Sweet Bead Studio Blog
The Beauty of Spring
What do I think of when I think of Spring? Pretty May flowers of course! Vintage flowers took center stage when I designed jewelry for Artbead’s “Beauty of Spring” Design Partner’s theme.
When I selected beads for my design, I did something a little different. Rather than search for interesting focal beads, I decided to choose beads that would be perfect in a supporting role. I wanted beads that added the right something to the overall design. I was just dying to try a new tutorial by Diane Cook, her beautiful Crystal Princess Drop secret. I had a whole collection of vintage chandelier crystals waiting to be used. I tried some image transferring with them, but that technique still needs some work. So I set out to make a few Crystal Princess Drop focals, and needed just the right accent beads.
Would you like to see how I used these seemingly simple beads? You may have to look closely, but they’re mixed in here – adding their special sparkle.
For “Joy in Bloom”, I wanted to add some metal stamping, and created a tear-drop shaped pendant to add to the focal cluster. For a twist, I wired on a Swarovski 12mm tear drop sew-on. The crystal tear drop was stitched on to the metal with sterling wire. To further add to the tear-drop shapes, I also chose a stamped Hill Tribe flower charm from ArtBead’s vast selection of Thai silver charms. Crystal 5mm roundelles were paired with vintage mother of pearl beads. And those Swarovski Black Diamond polygons added a bit of subtle sparkle as well.
“Joy in Bloom” available on Etsy
“Contessa” features another crystal chandelier pendant, paired with a gorgeous vintage rhinestone flower. Wirewrapped links of pyrite were combined with the Swarovski crystal roundelles. These roundelles are just the perfect addition when working with vintage components, and they come in several sizes and finishes. I’ve added an incredible old filigree chain that I found in Leesburg last summer…and I finished it off with one of my prized vintage rhinestone box clasps.
“Contessa” available on Etsy
Did you happen to notice the wonderful old velvet as a prop underneath my jewelry? It is absolutely scrumptious….and I’ll share more about it in a future blog post!
Thank you for visiting, new and old blog friends. It sure makes my day to know you stopped by!
Disclaimer: The beads used in these pieces were provided free of charge by Artbeads for my participation in the Artbeads blogging program. I have not received any payment from Artbeads.com, and this post represents only my personal opinion.
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Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design. She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. Her best-selling jewelry design book, The Missing Link, was released in Fall 2013. Read more.
Lovely Victorian pieces! The filigree chain in Contessa is a work of art all on its own but you’ve just added to its beauty.
Oh the skill in pulling all these elements together to create such beautiful pieces are enviable 🙂
They look great and that prop as you say certainly is scrumptios.
oh lalalala!! love all i see here!! joy in bloom is my fav of the favs!! BRAVO
MAGNIFIQUE dear Cindy ! The new pieces are simply gorgeous and soooo elegant.
It would be very difficult to choose a favorite between these two! What a wonderful way to use crystals! They are both lovely!
Beautiful work!! The silver chain is sooo pretty. I really like the extra details on your hook.
Stunning, stunning, stunning!! Very romantic and elegant, you are a natural at that!
Cindy! Your pieces are simply BeaUtiFul! Your presentation is impeccable! I absolutely LOVE both of them! Each vintage element you chose so meticulously, came together perfectly!
Sharon is absolutely right….you are a natural~and don’t EVER forget it!
You did me proud =)))
xoxox
I love them! The way you can take crystal and make it all Cindy is just fantastic. I hesitate to use my Swarovski bits because they tend to drive the design…I may take a second look and take control of the design and let them play a part! Happy Friday!
These pieces are so romantic! Great job!
Oh, Cindy! Those are beautiful! I love how you added the stamped teardrops in “Joy in Bloom”.
I saw these this morning in your Etsy shop and wondered why you hadn’t celebrated them here – and here they are! Sweet Cindy, these are fabulous! And sooo your style! Makes me think of a certain sentimental necklace…
Just stunning. MORE!
Oh my goodness! These pieces are simply STUNNING! Your artistry is so elegant & I love how you put your own twist on Diane’s “Crystal Princess Drop”. I am in awe of your talent – such beautiful work!
🙂 Molly
oh, my! Cindy, these are just gorgeous! I truly love both of them…I think my fav element is the wired-on crystal and “joy” stamped pendant!!!
As always…these are gorgeous! They both have such a vintage feel. I especially like Joy in Bloom. Love the flower connector and the stamped tag!
Cindy, your interpretation of spring is just gorgeous! I love both pieces, such a great mix of modern while having an aged look. Pieces you can dress up or wear with your favorite pair of jeans. It is a different side of you that I just love!
Cindy these are simply stunning! Your talent is endless… wonderful wonderful work!
These are so beautiful and feminine. Cindy, your talent is amazing.
Simply gorgeous Cindy! I love the styling of these photos and the choices you made. Artbeads is so fine. They were my very first purchase when I got started and I always find something new there.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Cindy, your necklaces are truly lovely – so elegant and refined, yet with a little dash of fun and sparkle!
I love the crystal pendant necklaces, you did a great job. I took Diane Cook’s “Rhinestone Dreams” class in Houston a few months ago. Her designs are wonderful (and so is she). I love doing the vintage look.
Marcy
Very beautiful and very unique. Thanks for sharing!
stunning, cindy, stunning….
How incredible Little Mama!!!!!
Renate is so right you and your beautiful simple spirit is just shining through. What a perfect combination of girly girl meets intelligent elegance. Stamping and wiring the rhinestone on the sterling is sheer genius! Both of these would be fun to wear whether you where in jeans or dressed for the evening.
Have a wonderful weekend with your guys!! Hopefully it will stop raining so some of their energy can be run off outside 🙂 Otherwise I foresee an art&craft kinda weekend 🙂
Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mx.
Oh wow, those beads are just to die for!
You put them all together masterfully 🙂
Just beautiful Cindy! Love those old crystals. You did a fabulous job. Hugs, Riki
Beautiful beads and jewellery! I love the soft, gentle colours you have used.
Gosh I love visiting you..So many beautiful things to look at.I have to admit,you have me looking at your lovely creation in a new light.Thank you for sharing your selection process.Warmest Regards,Cat
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these new pieces! You do such beautiful work and so inspire me! 🙂