Spring Dragonfly Necklace, Artbeads and BOC

Well, Spring is here and I'm pregnant! New beginnings all around! Life is just starting anew outside my window. The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, the grass is green and small buds are starting to appear, all while I have a new little life growing inside me, as well. The meaning of Spring seems so much more significant to me now than ever before! What better way to celebrate than to make some pretty jewelry, eh! I've designed the above necklace with my all-time favorite dragonfly pendant.

 I've always admired the dragonfly for their grace and beauty. There's something about them that just draws me in. The clean lines of their body and wings, their vibrant colors, the way they flitter by and their wings shimmer in the sun. Whatever it is, I just love them and as you've seen, they appear in my work frequently.  I've heard the dragonfly represents change and transformation. I thought, this is the perfect symbol for Spring and also for all the changes going on in my life right now.

I created this colorful, Spring-inspired necklace piece with my own handmade porcelain dragonfly pendant and supplies I recently recieved from Artbeads.com. I love the selection that Artbeads carries. I consider myself some what of a 'bead sob' and finicky bead shopper. I always find something I want to work with at Artbeads! Here are the elements from Artbeads.com that I used in the  necklace above:

6x9mm Olvine Jade Faceted Ovals from the Gemstone Section
8mm Turquoise Druk Glass Rounds from the Glass Bead Section
5mm Red-Glazed Porcelain Roundels from the Ceramic and Porcelain Section
3mm Seamed Copper Rounds from the Copper Bead Section
Med. Hammered Copper Toggle Clasp from the Copper Clasp Section
No.6 Silk Bead Cord in Carnelian from the Fibers Section

Also, if you are interested in my Dragonfly Go-Go Pendant, I have a few listed in my shop. In addition to that, if you would like a chance to WIN one of these pendants, you can enter the Beads-Of-Clay Color Scheme Challenge going on right now!!! I have donated one of my dragonfly pendants as a prize for the current Neutral Color Scheme Section of the challenge. There are also some great prizes by other BOC artists as well! The Neutral Color Scheme Challenge ends April 16th. You don't what to miss it! Go to the BOC blog by clicking on my links above for full details on how to enter the challenges! Good Luck! Happy Spring, everyone!



Disclaimer: Artbeads.com has sent me the above mentioned beads and/or findings to create with as apart of their design partner blog program. I have not been paid by Artbeads.com to participate. Thank you.

Valentine's Day GIVEAWAY!!!

Love Is The Key Crystal Necklace
by Erin Siegel

It's February and I'm starting to get into the spirit of L.O.V.E! I made the above necklace just in time for Valentine's Day! I received these beautiful swarovski crystals from Artbeads.com. I'm not usually much of a crystal girl, but thought I'd give them a try. I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone a little! These Siam red crystals and Alabaster white crystals here, are so perfect in this design! I love the romantic, vintage feel that the crystal brings. The red, translucent crystal beads add color and sparkle, while the white, opaque crystal beads complement my white porcelain pendant. For the necklace, I hand knotted the crystals along a double strand of waxed linen cord, in an asymmetrical pattern.

For the centerpiece, I pair my handmade Love Heart Porcelain Pendant with a small vintage key, tied on along with a red crystal accent.

For the back of the necklace, I created a bead and loop closure. I knotted a cluster of red crystals together to form a "beaded bead" of sorts on one side and a knotted loop for the other side.

I really LOVE how my special Valentine's project turned out and now, I'm giving away my lovely creation! I hope you like it just as much because, I made this necklace especially for YOU.
I HEART all of you, my friends, my readers and my customers. And I most certainly L.O.V.E. your comments! As a THANK YOU, I'm giving away this necklace to one of you.

So please, bring on the love, leave me a comment and you might be wearing this necklace on Valentine's Day! Yay! :)

If you would like to win my Love Is The Key Crystal Necklace, please leave me a comment on this post by Sunday, February 7th 2010. I encourage you to spread the love and tell your friends, but it's not necessary. Winner will be chosen at random on Monday, February 8th 2010.

Thank you, Good Luck and Love ya! XOXO

Disclaimer: Artbeads.com has sent me the above mentioned beads and/or findings to try out and review on my blog. I have not been paid to do so. Thank you.