Beaded earrings

So, I put down the Hello Kitty earrings for a bit. I didn't finish them in time, so I've started on another item that was an order. They are "hot pink" earrings a customer requested. I used a double point rivoli stone with the color called Ultra Pink AB. The Rivolis come in a lot of colors, the ones I purchased are pink, purple, light blue, green and orange.The pictures show the backing I used, it is upholstery leather. I couldn't find my Pellon, so I used this. It actually works better for earrings with this stone than the Pellon does. The front of it is smooth and the back has a netting on it that seems to adhere to the stone better. The stones are pointed in back and front, so you need to cut an "x" on the back so the point will have somewhere to go and so the stone will be flush with the material. I just fold the material in half and cut a little "x" into it. I used E6000 to attach the stone to the material. I then clamped it (with a chip clip) and waited for about an hour before I started to bead them. You don't have to wait an hour, but the packaging asks that you give it 24-48 hours to "cure". I beaded the earrings with pearl white size 9/0 3-cut beads. I used japanese 3-cut beads for accent in turquoise blue, lime green and yellow. They are edged with hot pink rhinestones with AB finish.

Olive Luster beads

When I first saw Olive Luster beads were available, I thought "no one will want these". I thought about avocado green appliances and wondered what colors would go good with this shade of green. I could see it being used for leaves, but not much else. I was wrong. I started seeing it available at other bead stores and when I bought some to sell, I quickly sold out. I met a Yakima beader who used this color as the main color for a barrette. Her choice of colors to go with it were beautiful as well. Overall, the effect is stunning. (Click the picture to get a larger image) A friend purchased the barrette for me because I kept commenting on it and going to the other beaders booth to look at it again. I have these beads in size 11/0, true cut, available on my site and I carry them to the powwows I attend. I have most of the bead colors that are in the barrette as well (the red iris is hard to find, so that one is not available in size 11/0). This color is also available in size 13/0, but I currently do not carry this color in this size. So if you have this bead and are looking for a good way to use it, here it is. I also like this color with dusty rose (cheyenne pink, crow pink), eggshell, pale blue, and dark red. *Your next muse*