Red set

I made this beaded set during the last few days. The necklace is netting from a Russian book called Bead Fantasy. The only difference from the design in the book is how I ended the necklace, as I didn't like the original that much. I like interlinked swags much better.

The bracelet is a simple peyote tube, I made up my mind to use this technique while I was working on the swags.











In the meantime I've decided to learn wire jewelry. So I ordered a starter kit from Wig Jig and I've started reading the two online complimentary books that I have been granted access to download from their site. The designs are beautiful, I can't wait to have the tools to start learning! But first, I need to get the order shipped all the way to Cyprus... *sigh*

Middle of the (working) week

Wednesday evening, two more days to go and it's weekend, yay!
I decided today to play around with tubular peyote, something that I haven't done in over two years. This is the result. It worked up very quickly, and I merely wanted to play with the different bead colours and sizes, to see what pattern it emerges.
Note to self - I have to learn to read a tubular graph to work more intricate patterns.

Btw, the picture doesn't show it, but ALL the beads I used are green, not white :)




In the reading department, I'm *still* reading the ghost short stories, it goes a little slowly as every evening I'm reading one story in bed (hoping that a ghost will appear maybe?)

Necklace Styles-Chain Link with Drop

Well, we've already discussed the handmade triple strand necklace in the previous article. The next handmade necklace style you'll find in the Kincaidesigns Necklace Boutique is the Chain Link Necklace with Drop.

Chain Link with Drop
For more simple and delicate handmade jewelry, the chain link with drop necklaces are the perfect choice. This necklace is otherwise known as the Y-necklace due to the shape, however, many people aren't aware of this necklace type. These necklaces are constructed using sterling silver or 14kt gold fill chain and embellished with Swarovski Crystals, handmade glass beads, pearls and semiprecious stones. The drop itself acts as a unique pendant. Each drop is different based on the necklace, some have clustered dangles, others have 2-3 drops, while the most standard chain link with drop necklace in the Kincaidesigns collection has one drop with a matching bead combination finishing off the piece as seen in the photograph. These necklaces can be paired with matching chain link necklaces to create a double or triple strand necklace, which is a stunning evening look or even a trendy everyday look. Wearing multiple strand necklaces is a huge trend right now, one of many trends that the jewelry designers are hoping will stay around for awhile.

(Kincaidesigns Photo) Handmade Blue/Grey Chain Link Necklace with Drop
The Y-Necklace, or Drop necklace featured in this article features a more neutral color combination of Navy, Blue and Gray. Embellished with handmade glass beads including Gray glass bead and acid etched blue glass beads, Navy Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver, this unique handmade necklace can be worn with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to your favorite eveningwear. Either way, this is a versatile practical addition to your jewelry collection.

To shop for your own chain link necklace with drop or any other jewelry, visit the Kincaidesigns Jewelry Boutique. You'll not only find these unique chain link necklaces with a drop, but you'll also find matching jewelry sets, bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, seasonal jewelry, baby jewelry, bridal jewelry, handmade glass beads, handmade glass ornaments, wine charms, keychains and more! Shop for Handmade Jewelry!

Another orange

Finally, I finished my second orange necklace. I think I have enough orange to last me for a while *lol*.
Hm...while fetching my orange blouse to 'test' with the new necklace, I noticed in the back of my wardrobe a striking yellow one... and I don't have any jewelry to go with it... :-\

Necklace Styles-Triple Strand Necklace

Handmade Necklace Styles at Kincaidesigns

There are many different styles of necklaces, and while there are universal names for these styles, many jewelry designers make up their own names for the handmade necklace styles in their boutique. At Kincaidesigns, we use some universal names and other names we just made up, or we think we made up. I don't mean we've named handmade necklaces like "Julie" or "Maria", I mean we made up names that described each style of necklace, such as "Chain Link Necklace with Drop" otherwise known as a Y-necklace. This may sound boring, or clinical, but we wanted to be as descriptive as possible for our customers. Not everyone knows what a Y-Necklace is, or a Lariat or Opera necklace. So we made up our own names.

This article series will help you understand the names of each necklace style at Kincaidesigns. When you shop for necklaces, they are divided into categories. This information will guide your through the necklace boutique at Kincaidesigns Handmade Jewelry.

