Some of the Projects I learned this past winter

While we were wintering in Arizona, there was a fantastic Beading Group at the Saguaro SKP RV Park!
It was fun sharing beading patterns and learning new ones. I even got to go to the famous Tucson Bead and Gem Show through the group.

Tila Beads, the little square beads, were the rage!

Purple Horizon  #PH 202    $12 plus $2 shipping in USA

Pink and Amethyst Swaroski Crystal Quilted Cuff -Item # CQC #203  $15

plus $2 shipping in USA

Then we discovered Tile Beads, a little bigger, with a porcelain feel! 

Great to work with and lots of different colors.

Here are 4 of the cuffs I made, Item # TC 204  $20, plus $2 in USA

I do ship to Canada, however the rates doubled lately to $7.50 shipping

Seed Bead and Cube Cuff  $12

Pearls and Crystal Cuff $15

Tila Cuff  $15 plus shipping

I can do all kinds of colors to customize these to your wardrobe, just ask me for suggestions!

Here is an example, it is a Double Sidewinder in Turquoise Crystals 

that a client had commissioned me to do. I like it so much I want one for me! :)

This one uses LOTS of Swarovski crystals - over 210 of them, so it will be $20 plus $2 shipping

Then we learned about Czech Rizo Beads and two hole Super Duos!

Single Circle Earrings $5 or

Figure Eights $8

What color goes well for you?

These are Sunbursts $5

Thank you for reading and checking in! Let me be your Personal Jeweler!

You can email me at: hummingbirdkw@gmail.com

Kathy

Time to Walk in the Park

I know it has been a while since I posted last, but here is the number one reason:

Molly, the Golden Retriever Rescue, stole our hearts the day before Thanksgiving 2012!
Hard to believe a sweet golden puppy needed rescuing! Undernourished but very well behaved, we totally lucked out!

Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue group (http://southern-az-golden-retriever-rescue.org/) had no information on her when they called us with a perspective pup. All they knew was she had been a "runner" so many times that the shelter suggested to her owner "how about we find her home?!"  She knew commands, was house broken (thank goodness!), didn't bark, loves other dogs and even cats! Bunnies are another issue, they are for chasing! :)

In our Arizona winter-over community she had at least 200 fans, 2-leggers and 4 leggers! Lots of desert to run around off leash. Then she was the "Desert Diva".  However, with the weather getting hotter in Arizona, we traveled up to the southern Oregon coast mid-April.

It can be quite windy here, we know from volunteering at the lighthouses the last 2 summers, but the cool air is very welcomed!  We have done a few walks along the cliffs, but the wind would have sand blasted us the other day. Today it was calmer in the morning and Molly discovered the BEACH! She was so excited to run off leash again, in soft sand, she just kicked up her heels! Ran so fast all over the beach! So many smells to sniff, chase the waves that chased back at her and meet other canines having fun! She thought they need to do something with the water, though, tasted a little salty after a couple tries! Forget the desert, this is heaven!

After her work out on the beach she has changed her name from "Desert Diva" to "Beach Babe".
Thoroughly exhausted, she took a long deserved nap while sunbathing!

For "Walk in the Park Day", here is a photo of Molly and Dad at Face Rock Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Bandon, OR.

I have made LOTS of creations while in Arizona, at the SKP Saguaro RV Park, a wonderful beading group that taught me several techniques! But I need to get really good photos of them. They will be in another posting.

Happy Spring to everyone!

After the Christmas Rush!

Now we can all catch our breaths! AH!!! :)

I've been busy as one of Santa's elves in learning several new designs.
There is a great beading group at the SKP Saguaro RV Park in Benson, AZ!

When I learn a pattern, I want to do it again in another color, while it's fresh in my brain!

So here are a few new items to show you.

These are "Double Sidewinders" that I have finally mastered! I have done the Single Sidewinder several times, it just took somebody to show me how to start the second row. I was off and running after that! 

