Monday, January 14, 2013

Crystal Jewelry Inspiration Blog Hop and Giveaway

It is not a big secret that I am a fan of sparkle, and what better way to create it then with lots and lots of Swarovski Elements.
When Kalmbach publishing invited each of the Swarovski Ambassadors to contribute to book about jewelry using crystal, it was the perfect opportunity to put together my beadweaving skills with my wire wrapping skills.
First I created the base of this piece with crystals in the corners of each diamond for maximum sparkle, and built up each diamond for some excellent texture.
And it was pretty, but it was plain....Each of those intersections was an opportunity to add more crystal!  So with a nice bold jumpring and a stockpile of Swarovski pendants and pearls, I wire wrapped up a few dangles.
Now the bracelet has not only a lot of bling, but it has wonderful movement as well!



Two by Two the base






Two by Two Adorned




The book, Crystal Jewelry Inspiration  , is as diverse as the group of women and men who make up the Swarovski ambassador team. I invite you to read up on each of their stories at the links below.
Leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for a prize from me (Swarovski maybe....???) and that name will also be provided to Kalmbach publishing who will be drawing a winner who will receive their very own copy of Crystal Jewelry Inspiration!

Monday, 1/14June BeachBeach Haus Designswww.beachhausdesigns.blogspot.com
Lilian ChenGold Gatsby Designwww.liliangoldgatsby.blogspot.com
Fernando daSilvaModern Expressionswww.modern-expressions.blogspot.com
Marcia DeCosterMad Designswww.maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com
Stephanie DixonThe Dixon Chickwww.thedixonchick.blogspot.com
Tuesday, 1/15


Katie HackerKatie's Beading Blogwww.katiehacker.blogspot.com
Monica HanCYS Dreambeadswww.cysdreambeads.blogspot.com
Wednesday,1/16
Diane HertzlerDiane Hertzler Beading Experienceswww.dianehertzler.blogspot.com
Val HirataCBY Sparklewww.cbysparkle.com/blog
Jamie HogsettJamie Hogsettwww.jamiehogsett.blogspot.com
Tamara HonomanArtfully Inspiredwww.thonaman.com/Tams_blog_dir/blogs/index.php



Thursday, 1/17Lisa PavelkaLisa Pavelka's Creative Musingswww.lisapavelka.typepad.com
Margot PotterMargot Potterwww.margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com
Pat RiesenburgerUrban Stitch Studiowww.urbanstitchstudio.blogspot.com
Leslie RogalskiSleepless Beaderwww.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com
Nadia Sanchez RamosFou Fou Chat by the Terror Sisterswww.foufouchat.blogspot.com
Renata Sanchez RamosFou Fou Chat by the Terror Sisterswww.foufouchat.blogspot.com
Debra SaucierDebra Saucier As The Crystal Turnswww.debrasaucier.blogspot.com
Friday, 1/18Brenda SchwederBrenda Schwederwww.BrendaSchweder.com
Debbi SimonDebbie Simonwww.debbisimon.blogspot.com
Kim St. JeanStudio St. Jeanwww.kimstjean.blogspot.com
Laura TimmonsTherabeadingwww.therabeading.blogspot.com
Kristal WickKristal Wickwww.kristalwick.wordpress.com
Diane WhitingSparkles and Smileswww.sparklesandsmiles.blogspot.com




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72 comments:

  1. HelenJanuary 14, 2013 at 8:59 PM

    Love it!

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  2. beautiful jewelleryJanuary 14, 2013 at 11:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  3. UnknownJanuary 15, 2013 at 2:39 AM

    As always the colours and the design are perfect. I love your work, a real source of inspiration.
    Nicky

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  4. newbeaderJanuary 15, 2013 at 3:44 AM

    Love your work!
    Irina

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  5. NancyJanuary 15, 2013 at 5:37 AM

    BLING ROCKS! 8)

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  6. skittle's momJanuary 15, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    I would really like to win! I am inspired by your work.

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    Wow, you are the queen of bling! I love your Master's book, and love the colors used in your designs here.

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  8. LeoraJanuary 15, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    Just my colors! Love it...

