Hello Again

I know what you must be thinking...something terrible has happened to Shelby...yes?, well actually, no. I'm still here, busy as a little bee, making sure that deadlines are met and making new pieces for upcoming shows. It's been tough though, as previously posted I've been smacked down by seasonal allergies, and as I'm sure you know, it's really hard to concentrate on the task at hand with a headache and a multitude of other symptoms...I'll save you the details. At any rate, there are lots of pieces that still need to be photographed, but here are a few newbies

Beach Finds - Turquoise, Humblebeads, and Sterling Silver Bracelet



Burst - Sterling Silver, Gemstone, & Lampwork Bracelet

Oyster Shell - Enameled Earrings

I SO love these earrings! I've done something similar to these before, but these are a little different. I love the wavy edge, the hue of purple, and the little puddle of white in the middle. LoOove 'em!

Finally, check my "All A Buzz" earrings out this fabulous Spring Garden Party Treasury created by our Delaware Street Team captain Marsha Neal.

Eye Candy

It's been a fabulously productive week! The temps warmed, so I was able to really get to work out in the workshop quite a bit. The way I see it...I'll be spending a lot more time out there, so a HUGE cleaning was in order! And, I got to work making several new bracelets.

Cast Your Net - Lampwork & Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet

Being ocean side, anything related to the beach is always a hit. And these were the perfect lampwork beads...doesn't the pattern look like a fishing net?

Colors of the World - Lampwork & Sterling Silver Chain Maille Bracelet

Lately, the rainbow colors just work for me. So when I saw these, made by Tracy Bell, I just had to have them.

XOXO - Lampwork & Sterling Silver Wirework Bracelet

These yummy lampwork beads were made by Cherie - happyskull. Typically, I don't go for anything pink...however I love the contrasting colors in these lampwork beads, and the little squiggle design. Oh, and of course, they're perfect for Valentine's Day:)

These have been delivered to The Artful Bean, a great little coffee shop/gallery that carries some of my pieces.

This week temps are suppose to break into the 60's! So exciting, spring? I wonder...or just a teaser?

Happy Valentine's Day!

New Work

Tonight I'm "working" at the computer, adding new listings to my Etsy shop, and editing photos. Here are a glimpse at a couple bracelets that were recently listed

Festive Lights - Lampwork & Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet



Forest Stroll - Turquoise, Jasper, & Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet

Currently, everything in my Sundown Bead Designs shop is 15% off, just use coupon code Happy.

I've been working on some pieces, hopefully I'll be able to share them with you soon.

And then there was Light

I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!! Yippee!

It's still pretty cold, but I've braved the temps and gotten out into the workshop. I've been busy working on orders for Christmas, and today...success, the last order was completed and delivered. I won't be taking any more orders for this year. There are still some things that I'd like to make for Christmas gifts, but I'm not going to put any pressure on myself. If they get done, great, if not...no biggie.

Take a peek at a few of the pieces that will be finding new homes Christmas morning...

I love bangles!...these 3 are a set



This bracelet is very similar to one I had done before, different clasp and a lot longer. This is my first piece going to a gentleman. 

This ring was learned from Lisa Claxton. Love all the texture and it's so easy to wear!

This little lovely was the only one to go that has beads. But that's okay...it will be loved just the same.



The kids last full day of school is Thursday, and we have lots of plans (I hope) while they're on break. Which also means that there is still a lot to get completed, and only two short days to get a long list of "to do's" done. Then, we're home free to make gingerbread houses, bake cookies, watch Christmas movies, do crafts...you get the idea. What fun activities do you do to get ready for the holidays?

Oxidized or Shiny?

That is the question. Everyone has an opinion. What is your preference? Does it depend on your mood...what your wearing, or do you only wear one or the other. I've never really had very many comments about the oxidation or lack there of, of the jewelry I create. However, at the art show this past weekend, there were several comments, and even a lost sale.

When to oxidize? I almost always oxidize copper to get that nice warm tone. But what about silver? There are certain pieces that I oxidized because it adds so much depth.  The oxidation brings out the detail in the wirework and really makes the piece pop. Like this pendant...

And this necklace, the oxidation really shows the wirework well and provides a great contrast in color.

And then sometimes I oxidize...just because

But then again, I like to leave some pieces shiny. Sometimes shiny really makes a piece stand out. Bright, shiny silver provides great contrast against a darker colored bead. Such was the case when determining whether to oxidize this bracelet. I felt like oxidizing this piece would make it dull.

And then there is the case where I'm not sure which would be better. Like here...

The downfall to oxidizing is once it's done...it's done. You can always polish the piece and get off a majority of the oxidation but it will never be bright and shiny again. And I hate the polishing part, all those little piece of steel wool get stuck in the coiling, my hands are stained black and smell like metal for at least a day. However, I've recently learned that the polishing can also be done with a scotch brite pad...I'm definitely gonna try this.

The downfall to shiny...well for me anyway, is the photographing. I can't get a decent picture of a nice, shiny piece, like the above necklace. The shiny silver acts like a mirror, depending on the angle I get a reflection of my lens. And then there are the dark spots...very frustrating.

So what is your preference? Mine...shiny. I really gravitate toward a bright, shiny piece of jewelry, but then again it depends on the piece.

Busy Bee

Summer is quickly becoming a fading memory...days to lounge around the pool or beach, days trips, and play dates have come to a screeching halt. But all's good...and September promises to be a busy month. An art show this weekend, volunteering at school, 17 leaf charms to make, and ArtBliss (Squeal!). The best part you ask? I LOVE fall! Cool, crisp mornings, the fall foliage, and I consider this the absolute best time at the beach!

I've been all a buzz in my workshop the last few days. I've definitely got my groove on, but not with the traditional fall colors. Just take a look and see...

Sorbet ~ Sterling Silver & Lampwork Bracelet

I totally Love this bracelet! The vibrant colors, all the wirework, it's bold, and it will go with just about anything in your closet! I'm gonna hate to see it go when it sells...but then that makes room for another...right?

Lightning Streaks - Sterling Silver & Lampwork Bracelet

Here I go again...Love the lampwork beads in this bracelet. I agonized for quite sometime over how to incorporate them into a piece. I think it turned out quite well and I still have a couple left over...yea!

I'm still hoping to land a few more piece before Saturday, but in the meantime I still have to create a piece for the silent auction, photos to take, editing, tagging...all the boring stuff.

~Sale~ in Etsy Shop

Visit my shop on Etsy Sundown Bead Designs. I have not had any new additions to my shop lately...therefore I'm having a great sale. Below are a few of the select items in my shop that are on sale up to as much as 20% off the original price. And check back soon as I will be adding new items for the fall and upcoming Christmas season.

SALE - Tropical Paradise - Bodacious Lampwork, Thai Hill Tribe Silver and Hand Forged Sterling Silver Bangle

Save Big SALE - Northern Lights - Chunky Boro Lampwork, Sterling and Thai Silver Bracelet

SALE - Fall Rustic Red - Sterling Silver Wire, Coral and Red Jasper Necklace

Save Big - SALE - Sienna Lampwork and Sterling Silver Bracelet