Coronet Bracelet and Earrings

Well, another tax day has come and gone and I feel as if I've barely survived. As reward for my hard work this tax season, I took the entire day off today. Little if anything useful being done, with the exception of taking photographs of this beautiful bracelet and earring set I made a couple of weeks ago:

I got an email from Artbeads' Blogging for Beaders team last month, asking me if I would create something for Spring. I picked out some gorgeous blue zircon Swarovski crystals and a gold filigree clasp, knowing I wanted to pair them with the translucent amber fringe drop beads I had bought recently.

I still have 2 of the 2-hole Xilion settings left, so I think I'll make another pair of earrings without the crystal dangles at the bottom for a different look.

I spent that afternoon of beading at a friend's house while she quilted and my kids watched movies and played games. I can't begin to tell you how therapeutic beading is for me. I can forget the world exists and hours go by unnoticed by me. If it were not for the hungry kids, I think I could just bead forever and not stop until my fingers bleed.

I love how a few inexpensive beads and findings along with 4-5 hours of beading combine to make something that looks like a million dollars. The original diamond shaped design, the one I used in my Coronet Rings, uses bicone crystals in the center instead of Xilion settings I used in this set. Either one works wonderfully, but the Xilion settings sparkle like crazy.

Check out the texture the 3.4mm Miyuki fringe drop beads gives to this bracelet:

Here's a shot of the back side:

The bracelet is made with the same technique, so it sits great on the wrist:

All in all, I'm not sure I captured "Spring" very well, but I sure did capture "Bling"!

Hopefully, I'll have a pattern available for this design soon. Stay tuned!

*Please note: I have received the above items free of charge from Artbeads. This is my honest review of the product and I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.