Pictured are:
1.  Ivory Pearls 4mm with Gold Fire Polished Czech Crystals also in 4mm. 
Item # IVORY 101 $15.00
2. Lavender Pearls 4mm with Lavendar Fire Polished Czech Crystals 4mm. 
Item #LAV 102     $15.00
3. Glacier Blue Opal Bicone Crystals 4mm with Turquoise Bicone Crystals 3mm  
Item #GLAC 103  $15.00

I also learned to do "The Wave Bracelet" pattern. Since I'm in Arizona, I couldn't resist doing it in Southwest Colors.

1. Teal Seed Beads and Copper Hex beads make this one of my favorites to wear.
    Item # WAVE-Teal  $10.00
2. Turquoise Seed Beads Copper Hex beads make this one an eye popper!
    Item # WAVE-Turquoise  $10.00

I had learned the "Bangle Bead Bracelet" while in Maine in 2010, but now Swaroski has Pearl Crystals in 4 mm size that really add a little punch to this pattern. Originally done as a bangle, I put a snap clasp on mine so that they didn't have to be too large to get over my wrist.

1. The first one is in Lavender Swarovski Crystal Pearls with lavender seed beads to accent, and large Purple Swarovski Crystal Bicone 5mm at the center.
Item #  Bangle-Purple  $12.00

2. The second is in 2 shades of Pink: Hot Pink and Baby Pink Swaroski Crystal Pearls 4mm with a large Clear Crystal Bicone 5 mm at the center.
Item # Bangle - Pink   $12.00

3. The third one is a "Double Spiral Bracelet" done in Cubed Seed Beads, varying colors available.
Item # DOU-Spiral  $9.00

All of these designs can be done in your favorite color combinations! Just let me know via email: hummingbirdkw@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by and have a Happy New Year!

Lighthouse Summer in Oregon Comes to An End

Happy Fall to all of you, especially those who have been suffering the long hot summer!

I type as we head down south towards San Jose, CA,stopping every 200 miles to enjoy the peace of Northern California. There will be enough busy freeways to navigate, let's prolong the landscape and redwoods a little longer!

One of my readers, Finn the Golden Retriever, saw the Hello Kitty Cat pendant and asked, "Do you make one for dogs?"

I always love a challenge and told her, "I will put all of my crystals together and see if I can come up with a new design!"

Well, I'm happy to report, I came up with a Happy Puppy Pendant that looks very similar to Finn. :)

Item #HPP-101    $15 

Using Swarovski crystals, I can make one for you in any color .  Pendant measures 
1.5'' by 1.5", strung on a seed bead chain in your color preference. Cost includes the chain and shipping with in the USA. $2 more for our Canadian neighbors. 

I would love to make more, so send me an email at: hummingbirdkw@gmail.com

Enjoy the Fall Colors!
Kathy

As the summer winds down, I  know a lot of you are hoping for Fall's colors and temps! Here on the coast it is still cool, but we've had more sunny days in the last week to make up for it.

I was pleased as punch when my best friend, Cecilia in Raleigh, NC asked me to make a cat pendant that looks like her Madi.  It is made with 4mm Swarovski crystals, all 81 of them, to form a kitty face. She had seen one that I had posted a while ago and they seem to be very popular.

Here is the one I made of Madi:

I can make them in any color to match your favorite feline. I can also make a seed bead chain to hang it from, in any color you wish and any length you require.  

Item # CP-101, cost $15 includes shipping within US.

For my Canadian friends, just add $2.00

Let me know if there is pendant you wish to order at: hummingbirdkw@gmail.com

Thank you for stopping by!

Kathy

Attn: Oregon Ducks Fans

While summering in Oregon, one can't help but feel the fun rivalry between the University of Oregon DUCKS and the Oregon State University BEAVERS! Even in the Gift Shops you can see souvenirs with either team!
Well, I had been asked by one of the gift shops in Bandon, Oregon to do some Doggie Bling and bracelets for their owners with the Ducks in mind! Don't worry, I did do some Beaver Bling, too, I just haven't got the photos yet!

Here's is my latest design, done in size 8 beads, which can be sewn on to a dog collar. Or I can make it as a bracelet in smaller size 11 beads, which are more dainty, for your favorite Duck fan!

Item #DUCK101=$10 includes shipping within USA.

Fall will be here in just a couple of months! Let me know if you would like to order in time for the first game of the season!