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  9. NancyJanuary 15, 2013 at 6:49 AM

    Just received this book - can't wait to start! As always I'll start with your design. I know I can count on understanding the instructions!

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  10. VanBeadsJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Amazing, as always! I love the way you used those large Swarovski crystal components/pendants like charms. Structurally perfect! (And pretty to look at, too!)

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  11. CindyJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    i have admired this piece for quite a while! Thanks for sharing it :D....I am slowly working through your book and love your designs and color choices :D !!

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  12. Becky PancakeJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    Your bracelet is exquisite. Thanx for a chance to win.

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  13. BethJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Beautiful work.

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  14. UnknownJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:26 AM

    I love how you created the base design and that was your original goal, but then amped it up and made it a work of art. I must remember this when I make something and it's not quite "right", so it then sits in a drawer incomplete or taken apart.

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  15. TanyaJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Marcia, I was lucky enough to win a copy of the book, and I agree, it is stunning. I love how so many techniques are included and the bead weaving projects are amazing. (Leslie's loom project has me almost made me forget about those dreaded warp threads.)

    I'd love to be considered for your giveaway, but please don't forward my name to Kalmbach. I don't need two copies. :)

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  16. lynndJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    I love your work. I would love to win as you are an inspiration to all that sparkles.

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  17. Sharon KJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    The authors in this book are such an inspiration to all beaders. Your talent never ceases to amaze me as well as others.

    Thank you for being a part of the book!

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  18. Michelle WJanuary 15, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    What a beautiful bracelet! I love sparkle and shine as well!

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  19. CindyJanuary 15, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    It's a great book and a great piece, but what I really like about it is how you've combined the beadweaving and wirework in a way that isn't too difficult, yet it results in such a stunner of a bracelet!

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  20. cjvierowJanuary 15, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    Nothing perks me up like some "bling" and this is truly beautiful. As is all of your work!

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  21. CoBeadsJanuary 15, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    Would love to get your book. Admiration ;-)
    Cornelia

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  22. AliMcJanuary 15, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    Stunning work! Found my way to you via Tanya at A Work in Progress and am so glad she referenced your blog.

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  23. UnknownJanuary 15, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    You are so inspiring with all your bling! I know that they are so so lucky to have you as an ambassador!

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  24. Jamie LubinJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    Just beautiful Marcia....how on earth could I not have this book already? Hehehe....something to hunt for...hope you are well....I need to send you a pic of my bracelet with the Druzy. Your blog, as usual, gives me so much inspiration. Looking forward to check out everyone else's blogs to see what they are doing!

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  25. MaureenJanuary 15, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    Love your bracelet and the colors of course!

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  26. Patti VanderbloemenJanuary 16, 2013 at 2:16 AM

    My jaw hit the floor when I scrolled down to to see the embelished bracelet - beautifu!

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  27. Manola MariaJanuary 16, 2013 at 3:55 AM

    I have always admired and loved your work, but to tell you the truth I had never used Swarovski crystals in my designs. At least not until recently. Then came the day, when I desided to give it a try. These crystals are just gorgeous and I will certainly try to use them more and more to make my pieces.

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  28. UnknownJanuary 16, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    love your work and i totally love crystals Awesome!!

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  29. Kathleen CopelandJanuary 17, 2013 at 6:05 AM

    love me some sparkle!

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  30. Kathleen CopelandJanuary 17, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    love me some sparkle!

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  31. KimisjewelryandgiftsJanuary 17, 2013 at 6:31 AM

    Gorgeous. I love bling. Creating with your heart, love, color and bling is my motto. Bling makes veverything look delightfully magical.

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  32. czecher1January 17, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    I thank you for sharing your talent with us....and I LOVE sparkle too!

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  33. LadygemJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    Thank you for sharing your talent and craft with us. I am always so amazed at all the talented bead artists out there. My passion is bead weaving and I love that you are willing to share with us. Thank you.

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  34. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Your work inspires me. Thank you!

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  35. stitchkatJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    Terrific - what a beautiful bracelet!
    Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

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  36. PetraJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    You've used beautiful colors!! And I love all this bling.

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  37. JudibeadsJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    The bracelet is beautiful! You can't have too many sparkles, and I LOVE every design of yours I have ever seen!

