My So Called Junky Life’s 2010 Spring Bead Swap Party

{First off I want to thank Sarah over at My So Called Junky Life for hosting this swap. Thanks, Sarah!}
So, my first bead swap is OVER today! And you know what that means! I have to hand over the goods ~ well, at least photos of the goods. And I’m afraid to. Why? Well, because my swap partner, Terri of Designs by Terri Gordon is a very talented mixed media artist (among other things). And she was so kind to send me such GREAT STUFF (I know, my descriptive verbiage is pretty incredible considering my English and law degrees lol). Anyway, I’m nervous about this unveiling, of sorts, but I guess it’s best to just jump right in! So without further ado, welcome to my first gallery opening….

This rhinestone brooch took my breath away. As a focal piece it’s quite regal, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. As much as I love traditional vintage jewelry, I really wanted to make it a bit more contemporary, yet still retain a vintage flair. Hopefully I managed that with the pearls and organza ribbon.  Now on to exhibit number two.

My favorite bead of all is what I call the “Disco ball.” Yup, that’s the official terminology for it. I wanted to showcase it without having it lost in the shuffle. So I created a necklace around it. And my proclivity for lockets, of course, led me to create this locket and charm necklace. The emerald cut aquamarine jewel is SO beautiful! And I’m very much into birds these days, and antique brass. Hence the bird charm and chain. Oh, and the clasp is to die for ~ what a spectacular Swarovski toggle! I love it. And now, for the piece de resistance.

Okay, this was quite a challenge, even for me. As you can imagine, my being Charm Bracelet Diva and all, I was dying to create a bracelet with all this great bling. And this was a first for me ~ I used a vintage brooch (gorgeous) as the focal piece on the bracelet. As you can see it turned out, well, pretty fabulous, no? Seriously, I was quite pleased with the result. I hope you like it, too!

You should head on over to Sarah's blog and find the links to all the other party members' blog posts.  I can't wait to see them all!  Thanks again, Sarah for hosting this swap. And thanks to my swap partner, Terri, who was so kind to send me such spectacular baubles to work with! It was a pleasure ladies! So when’s the next swap?