New Colors for Caramel's Claws Necklace in Progress, but FIRST...

 I went to the local Gem and Lapidary Workers show last week and found some nice bits of stone to re-kit some old favorites.  But first, I have two of the stones from the original Blueberry edition that I never kitted.  This is the version with the chocolate ambience.  Here's a reminder of the colorway.

Below are the two new stones.  I like to be able to have a place here on my blog to show both sides of the stone, because either could be chosen to be the front.  

Minor pitting with nice over all color and an interesting dark vein.

Some larger pits, but with a little drusy sparkle inside, and exciting veining throughout.

And these are the new acorn beads.  The originals are no longer available.

They are translucent and a little less teal, and more aqua.  They seem nice with these stones.

These are kitted with the chocolate coppery browns shown above.

They will be in my shop tomorrow morning, April 14th.   

BUT!!!  I have another set of coming, with a hematite bezel and dark grey accents, and making use of the matte stones, which are vibrant and luscious.  SO, know there are more Blueberries on their way in the next couple weeks, depending on supply shopping and shipping times.  And if you already have a chocolate version, you might want to wait for the hematite.  Stay tuned!

Happy Spring and a Joyful Easter or Passover or Ramadan, 

or whatever you celebrate when the earth begins to re-awaken from Winter's slumber.

Red Porcelain Jasper

I have had a quiet week after my South Dakota Black Hills vacation.  It really put me in mind of Autumn, seeing the beautiful colors and feeling the nip in the air.

I have had some requests for more Caramel's Claws kits, and bought some more of the oval beads that serve as the focal.  I found a Jasper suited to a Pomegranate colorway, and want to finish off the last bundles of acorn melon beads, so I made up a sample, and liked it.

The Pomegranate melon bead is translucent, very much like a pomegranate seed.  The Red Porcelain Jasper is sometimes brick, sometimes burgundy red.  The stone reminded me of a favorite pair of red suede boots that are so neutral I can manage to wear almost any red with them.

I chose the most brick-like color for my sample, as always, trying to save the very best focals for you. I cannot get the color to display quite exactly as it is, REDS ARE HARD FOR ME TO GET PHOTOGRAPHICALLY PERFECT! so let me just say these are redder than brown for sure.  Here is the new Pomegranate, (with it's brick focal) next to the original bronzy-brown Cinnamon colorway.

Taking all of the ovals into consideration, I designed a pretty neutral red frame and neckstrap. Some of them have quite a bit of creamy pattern, some are mostly red, and some, mostly porcelain, which I think would look spectacular displayed in this red frame on a winter white sweater.  So without further ado...

Dark with subtle shading

Smooth and deeply colored

A bit of landscape patterning.

Dark with a lighter marking.

This focal bead is Apple Jasper, a slightly more true red with woodgrain markings.  A thinner bead which will display a bit more of the bezel against the surface of the focal.

Interesting markings nicely placed.

I love the landscape rock look of this piece.

Reminds me of Picasso cubism.

Deep burgundy wine hints, and lots of creamy softness.

For some reason, this one reminds me of a calico cat!

Neutral beige with hints of grey and cream.  Reminds me of marble.

Love this one!  If no one claims it, I will make it up for myself! Porcelain indeed.

Having beads set aside for (or left over from) a kit project sitting around in my stash does no one any good.  So this week I am working on getting what I have into kits that you can use.  I know some of you already own more than one colorway of this design.  Please do not feel obligated to make a purchase.  Some of my clients are SO supportive, and I truly appreciate you all!  I''ll put these, and whatever else I manage to get kitted this week, in my Etsy shop on Saturday around noon CST.

I am working on a new icy, wintery piece featuring mother of pearl for you.  I have a final dancewear project to finish first, and the holidays to prepare for and enjoy, but please, know it's coming!