A Little Silk

Right before the kids got here, I played around with some silk cord and some of those stark white shells I found in Clearwater a couple of months ago. I Googled til I found out they are a channeled duck clam.   Yesterday I snapped a few pics.

These shells are really cool, but tend to break when I drill them and try to add a pinch bail.

So I used a glue on bail instead.

This is so girly with the pink, lavender, and green silk.

I used matching crystals in graduated sizes for a little sparkly bling.

With the 4th coming up, I've been feeling a bit patriotic, too.

I do love some red, white, and blue!

Love these ridgy shells, too.

These blue (dyed) freshwater pearls are fun!

I think the cord will straighten out and lose the fold marks with some wear, and some time.

I have more silk cord in a few colors, so more cord necklaces coming in the future.

I have another patriotic shell necklace using some of the blue pearls coming up next.
It's a bit more dressy!

Another Slice of Paradise

My favorite out of the Slice of Paradise Collection. I love the pearls and crystals in this one!

This photo shows the clasp too.

This is the one that I've looked everywhere for the perfect sterling bail. I found one that was a heart, but it's not strong enough to hold the shell AND the crystal.

A heart bail would have made it perfect for a wedding necklace, although I think it will still be a lovely bride necklace.

Do you see how the crystal changes in the light and angle of my shot?

The aurora borealis finish on the crystals gives them an extra shimmery sparkle.

And look at those pearls! Big and plump pearls in the front with little matching pearls to complete it.

This necklace would go with so many outfits and dresses, and not just for a bride. I can see it laying against black, red, coral, aqua, teal....you name it!

Now back to the drawing board on how to photo those other wedding things I made....

Orange You Glad

...I'm not doing Music Monday?!

I sure am because it means I'm doing this instead!

Aren't these orange scallops beautiful?

I can count on one hand how many orange scallops I have found.

So where did I get all of these?

THE Shell Lady sent them to me!

Aren't they just gorgeous????!!!!!

She also sent some Paper Figs!

Yah! A whole bunch of them! I had told her about me only finding 1 ever.....and I had just ordered some Paper Figs to work with. LOL! She also sent these various colored scallops......

and other shells, too!

Thank you so much Cheri! I'm so excited to work with these! My custom order isn't due until spring of next year, but now I'm not sweating bullets over finding orange scallops. I can breathe a little easier now!

I apologize for the picture backgrounds...I'm rearranging my crafty space and trying to find a place to set up a dedicated photo area. No more pulling everything out to take pics! 

Now it's back to washing the shells the grandkids, hubby, and I found in Belleair!

And sorting them into my shell containers....

I like to reuse whatever containers I have on hand! Reuse, Reduce, Recycle!!!

I have some finished necklaces to show you (I mentioned them just before the kids came to visit) so I'll see you soon!

Seashell Accessories for Men

Right before the kids got here I made some new items. I didn't get a chance to take pics of them until this morning (wee hours morning). It's something I've been wanting to add to my shop for over a year, but just hadn't got around to it. With my upcoming event in October, I knew it was time to get it in gear and add some men's accessories.

This starfish tie tack is a fun accessory for a guy! It can be used as a lapel pin, too. Don't tell the guys, but we can use it, too. Pin it on your lapel, or on your purse! I know I want one!

A small puffy sand dollar makes a great tie tack, or lapel pin, too. I'm sure your man wouldn't mind if you borrowed it :D

Sundial shells are so pretty, so I had to make accessories with these, too. I have these in various sizes for tie tacks....

and cuff links. They are a manly enough shell, but I may have to make earrings with some of the smallest shells. I think they are so cute :)

I need to make more of these accessories! I'd like to have a few of each for my shop, and for the show.

These will be available in my Etsy shop soon!

I have some accessories for beachy weddings, too. Now if I can only figure out how to photo them...UGH. I should have had Kandi or Gwynie model them for me...cause I know Lace and Shae will refuse :(
Time to put my thinking cap on.

Can you think of any flat backed shells that would make cool tie tacks or cuff links?