9/15/13

Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! Blog Hop

I'm so happy that Michelle Buettner of MiShelDesigns decided to give pearls the spotlight in today's blog hop. Michelle's invitation was the nudge I needed to tackle a project I've been trying to bring to the top of my to-do stack for almost two years. That's how long ago I purchased the pattern for Shelley Nybakke's Satisfaction cuff. Substantial and statement-making (you won't find anything prim or stuffy at Shelley's Sturdy Girl Designs), the cuff uses Swarovski crystals and pearls to create texture and sparkle in built-up layers of right angle weave.

Once I completed the gunmetal base and had the outer channels filled with crystals, I began to question my original plan to use black pearls in this design. Side-by-side, the black brings drama to the piece, but the gray pearls add their own light and glamor. For my own Satisfaction, I intended to stray a bit from Shelley's design of alternating pearls and crystals in the center channel. So I compromised by using Light Gray in the pop-up sections of pearls/crystals, and Mystic Black in the recessed sections of sterling spacers and pearls. Drama and glamor - now that's a double dose of satisfaction!



I purchased the pearls for this design at The Beadcage in Columbus, Georgia. The Beadcage is a Swarovski distributor and always has a well-stocked and totally tantalizing wall of pearls to choose from, a great choice if you live in the Atlanta area.

Soft and classic, or saturated and edgy, pearls are everywhere this Fall - click the links below to see how today's participants are mixing them up in their designs.
 
























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17 comments:

  1. H.T.September 15, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    Hi:-)
    'Pearls,Pearls...' I love pearls!
    Your bracelet is stunning.
    Beautifully stitched,in very nice colors.
    Warm Greetings-Halinka-

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  2. Therese's TreasuresSeptember 15, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    Gorgeous braclet! I agree with the design change it makes a statement but is not over powering. I am going to have to drive over to Columbus and check out that bead store I am just 1.5 hours away from there.
    Therese

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  3. AntiquityTravelersSeptember 15, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    oh WOW! that is a stunning piece! wow, just wow! love it

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  4. LizSeptember 15, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Dramatic and inviting all at the same time. Really lovely work.

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  5. ShelSeptember 15, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Oh man - this is totally awesome! I love your work - amazing. (Have you heard me gush about loving everything you all do w/these tiny seed beads?!) I'm also completely in love with your color palette because it's so me. Black/gray/blues/silvers - my go to colors all year round - for jewelry, clothes - everything! I think your choice of color change is perfect. And, I have a feeling that this bracelet feels pretty awesome to wear too! Thank you so much for joining in this hop - I hope you had fun!

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 15, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    Absolutely, this bracelet makes a statement! "I'm stunning, aren't I !" All it needs is that little black dress and you're good to go. Love it!

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  7. UnknownSeptember 15, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    I love this bracelet, the layers of beads, pearls and crystals are beautiful.

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  8. LisaSSeptember 15, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    Wow! Gorgeous bracelet, love what you do with pearls!!!

    Hope you are enjoying the hop ;)

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  9. Freestyle ElementsSeptember 15, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    Beautiful, beautiful, bracelet! I really admire your beadwork! It's always great to finish a project!! The colors are just gorgeous. Gina H

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  10. Klassy JoolzSeptember 15, 2013 at 5:03 PM

    This bracelet is beautiful. I so admire anyone that can do Beadwork! Just lovely!

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  11. aneri_masiSeptember 15, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    That is breathtaking! Love the colors you have used here!

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  12. Christine AltmillerSeptember 15, 2013 at 10:02 PM

    Dramatic, elegant, edgy, substantial~this bracelet has it all, and with your top notch bead weaving to round it all off! What a wonderful design by Shelley. I like how you put your own little twist on it. This must feel REALLY good on your wrist! Just Gorgeous, Karin!

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  13. Sweet FreedomSeptember 16, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    Very striking and dramatic! I need to get back to right angle weave!

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  14. Tracy StatlerSeptember 16, 2013 at 3:15 PM

    Hi Karin. I love the blues and blacks together. It is one of the hottest color combos for this fall - you are right on trend! I would wear this is a heartbeat!

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  15. SharylSeptember 17, 2013 at 12:33 AM

    That's some seriously beautiful sead beading and use of pearls! I love the light and dark grays together!

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  16. Empty nester at lastSeptember 20, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    That is way cool! So elegant and sophisticated! I love the colors. Great job. Thanks for Sharing!

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  17. Lisa Yang JewelrySeptember 24, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    Gorgeous bracelet - love the colors!
    Lisa
    http://www.lisayangjewelry.com

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