Brilliant Design and random other things

I've been absent, taking a tiny rest, but lot's of things have been going through my mind so today's post may be a bit random.

In Dallas this past weekend, Jill Wiseman was going to come play beads with us, but then she succumbed to the hectic schedule and got herself sick. Jill had been to Dallas a few weeks earlier and taught Night at the Opera. I was totally enamored of her design aesthetic.



First of all the design completely showcased the tiny 2 mm Swarovski crystals, something that is sometimes hard to do with a crystal so small. The bracelet had the look of fine jewelry, was finished beautifully and very wearable. The fact that I saw many completed I think is also a testament to good design. The piece was achievable and everyone had an excellent result. Great job Jill! Loved it!

I will be showcasing more brilliant design going forward, there is a plethora (I just wanted to use big words like Rachel does...) of great contemporary beadwork jewelry being done at the moment and it's very exciting.

My friend Val has been 'playing' with beads, although she continues to insist she is not going not going to give in to the beads. A full tray of earrings later, I'm not sure that I believe her. This is one of her beautiful pairs. I love the shiny with the felt and the bottom component is from Gail Crosman Moore.



Yesterday (my day off) I made this metal bead bracelet. The original bracelet came from Shelly Nybakkes metalsmiths match. Rita, a student in Florida had done it up in size 8 metal beads with crystal cal and it was so stunning I was completely smitten and couldn't rest until I too was able to wear this sparkly cuff.



Then needing earrings to match I headed off to Fashion Valley and found these Alexis Bittar earrings. I may never take them off (I'm always that way with a new piece of jewelry) but these do suit me. I think they will inspire a few new pieces of jewelry. I've loved Alexis Bittar forever and his new combinations of Lucite and crystal,brilliant!



The wind is howling, which is a sound I love, and the pepper trees are swaying in the breeze, and it's a gorgeous fall day. I'm home until next week and well rested, although I have business to tend to when I'd rather be beading, but then that is always the balancing act.