Mermaid Finished....and Jewelry-making

This is called "Fanfare Feathers." I made this last Spring. The "feathers" are made of mother of pearl. It has those flat/round natural pearls, pale aqua blue Szavarski (sp?)faceted bagettes, smokey topaz crystals, turqouise, etc., in it. Hard to see the colors in this pic. I had a great time just improvising to make it. It's attention grabbing, so I only wear it in the evenings to a special dinner or something like that. Not something to wear to the grocery store!

Naples has a fabulous bead shop! I just go and spend hours creating in my mind, then bring things home and recreate on my kitchen center island, or on my lap desk while I watch old movies. I always promise my DH I'll sell things in the Naples seasonal Arts Festivals...but I have a hard time parting with things. Although, I do give lots to my daughter, whom you know by now...Jessica. Or...she comes over and begs, borrows or removes them temporarily!

This one above is called, "Salute to Chanel," because it has the black huge jet beads, which she would have approved of, and the pink crystal leaves. It's heavy and chunky, which she would like, as well. I just love this piece. I always feel good when I wear it. I like to wear it with black pants and an open necked, long-sleeved, collared white shirt. I feel so Chanel!! LOL Then, here's the most casual one. It's called, "Sea Rose," because it's the carved rose captured by a string of multicolored cultivated pearls which have the most gorgeous sheen, sea glass and crystal beads. This strand is lightest weight of all. I love the look of it, but it needs a solid colored red or black dress to showcase all the pearls. So, that's some of my jewelry that I make. There's lots more....

Well, and here we have the finished little mermaid who found her own pearl necklace in the ocean. She is always accompanied by her pet the seahorse. This is my finished Fair & Square for Monique. It's on the way to her so the mermaid can find a happy landside home from FL. Hope you like it, Monique!

Finally, a follow-up note regarding my friend, Brooke, of Brooke's Books and the Stitching and Christmas Spirit girls. She is coming out with a set of Halloween gals, but they are for next year! This Spring she will be working on some new and interesting things similar to the Sampler on The Gift of Stitching Magazine cover this month. She was delighted to hear that you all love her "girls" and the "Sophie's Sampler," it means so much to her.

And, I love hearing from you, too. Thank you for your comments and notes of friendship and encouragement. I'm starting my "Marie Antoinette Sampler," and will have a picture for you next week! I'll also have more commentary on her portrait at that time.

Hugs,

Deb