Perfection

Jezebel bracelet in metallic gold, olive
and golden shadow crystals

Just before Christmas I was teaching a class in Bonn  in Petra's lovely studio at Das Perlament, if you
find yourself in the area Petra has a great range of workshops running throughout the year and the shop is packed with beady inspiration.
On the day, one of my students arrived with her completed Jezebel's Jewels bracelet from the workshop in Hamburg earlier in the year and I've been meaning to show and share since I got back. For me, it is always hugely flattering to see my designs completed and enjoyed, not least because a lot of time goes into a piece like this bracelet, time shared with me and the beads which is a gift in itself.

Meanwhile, back in Bonn, I photographed the bracelet on a beautiful wooden box in the studio, which gave a perfect setting. If I had time to sit and make one I'd fetch the beads right now as I simply fell in love with the vintage colour combination.
This weekend I was teaching the class again in the UK and it's always fun, so much sparkle! Several students were using stones with new coatings and I had a serious case of crystal envy, followed of course by a serious case of crystal shopping.

Jezebel's Jewels

Sometimes serendipitous things happen just when you need them to, not often, but so fab when they do. I was just beginning to sort out my Jezebel's jewels class for later this year. I'll be teaching it in August at Beader's Best in Hamburg, and in the Dorset in the UK in November. Click the link to come join in the class!
Because... Squeeee... one of those dreamed of stashes of treasure has found me.  With perfect timing an email arrived in my in-box asking if I'd be interested in taking a peek into many boxes of crystals and beads, the remaining stock of a now closed costume jewellery business. I've had a tiny glimpse, and I'm itching to go visit, which I'll be doing later this month.
Jezebel's jewels is a design I've wanted to share for ages, with two different beady bezels for gleaming crystal stones and a versatile link, they can be joined together into a huge range of combinations. Anything from demure pendants, simple sparkly band bracelets or cute three dimensional crystal encrusted beads, to drama queen cuffs, lavish crucifixes and beyond. I'm so excited to see what my students will come up with... and now I'll be able to supply a divine hoard of crystal stones for them to dip into.

Cuff and pendant in aqua's and greens

Jezebel's jewels began with a sketch I made. I saw a truly elegant lady wearing a stunning brooch on a velvet scarf while we sat opposite each other on a train journey.
The brooch was made of wonderfully ridged and knobbly metal, studded with emerald and scarlet crystals. Maybe it was a priceless heirloom!
It kind of got linked in my mind with a game we used to play with coloured paper shapes, moving them around to make patterns.
So Jezebel's jewels slowly emerged from the little sketch and notes, and is now is a colourful jigsaw for beaders.
I'll post pictures of my new samples, once the vintage crystals arrive and I've had time to do the beading.
Meanwhile, if you want to come join the fun, book soon, spaces are filling up fast!