Triple Strand Handmade Necklace

When you arrive in the Handmade Necklace Boutique at Kincaidesigns, your see the Triple Strand Necklaces right away. These are, well, necklaces with three strands. Self explanatory. Most of the three strand necklaces are "strung" (opposed to chain link) and are adorned with handmade glass beads, Swarovski Crystals, pearls, semiprecious stones, and more unique beads. They are a signature style which will give you an idea of the unique bead and jewelry designs you'll find at Kincaidesigns. Another type of triple strand necklace can also be categorized as a "chain link" necklace. These necklaces are constructed of sterling silver wire and chain instead of the beads being strung on a stringing material. All of the three strand necklaces are considered the most dramatic in the Kincaidesigns handmade jewelry collection and are guaranteed to have people asking where you found such a stunning piece of jewelry.

Kincaidesigns Handmade Triple Strand Necklace. (Photo by Kincaidesigns)

About this Handmade Triple Strand Necklace: This triple strand purple, lavender and black handmade necklace is sure to make heads turn. Embellished with handmade glass beads, Swarovski crystals, Amethyst Gemstones, and more, this unique handmade necklace is a trendy yet classic accessory that will serve as a keepsake for years to come. The sterling silver wire wrapped glass bead pendant ties this unique three strand handmade necklace together while adding interest as a focal point. Wear the necklace dressed up with your favorite black or lavender dress, or add a sparkle to your favorite jeans or weekend wear.

To shop for your own Handmade Triple Strand Necklace, visit www.kincaidesigns.com. You'll not only find these unique triple strand necklace, but you'll also find matching jewelry sets, bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, seasonal jewelry, baby jewelry, bridal jewelry, handmade glass beads, handmade glass ornaments, wine charms, keychains and more! Shop for Handmade Jewelry!

So it's Monday evening

I'm working on a new necklace, but it's not finished, so I can't post it just yet. But it's ORANGE again! *lol*

In the reading department, I'm in the middle of a collection of true haunting short stories, caled The Ghost's Companion by Peter Haining. It is a book I received through Bookcrossing, and it will continue it's journey to the US after I've finished reading it. It's a rather old book, published 1977, and upon researching on the internet, I haven't found it mentioned in many places. A rarity.

So far it's quite interesting, but I might be biased, as I always like stories of the supernatural *lol*.
This quote from the book is reasoning pretty well with me:
"I am a man who has made a lifetime search after what is to be found beyond death".

I have to start somewhere...

Most of the stuff you will see here is about books and beads.

Reading is my oldest hobby, I have practically read thousands of books since childhood and I still continue to do so at a staggering pace. In 2005 I have read 130 books and in 2006 my goal of 150 books has been achieved and surpased: finished 170 books, yayy to me!
My reading pleasures consist of romantic suspense, paranormal romance and a *subgengre* created by a group of book enthusiasts at the bookrelay.com forum, called 'sick shit'.
This mini-genre encompasses books about serial killers, psychos, descriptions with gruesome and gory details *grins*. The gorier, the better!

Some of the book pages I frequent are:
www.bookcrossing.com - the place where I've learned to let go of my collection of books *sigh* - my bookcrossing page is here: kislany.bookcrossing.com
www.bookmooch.com - THE best and most 'in' trading site over the net - it's geared towards the whole world. If you want to see the books I have available in my bookmooch inventory, just follow this link: http://bookmooch.com/m/inventory/kislany
www.titletrader.com - another international trading site, however bookmooch is, in my oppinion', way better!

Although reading is my main hobby, I've recently got also the beading bug. I'm particularly interested in seed beading, i.e. beadweaving with seed beads.

I started beading about 3 years ago, and after a while, I left it at that, still not quite sure why - I got bored, or sidetracked, or something else. After two years, however, here I am again, beading like there's nothing else around *lol*.

For all my jewelry pieces, visit my Webshots page at: community.webshots.com/user/marikasbeading03

Below are a couple of things I've done recently (since December, really).

This is a netting piece with dark seedbeads and wooden beads as accent. It was taken from a Russian beading book (of which I have quite a few at home - check out www.ozon.ru for books to buy directly from Russia - it ships all over the world).

This bracelet is called Sherazade Candy, after a pattern by www.serial-beader.com
It's a pretty popular stitch, particularly among the French beaders.
The necklace below, which I beaded yesterday, has a rather striking colour combination. Not by chance. It goes very well with an orange blouse I have (colour identical with the ligher orange in this necklace), and so far I didn't have any jewelry to go with it. Well, now I have.
And yes, I've got a bracelet or necklace to go with almost every outfit I have at home, *lol*. Sometimes I get the urge to buy a particular blouse just so it can match some jewelry I previously made!