It’s almost February and that means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!  I got a jump start on designing with this holiday in mind, thanks to being a part of the Artbeads blogging community.

When I thought about what I could make for Valentine’s Day, my first thought was something classic.  Charm bracelets are traditional favorites, and I decided to create one that included classic, well-loved components:  sterling silver, sparkly crystal and creamy white pearls.  All of the sweet sterling silver charms you see here can be found in the charms section at Artbeads.  It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, but I do love the little lock and key you see in the center of this picture.   I chose 10mm Swarovski round crytals to add a little glam to this piece.  This jingly braclet can be an accessory staple, worn long after February 14th has passed!

Simply stated, “Loved” features Swarovski crystals in Ruby…a color perfect for Valentine’s Day or year ’round.  I decided to pick a crystal shape that I had never worked with before, and found this little 16x11mm Baroque pendant.  I really like the Baroque shape – reminds me of a vintage chandelier crystal.  I forged and stamped the “Loved” tag from sterling silver sheet.  I went to town wire wrapping the 5mm Ruby crystals with patterned chain.  The combination of rustic and sparkle is a favorite of mine, so I oxidized the necklace in liver of sulfur.

When Artbeads announced they would launch new Valentine’s Day-themed Stoneware pendants in January, I just knew I wanted to add those to my list!  I chose an assortment of handmade stoneware clay beads in round and tube shapes…and my favorite is the heart with flowers.  Rather than design a piece using the heart as a pendant, I decided to use it as a charm at the clasp of this steel wire-wrapped bracelet. 

Sold, thank you

I cut and hammered nickel sheet, riveted some tiny flowers, and textured the metal with my trusty chasing hammer.  And did you notice that upside-down “e”?  It blended in so well but I caught that pesky mistake before I assembled the bracelet.  It added  a little whimsy, so I decided to let it sneak past me.

There’s still time to create something special for the big day, so stop by Artbeads to see their Valentine’s Day selection of beads and components… you’ll be inspired!

Please note: The beads and components reviewed were received free of charge by Artbeads as part of their Blogging for Beaders program.  I have not received compensation for my endorsement of these products.