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  38. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    loving the color and designs! thanks for sharing :-) xoxo

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  39. MarbosJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    I love Swarovski too, my friends call me "magpie". Wonderful bracelet and wonderful colors.

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  40. PegnardJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Beautiful bracelet! I'd love to win a prize, I rarely do. Thanks for the great links list, too.

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  41. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:32 AM

    Love your designs and work! I've been a fan for a very long time!

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  42. Cynthia Newcomer DanielJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    The crystal dangles add just the right touch - brilliant!

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  43. MandiJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    Wow, it's going to be a seriously sparkly book! Can't wait to check it out :) Love the movement of your design.

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  44. Jean HutterJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    I didn't realize I loved bling too until I started beading your Dreamcatcher. Love this bracelet amazing.

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  45. moonlitfantaseasJanuary 17, 2013 at 12:00 PM

    the bracelet is beautiful! As it should be coming from the queen of bling.....I love your creations!

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  46. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 12:02 PM

    Have already ordered. So many talented folks, including you!!

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  47. StephanyJanuary 17, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    Love the design of this bracelet and the colors too. Just beautiful!

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  48. June MooreJanuary 17, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    Great work. I am saving up for your kit Rings of Saturn. Thanks for all your great designs.

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  49. LuxorhouseJanuary 17, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    Gorgeous...like always with your designs...this one takes me back to Greece and its beautiful Aegean waters!!!

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  50. neeraJanuary 17, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    what a gorgeous bracelet! looking forward to your new book(s)!

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  51. WandaIvetteJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    Love it, love it, love it, amazing sparkles love it. Like always you do amazing work.

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  52. ACBeadsJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:46 PM

    Your bracelet for the book is exquisite. An admirer of your work.

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  53. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:46 PM

    The bracelet is absolutely gorgeous!

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  54. ktdid1January 17, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    What a beautiful bracelet!

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  55. Yael RJanuary 17, 2013 at 4:29 PM

    Lovely bracelet! Like your blog and your beading

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  56. Rose RedJanuary 17, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    I like the first version but the second one has that certain Bling, Bling about it ;) Looking forward to meeting you later in the year here in the UK.

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  57. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:05 PM

    I love the bracelet, both plain and adorned.....just bought your book, Beaded Opulence- my husband is bringing it home tomorrow. I am so excited- you inspire me!

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  58. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    I love the bracelet, both plain and adorned.....just bought your book, Beaded Opulence- my husband is bringing it home tomorrow. I am so excited- you inspire me!

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  59. KayzKreationzJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    That is a gorgeous bracelet. I've never done any bead work like that, but you make it look so pretty. The book looks very interesting, too.

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  60. PepitaJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:07 AM

    Beautiful colours and a beautiful bracelet! Love it!

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  61. ChrisDJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:15 AM

    Who can resist sparkle in their lives? As ever your work is irresistible.

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  62. ChrisDJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:15 AM

    Who can resist sparkle in their lives? As ever your work is irresistible.

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  63. BieneJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:39 AM

    I love. love, love it <3

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  64. omicron700January 18, 2013 at 5:38 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  65. omicron700January 18, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    Absolutely stunningly beautiful bracelet! This crystal junkie would love to win.

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  66. dreaminofbeads / SAS Jewelry DesignsJanuary 18, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    So beautiful....I would love to win!
    Sonya

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  67. SueJanuary 18, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    Hoping to win lots of sparkle and a book. Thanks for the chance

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  68. TByrdDesignJanuary 18, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    I am a novice when it comes to anything with seed beads but I am now trying it. I am so inspired by how you mix the perfect colors and sooo many layers.

    Tammy

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  69. CynthiaJanuary 18, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    absolutely gorgeous, love the sparkle.

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  70. dollaJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    I really liked the before picture and then when you added the elements that added movement I was really impressed.

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  71. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:35 AM

    Perfect job!!

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  72. UnknownApril 13, 2013 at 11:38 PM

    Marcia, I was lucky enough to win a copy of the book, and I agree, it is stunning. I love how so many techniques are included and the bead weaving projects are amazing.
    http://www.teststripexchange.com

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