Copper wire wrapped bangle bracelet with green AB crystals

I liked my copper wire wrapped bracelet with gold beads so much, I made a couple more bangles using copper. One didn't turn out so well. I made it using flat, coin-shaped lapis lazuli beads and while the blue and copper looked pretty, these particular beads just didn't work well for this style bracelet. They're large and flat and don't stay in place... which means that they keep falling onto their sides and leaving a large, unattractive gap in the design. I've used other coin-shaped crystals, but they were thicker and smaller and just looked better. Live and learn!

On the other hand, I'm really pleased with these square green aurora borealis (AB) crystals:

Green and copper just go so well together. These crystals are also unique because the AB prism has a purple tint. That probably sounds like a clashing combo, but the squares are beautiful when the light hits. Real auroras have shades of greens and purples, so it's a natural mix! I have yet to see a real aurora, so this is as close as I'm going to get for now, LOL.

I found yet another unfinished enamel project so I'm working on that. It'll take me a while, but I'll post photos when I've completed it. Be sure to check out the rest of my handmade wire wrapped and enamel jewelry at Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations.

Classic Silver Wire Wrapped Bangle Bracelet With Blue And Turquoise Square Crystals

Lately I've been selling a lot of bangle bracelets... and so I've decided to make a few more.

I'd started this wire wrapped bracelet for a customer -- and then realized that she wanted a similar-looking, but not quite the same bangle. I then looked through my bracelet listings and realized I've never actually made one that has blue and turquoise beads. Surprising, given how much I love the combination! I've done several bracelets in blue, light blue and indigo or blue and green, but for some reason, I'd skipped this rather obvious color pattern.

Well, since I was already halfway through with the bracelet, I finished it and really like the result:

It's difficult to tell from these photos, but the darker blue beads are AB (aurora borealis) crystals. Two sides of the crystal are made of a shimmery prism material that sparkles when the light hits. It's a really beautiful effect. I have AB crystals in many different colors, but I especially like them in blue. It reminds me of the sunlight hitting the ocean.

This was a bracelet that sold almost as soon as I listed it yesterday. I love when that happens! Since I seem to be on a "bracelet kick," I'm off to make some more. Meantime, check out my handmade wire wrapped and enamel jewelry at Naomi's Designs or MayaGirl Creations.

Earrings Silver Chandelier Filigree With Purple Swarovski Crystal Hearts And Sterling Silver Saucer Beads

I finally learned the proper name for that curly-cue lattice pattern I like to use so much: filigree. Apparently, filigree designs were popular in ancient Indian art; you also see a lot of it in old Irish designs.

Once again I crafted filigree earrings (I like saying the word now that I know it) and made a variant on my chandelier heart earrings. This time, I used very sparkly purple AB Swarovski crystal hearts and hung them from longer hooks so they really dangle. I also added little silver saucer beads for an extra bit of elegance.

I'll admit that I make a lot of these filigree designs because it's fun to sit there and make loop after loop; it's very relaxing. But I also like the idea of having a series. Every artist has one special type of design, right? Maybe this is mine.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.