I fixed the problem, though.... click here to see the result!
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I didn't have silver on my list, either, but I found a very cool strand of brushed silver for some of my more modern designs. I also snagged an awesome strand of large brushed rose gold ruffled discs... I can't wait to use those!
Then I found two graduated strands of amethyst, well-faceted and perfectly purple:
Now came the crazed frenzy part of my shopping. I've mentioned that I'm going to open a new line of jewelry on a new web site at SOME point, featuring a luxury line of jewelry. I've collected some primo strands over the years, but now had to get serious. My plans include lots of intricate wire work and tons of tiny gemstone dangles, so I had to get itty bitty gemmy rondelles and such:
Pink quartz, peridot pears, some Blue London Topaz beads that I felt lucky to find (it's usually seen in briolettes), peridot rondelles, smooth tourmaline brios, some more amethyst, and a strand of Sleeping Beauty turquoise.
Next came some unique smoky quartz barrels, citrine rondelles with so many facets that they blind the eye with sparkle, carnelian, smooth amethyst, and some teeny tiny rubies.
And finally, tourmaline rondelles, Mystic Topaz, moonstone, phrenite, more amethyst (I do love purple!), and rose quartz.
I hadn't planned on buying any large briolette strands because those are truly pricey and one strand can yield a bunch of different pieces of jewelry, so choosing just the right strand to start with was important. As I was picking out rondelles, I found these amazing pink quartz brios:
Another thing to bring back the nostalgia -- remember these:
Necco message hearts. Yes, they are basically chalky little antacid hearts, but it's not Valentine's Day without these. However, trying to explain to Zack what "So Fine" and "Don't Tell" meant was as confusing as his pondering what XXOO meant and just WHY did they pick those letters? Why not HH and QQ?
Either way, hugs and kisses, everyone.
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If you're looking for awareness jewelry that is distinctive, just email me and let me know what you have in mind. I can work with your budget, and I promise you'll love what you get!
(Visit www.lorianderson.net for more of my handmade beaded jewelry).
(You can see more of my handmade bead jewelry at www.lorianderson.net)
Photo by Carrie of http://www.beadtree.net/ (I owned these beads!)
2) You are a voracious reader -- who is your favorite author and why?
The other thing that struck me was how wonderful my customers are. They come back show after show, and since the majority of what I make is one of a kind, they know there will be something there that they haven't seen before. They bring their friends, and they are so kind to me. One lady brought me in some things for my cats, and another ran to get me lunch because I wasn't able to leave the booth. That's what makes doing shows such a pleasure. The hours are long and the stress can be high, but when people like that stop by -- well, it makes it all worth it.
You can see more of my handmade beaded jewelry at www.lorianderson.net