C Koop Book Challenge

A couple of months ago, Lorelei Eurto announced a new challenge on her blog.  She was giving away these adorable "books", and those chosen were to create a piece of jewelry with them that told a story, and to also use at least 3 components from our local bead store.  

Photo courtesy of Lorelei Eurto

Immediately, ideas started forming, and I was thrilled to be chosen to participate.  

This is the necklace I created and the story behind it.

I decided to base the necklace I created for this challenge on one of my favorite books, On Folly Beach, by Karen White.  I’ve always been a fan of historical fiction, and this book combines the past and present in a book about a family during WWII South Carolina and present day Folly Beach.   I created pages in the book to look like letters and pictures soldiers would have sent home during the war.  In fact, the images featured are copies of pictures my grandfather sent home from WWII Germany and France, and he is the gentleman on the right in the first picture. 

The yellow floral beads, deep red “sea glass”, and pearls are from a bead store called Plumb Alley Beads, located 45 minutes from my home.  The floral beads represent the floral designs popular during the 1940s, and the sea glass and pearls are a nod to the ocean and the part it played in On Folly Beach. 

I hope you enjoy this peek into a book I love, as well as my own personal link to the necklace. 

I had a wonderful time participating in this challenge and this will always be a special piece to me!

More Christmas jewelry

Thought I'd share a couple of Christmas themed pieces I created.  The large red and green beads in the earrings are from Potomac Bead Company in Alexandria, VA.  They're so festive--I love them!

The bracelet was created from a pattern I found on the internet, but for the life of me I can't remember the website!  

I've also been working on some more broken china jewelry for my friend, Misty, and hope to have pics posted soon.

Now off to enjoy a Christmas movie with the family!

Owls

 A week or so ago, Heather Powers posted a tutorial for polymer clay owls on her blog.  Since I absolutely adore owls, I had to give them a try.  I made 4, and two of them turned out well. 

Although the white and gray owl didn't photograph quite as well, it's my favorite.  I was thinking of Hedwig, Harry Potter's owl, when I made it.  I loved it so much, I had to make a necklace out of it last night.

It's a neutral necklace, using lots of gray and clear crystal.  I wanted to be able to wear it with a variety of outfits.  

Still trying to squeeze in some last minute Christmas jewelry making into my schedule.  It's such a hectic time of year, but you can never have too much Christmas themed jewelry, right?

Cyber Monday Sale

I've just renewed some listings in my Etsy shop, and am offering 10% off today with the coupon code CYBER13.

Happy shopping!