Hello from the cool and foggy Oregon Coast

Sorry for the delay in not posting! We've been busy with Lighthouse Hosting at the Coquille River Lighthouse in Bandon, OR for May and now at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse near Port Orford, OR until the end of September. 
In between I've managed to find a shop in Bandon that has sold some of my jewelry and
new Doggie Bling on consignment. So, my fingers have been working hard in a few spare moments!

Here is a silver version of the Star Fish I did last year. I made this one into a brooch for a fine
lady in Toronto! I liked it so much I had to make one for myself! :)

I also do special projects, like the one I did for my good friend Cecilia. She had a very pretty carved pendant but needed it suspended on a necklace with matching bracelet and earrings. Here is what I came up with:

Here are some of my Doggie Bling samples. Since we are in Oregon, you're either a "Duck" (University of Oregon) or a "Beaver" (Oregon State University) up here!  I sew these onto a sleeve so that a pet owner can just slide the regular collar through the sleeve and instant bling for their pet!
I also do:
"I (heart) My Ducks" in Green and Yellow. Or any special team you may have in mind! These go for $8 plus $1.50 postage.

Do you have a cat or dog that needs a little personalized collar? I can do any name in any color!
Just let me know!
Enjoy your July and I hope you aren't roasting where you live!

After 3 months of Volunteering, time for some serious Beading!

Hello Everybody!
I know it's been a while since I last posted, but doing cave tours has kept us busy from January to March!
April we're taking a "vacation", relaxing and then resuming travels to the Northwest.
By May 1st, we will be Lighthouse Hosts back in Bandon, OR at the Coquille River Lighthouse!
Talk about one extreme to another! The past 3 days here in Arizona have been near 90!
We have been cocooning under the Air Conditioner!
But I know we'll be going back to a cold Spring in Oregon!
They are water logged from record breaking rain and snow this year!

Here are a few items I have made. Inspired by the Southwest, I just love anything with turquoise in it, and what could be better than pairing it with Silver or Copper? So I made both:

Then I tried a pattern I learned while in Maine a couple years ago. It is called a Bangle with Pearls, but I used Swarovski Crystal Pearls with tiny little seed beads in between.  I made one in Hot Pink and the other in Lavender.

I needed a little more challenge for my brain, always good to give the gray cells a run for their money, to help fight back senility! LOL  My friend, Chelle, in New Jersey sent me a picture of a necklace she bought at a Craft Festival back there. It is worn like a scarf, so you can use a square knot or just let it hang open. I had lots of silver lined seed beads to use and I wanted it to have a pattern, like a checkered scarf. So here is the finished product:

I hope you liked some of my latest creations! Thank you for stopping on by!   Kathy

Having fun with Letter Bead Bracelets

Blogs are so endearing! One of  my friends has a blog at: http://kit-dogdaze.blogspot.com/  
Kit posted a picture of her bracelet, then one of her readers saw it and ordered one for her blog! 
Beth is owned by a gorgeous Newfoundland name Remington, her blog is at:
http://our-remington.blogspot.com/.
I had fun designing a bracelet that says just that: REMINGTON!!!

You still have time before Christmas! Let me make something for you!
Depending on what kind of beads and how many, I only charge for the beads I actually use.
So it could be as little as $15-20, including shipping!
Happy shopping!

Pandora style Large Bead Bracelets

A dear friend from Georgia, commissioned me to make a bracelet in Large Beads, to spell out her blog name.
Her blog is at:  http://kit-dogdaze.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Buddy, for the plug on 11-9-11.

I made up several different variations, photographed them and then emailed them to her for approval.

I also can do them in all kinds of beads, including crystals and colorful Lampwork beads:

If you prefer silver, I can make inexpensive silver bracelets, too.
In Kit's bracelet, we did large gold "Stardust" beads with the gold alphabet beads on a gold serpentine bracelet. 
Anything that says "YOU"!

The cost can be as low as $20.00, just depending on what kind of beads you want and how many.
Let me make something for you! Just email me at:   hummingbirdkw@gmail.com

Thank you for stopping by!

