Mystical Orchid Necklace

Mystical Orchid Necklace
Originally uploaded by Cielo Design

Here it is finally, my entry for this month's EBW challenge! :) I initially was trying to make a life life Orchid but it rapidly turned into yet another fantasy piece with numereous of unplanned additions and fiddling...still, I'm finding it challenging in a good way to work with free-form herringbone (the leaves of the flower) and trying to sculpture them in a way that would make sense in a more cohesive artistic way. In any event, I'm glad to have finished it on time and looking forward to going ahead with new planned endeavors already in the brew..;)

Alexis Moonlight Necklace

Alexis Moonlight Necklace
Originally uploaded by Cielo Design

Here's the latest addition to my Moonlight series, which I'm incredibly fond of due to the complicated yet balanced design (if I do say so myself...lol, it's not often my designs actually work!!),- I'll probably keep making them since they sell so well, but I've been busy with other things, challenge pieces (pictures coming soon!), custom orders and of course,- my ailing hand/arm.

I've found it completely depressing and deflating to be dictated by a physical temporary handicap, but the shooting pain I get from simply holding my bead work has seriously slowed me down and made me ponder... I love my work, I never work less than 10-15 hours a day and the thought that I can't continue at that crazy pace is really scary to me. However, having said that...I'm learning to pace my self and have the greatest respect for more experienced beaders warnings...if they tell me to slow down or else, I better listen up! ;)

Aysel Moonlight necklace

Aysel Moonlight necklace 1
Originally uploaded by Cielo Design

Finally time to make something new, summer is at last letting up a bit, less heat and more time to focus and create...I love that. I'm at my very best when it's raining outside and cold...but for now, here is my latest necklace full of glitter and fun!! :)

Forest Corsage necklace

Forest Corsage1
Originally uploaded by Cielo Design

What started out as a perfectly innocent looking little flower, quickly became a rather big center piece that needed to get attached to a necklace of some kind....I love how these pieces seem to take on a life of their own, no planning in advance...I often wonder if I should try a different approach, like writing and drawing my designs first and then try to bead them but it seems more fun to me to let the jewelry decide which way it wants to go...:)

The "Big Reveal" on the fabulously fun "Use the Muse contest" was finally made public today and it was such an amazing privilege to see all the fabulous entries and the diversity of the designs. I had such a great time creating this piece, Morai's Charm!! Initially, upon receiving the kit with the beads and the muse, I was puzzled and had not the faintest idea what to do with it. Especially not the muse, this beautiful shell center piece, which really just looked great on its own. It was just laying around for a few weeks before I even attempted to work on it but once I got the general idea, I completed it in less than two days and I reaaaaaaally loved the result!!
It was a total honor to see that this piece won "Design of Destinction" of the contest and I'll definitely consider entering again,- nothing is more fun that pushing the boundaries and discover new and exciting things to do with all those little shiny beady things!!

Alexandra's necklace

Alexandra's necklace
Originally uploaded by Cielo Design

This has got to be the fastest I ever made a necklace! Less than a day! As always, being a little off in my timing, I discovered that the EBW challenge dead-line was rapidly approaching and I had not even thought of an idea for something to make yet...but with a theme such as "First Ladies of Style", things just seem to flow naturally and with a grand Queen in mind,- the choice was obvious: Lots of pearls, crystals and delicious silver beads!

Savory Blossom necklace

Savory Blossom necklac
Originally uploaded by Cielo Design

Being excessively creative comes at a price, I have learned...This past week I have worked more hours than I can ever remember, juggling kids on vacation, custom orders, teaching, exploring loads of new ideas, it's been fun and completely my own choice,- however, my back is killing me!! I'm seeing stars and moons and possibly entirely other solar systems...so how to keep a healthy balance and still remain creatively satisfied?? That's the question I'll be pondering this week....meanwhile, here's one of the things I made this week! Enjoy! :)