The jewelry themes for the summer 2016 issue of Jewelry Stringing include mixed media, pretty papaya, vintage summer, and carnival. Two of my jewelry designs were included in the gallery pages.
Ocean Blues Bracelet
My bracelet includes several types of glass beads in pale blue and white. I used empty knot cups as dangles near the clasp of the bracelet. Empty knot cups were one of my favorite tricks that I used in my book Unexpected Findings. They add movement without adding any weight to the finished piece.
Design Tip: This bracelet is a great example of how just the right clasp can elevate an ordinary strung bracelet. I could have used just a plain lobster clasp, but instead I chose a toggle clasp that has little circles on it that look just like bubbles, emphasizing the ocean theme.
Painterly Palette Earrings
My earrings feature gorgeous enameled charms from C-Koop. I love this color combination of lavender and yellow for spring and summer. I made a few versions of these earrings before ultimately going with a very simple design.
Design Tip: If you have a unique artisan component, don't hide it under a lot of clutter!
More Designs to Inspire
Some of my favorite projects in this summer issue include Mountains Are Calling by Kristina Hahn Eleniak, Brasilia by Sara Oehler, and Champs-Elysees by Becky Nunn of Nunn Design. Tammy Jones of JewelryMakingDaily.com wrote a nice feature on adding patinas to different metals.
Happy jewelry making!