Back in California after a great cool summer in Oregon

We had a busy and fun summer being lighthouse hosts for the Oregon State Parks! Learned so much fascinating history of the area and met lots of wonderful people, who all had great stories of their own!

I did create earrings for Cape Blanco Lighthouse and was able to sell them right there in the Gift Shop!
They are the ones on the left with the red roof. Item #CBLH-100  $10 includes shipping.

We traveled north to Newport for August. Came for a week, the weather was wonderful, stayed a month! If I could only bottle up that sea breeze and take it with me! Lots of walking, fresh fish and crab and caught up with friends traveling along the coast.

In Newport, they have 2 lighthouses, (see Birdingrvers.com for the full story)
here's the link:
http://birdingrvers.blogspot.com/2011_08_01_archive.html

We knew 2 couples working as volunteers at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. It is a wonderful looking lighthouse which inspired me to create earrings for it, too. The picture on the right, with the black roof, shows you an example and a comparison in size to the Cape Blanco earrings.
Item # YHL-200  $10 includes shipping.

While enjoying our vacation in Newport, I received a great book on beading and had to try some of the patterns.  I guess, from being at the sea, I saw a star fish and not a flower in the one pattern. So I made a peach colored star fish pendant in Delica beads. A little more challenging, but I  needed the challenge!
Item # DSF-101  $10  pendant alone.  If you would like a chain made of gold or silver seed beads, $12
covers both the pendant and chain, plus shipping. Please specify gold or silver.

We had gone to an Orchid Show while in Newport, it inspired me to make a permanent corsage.
I made an Orchid brooch done in Cube Beads, which worked wonderfully in a peyote stitch!
A lot of time and beads went into this item, but I was very happy with it when I finished it!
Item # OCB-102  $15.00  includes shipping

In a totally different direction, a friend sent me a pattern and wondered if I could make a Mother's Bracelet for her, with her children's names in silver alphabet beads and the Swarovski crystals in their birthstone colors. I liked making this for her and would love to make more! I posted two different views because there were dark and light crystals to show off.  I use silver plated or gold plated clasps, with silver accent beads in between the Swarovski crystals.  Item # MBC-103  $20.00.

Now I'm off to find more patterns to bead! Thanks for dropping in!

Umpqua River Lighthouse in Oregon

Hello from Winchester Bay, Oregon, where we have been hosting at the Umpqua River Lighthouse & Museum. It's a gorgeous lighthouse with a red and white lens, the only other one like it is in Brazil! 

Here is a link to our blog for the whole story:
http://birdingrvers.blogspot.com/

I was inspired to make a pair of earrings, in peyote stitch, for the Lighthouse Museum Gift Store:

Item # URL-1002   Silver plated or Gold Plated Ear Wires are available to your preference.

$10.00 plus $1.50 shipping

Also available, is a pendant,  Item # URL-1003, in the same design.  $5.00, (free shipping if purchased with the earrings)

Thank you for stopping by!

Postcard from Bandon, Oregon

We are trying a whole new experience for us:  being Lighthouse Interpretive Guides at the Coquille River Lighthouse in Bandon, Oregon.  While here I noticed they didn't have any jewelry in the gift shop depicting the cute little lighthouse, so I came up with my own pattern in a "toll painting" sort of view.

Here's a link to see what the lighthouse looks like:   
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=127

Restoration of the lighthouse has been funded by sales in the gift shop. I thought it important that this work continue, so I have donated several pairs of earrings to the Oregon State Parks for sale in the gift shop.  

If you are interested in a pair, they are $11.50, includes shipping. You can order through my email.

I hope May is showing great signs of Spring in your area!

Fun Colors this Spring in Beading

Thanks to several orders, I've been busy beading and shipping! Keep them orders coming, it helps pay the ever increasing diesil costs for our RVing, plus buys more beads! Shh, don't tell my husband that part!! :)

Last month I did the "Hummingbird Gorgette Bracelet" and that inspired me to make another version in Purple, Teal and Greens.  Which got me using similar colors from both bracelets to make the "Stain Glass Window Bracelet", shown here in the middle.  These are all made with size 8 seed beads and can be made with all different combinations of color.  Approximately 1 1/4 inches wide.

