold and green depending on how the light hits them. Learned a lot on this fun project. The design is from Bead and Button magazine.

Relax and be loose!

This is my second attempt at bead crochet using a matte metallic gray 8/0 Miyuki bead. The color will go with just about anything and appears different depending on what it's on. My first attempt at bead crochet ended up way too tight, so I'm learning to relax!