Handmade lampwork beads by Darlene Shaw

Many people have been coming to our bead (Graft Unlimited, the spot for beads and more) store asking for Pandora style beads and that request has been fulfilled in the form of Baci beads.  Through joining teams on Etsy (CAST team, CAPS team, BURGH team) I've had the honor to be in contact with many wonderful artists from all over this wonderful world God has placed us in.



I 'met' Darlene Shaw after joining the Burgh team on Etsy.  The Burgh team is comprised of Etsians who live in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas (all the nearby 'burgs').  Darlene creates beautiful lampwork beads and sells them in her Etsy shop.  Check out her shop here  http://www.ltdartglass.etsy.com/.  Darlene contacted me shortly after I joined the Burgh team and asked if I would like to carry her beads in my shop.  My response was:  most definitely!  These beads are gorgeous!

I am so pleased to have Darlene's beads in the store!  Thank you for stopping by and seeing her gorgeous creations!

Be blessed today and always!

Blue Aventurine, hematite and glass necklace by CreationsbyTricia

Here is an awesome gemstone necklace and earring set I created just last week.  I haven't yet decided if I am going to list this one Etsy.  I think I am going to display it in the bead shop for now. 

I started the necklace with the glass, top drilled, tear drop shaped beads and the blue aventurine.  I really liked the way it was looking but it just seemed like way too much in the blue department.  I found some 5mm hematite rounds in my stash and when placed next to and in between the glass and blue aventurine, I was really pleased.  At first I was just going to string it on one strand because I didn't have enough of any of the beads to make it 2 strand all the way around. 

After staring at the necklace for a day trying to figure how I was going to finish the piece, I again went to my stash.  Wallah...I found these teeny tiny seed beads (I believe they are 15/0) in two different shades of blue.  I had an ahah moment and varigated the two colors of blue and finished off with a unique and different toggle clasp in sterling silver.

Blue is not one of my favorite colors, but I really like this piece.  What do you think?  I love to hear (see) opinions, constructive criticism, and suggestions.

Have a fabulous day!!