In the beading class I've enjoyed for the last 3 months, one of our Beginner beaders came up with a pattern using the Right Angle Weave for Swarovski 4 mm crystals.  I did mine in Aqua crystals with 4 mm Swarovski pearls down the middle to punch it up!

I am currently waiting for more shipments of crystals and beads, some as far away as Alaska!

Thanks for reading and let me know if there is something special I can make up for you or a gift for a friend!
Kathy

More spring time jewelry creations

I have been taking beading classes at the Escapee RV Park in Pahrump, Nevada and here are a few items I've learned to make recently.  These are "Hello Kitty" pendants or you could use them as cell phone dangles. Made of  (80) Swarovski crystals, Item # HK-01  (Orange Tabby) and HK-02 (Siamese)  Sells for $10 plus $1.50 shipping.  In any color combination you would like. Need a chain to wear as a pendant, in gold or silver, they are just $1 more.

This one is called the Easy Crystal Bracelet, done in (130) Lavendar and Purple Velvet Swarovski 4mm crystals. Item # ECB-01, sells for $15.00 plus $2.00 shipping.  I have also made a Blue version and one in Green for St. Patrick's Day, but you could use any 2 colors you prefer!

The top one is the Blue with light and dark blue crystals and the middle one is the Green and clear crystals, that sort of make shamrocks! The third one is the Purple and Lavendar. I just need your wrist size and colors and I could make that is just right for you!
 

March has promises of Spring to come!

I have been busy creating new items for you, here are some of the most recent selections.

This is the Swarovski "Puffy Heart" Crystal Pendant with chain in Emerald Crystals, Item # PH-01.
Perhaps you would like it for St. Patrick's Day or maybe a May Birthday Gift!  It measures about 1 1/4" X 1 1/4" X 1/4" on a gold seed bead chain. I can make this in any color crystal you wish, on a gold or silver chain, depending on your preference.  $12.00 each, includes shipping within the USA.

Here it is in a Hot Pink, the Swarovski Crystal Puffy Heart Pendant on a silver chain, Item #PH-02.   
$12.00 each, includes shipping within US.

This Bracelet I call my "Hummingbird Gorgette Bracelet", with vivid colors like on a throat of a Hummingbird.  It is done in various size seed beads, using the Peyote Stitch. You could have it in any color arrangement you wish! It has a slide magnetic clasp to ensure it stays right on your wrist. Item # HG-01, sells for $10 including shipping within the US.

I had posted this necklace a few postings ago and now have tried to photograph it a little better.
Item # SWLN-76 in any color combination of crystals and seed beads, $18 each includes shipping within the US.

Add a little patriotic look to your jewelry with this petite US Flag Bracelet done in Delica Seed Beads, using the Peyote Stitch.  The width is only about a half inch wide, so it looks very delicate. Item # USA-01, sells for $7, includes shipping within the USA.

This is another Peyote stitch, I call it my Southwest Bracelet using Turquoise, Copper and Cobalt Blue seed beads. The width is about 3/4" wide. Item # SW-07, sells for $7, includes shipping within the USA.

All I need is your wrist size and what colors for any of your jewelry choices!
Kathy

Latest Jewelry Creations

Hello, I've been feverishly working on new patterns and materials. I am excited to show you
 my latest Web Album. You can pause the slide show and look at each photo individually.

Remember, I can make anything in your favorite colors, they can all be switched around!

Are there any weddings coming up? Need a gift for the bridesmaids? How about a very nice bracelet in their favorite color?! Any occasion, I can help you find the perfect gift!

Welcome to my blog!

While traveling through out the country in our RV, I always have to be creative with my hands.  Along the way I have come upon beading classes that have taught me various techniques, especially working with Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. Now I have enough inventory made that I can start selling my jewelry creations.

Here are a few samples of my work for you to view and perhaps accessorize your wardrobe. From day wear for work or a night on the town, I think I have something for every occasion. If you don't see a particular color or size, I can customize it just for you!

Do you see a particular design you like, but it's in the wrong color? Let me know I can get almost any color in the rainbow ordered and created just for you!

To stop the slide show and look at a certain photo, just click on a photo in the slide show, it will stop and show you all of the photos one by one instead.