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Thursday 1 March 2012

Crazy for Crystals - Swarovski


A few weeks ago I received a yummie mix of crystals in different sizes and colors for the new Fusion Beads Blog Affiliate Program. I, who am not normally a crystals person, got really really inspired. And I wanted to let the colors speak and the crystals to star in my pieces.

I have made three different designs. A bracelet, an earring and a ring. And even though I have not fully completed the ring yet I decided to show it to you anyway, as I think there is such a strong family feeling between the three pieces. And I am also pleased with the design. :-)


The ring is made in odd count peyote stitch, and a mix of one-drop and two-drop. All so I would get the width I wanted and a center line to embellish along. I used matte ivory colored Delicas size 11. The 3mm Crystals are attached each sitting diagonally along the center double row of the peyote.


My idea for the design for the bracelet actually started with a combination of two words that popped up in my head. "Crazy Cluster". I was looking for an un-tidy and more messy look than I myself normally associate with designs using crystals. Here I have sewn together a bunch of crystals in different sizes and colors to make this cluster bead. I think I managed to achieved what I was after. For the rest of the bracelet I have used ivory colored bone disc beads, strung on elastic cord to avoid the use of a clasp.


Now the earrings. A tassel type construction with a mix of crystals in different sizes and colors knotted on many strands of cord. I wanted to use silk cord, because it balances the slightly messy look with the more classy material. And crystals and silk cord is just utterly beautiful together I discovered. A definite hit! I used a closed square copper ring to attach the cords to.


All three pieces together. I really really enjoyed to work with these crystals. Who would have thought that? It was fun to try to find the somewhat un-tidy and bohemic solutions I was looking for. I will definitely use crystals more often in the future.


All my best,
Malin


The materials above were provided as part of the FusionBeads blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from FusionBeads. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

7 comments:

Heidi Post said...

I used to think the whole world revolved around Swarovski! I've since abandoned my stash to the depths of my "misc." bin. But you've had such fun with them here! I see what you mean about the earrings now - very cute. And so unusual to see them paired with white - at least in a non shiny/sparkly/glowy way. You know what I mean?

Angel Whisperer said...

Jättevackra allihop :) och rena i stilen som vanligt med din design !! härligt sommriga kram

Karin Slaton said...

I'm just crazy about your cluster and those cords. How wonderfully inventive your designs are! Your pieces gave me my smile for the day!

TesoriTrovati said...

You did things with these crystals that I never would have considered doing. I love those earrings. So bohemian free spirt!
Enjoy the day. Erin

Jewelry By Jessica said...

I love what you've done with the crystals. I like the earrings best they look beautiful on you.

Happy beading,
Jessica

Rebecca said...

LOVE it. The white goes so perfectly with the crystals - and I love that you have used matt textures and fibres. Again, it compliments perfectly the sparkly, colourful glow of the crystalS! I think the ring is (will be!) my favourite.

Andersonsldy said...

You did things with these crystals that I never would have considered doing. I love those earrings. So bohemian free spirt! Enjoy the day. Erin