Etsy Shop for mwmdesigns

Atlantic Cloud Kazuri Bead Bracelet

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:14:03 -0500

$24.00
Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, and each clay ceramic bead is handmade and painted by Kenyan men and women who support their families through their artistry. Fair Trade products, Kazuri beads are offered in an astonishing array of colors and shapes.

In this bracelet, a Kazuri bead from the Atlantic Cloud family of beads is flanked by smaller nuggets from the same color family. The beads are linked to form a chain which lies comfortably on the wrist.

The bracelet is 7 1/2" long and closes with a gold lobster claw clasp.

Czech Glass Infinity Necklace

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:51:38 -0500

$35.00
The gold Greek pendant in this necklace reminds me of infinity--the swirling circles seem to promise eternal life or at least a long one. The Czech glass puffed ovals that frame the pendant have a Picasso finish, a richly variegated swirl of brown that enriches the basic blues in the beads.

Gold spacers, a length of gold chain, and gold lobster claw clasp finish the design.

The necklace is about 19" long.

Kazuri Bead Necklace in Earthling Colors

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:13:23 -0500

$44.00
Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili and these Fair Trade ceramic beads from Kenya are all of that. Handmade by women and men who support their families on their earnings, these beads are uniquely individual. No two are ever alike but each fits into a color "family" of beads that blend.

The triangle pendant is from the Earthling family, a "family" of beads that incorporates dark pinkish red and bronze beads reminiscent of the dark clay from which the beads are made. Flanked by beads in earthling colors that compliment the pendant, and finished with a black suede cord that echoes the black striations in the beads, the necklace is about 19" long.

Matching earrings on silver earwires, not pictured, are included with the necklace. This is a lovely piece and very suitable for the winter season.

The stylized Santa Claus is a gift from a special sister-in-law. He seems to be smiling under that beard!

Black and White Shell Necklace

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:46:34 -0500

$32.00
The eye-catching black and white shell beads in this necklace are light in weight and heavy in fashion impact. Perfect for this season's black and white fashion trend, the necklace can fit into any situation--dress up or dress down, this necklace will fill the bill. Mostly ovals with a couple of squares added for contrast, the beads are separated with silver spacers and tiny black and silver seed beads. The necklace measures 18" with a 4" length of chain extender.

My only mistake with these beads is that I should I have bought a carload of them; every necklace I make with them flies off the shelves at the boutique where I show them.

Black and White Kazuri Bead Necklace

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:46:34 -0500

$60.00
Kazuri means "small treasure" in Swahili and this long chain necklace is practically a treasure chest of black and white Kazuris. Handmade, handpainted, fair trade ceramic imports from Kenya, the beads are made from local clay by women who support their families through their manufacture of the beads.

The collection of Kazuri beads include solid colors as well as stripes and ethnic patterns in black and white. Smaller black and white beads, silver spacers, and a scattering of ebony crystals are linked by silver chain. The necklace is a generous 46" long and closes with a lobster clasp for ease of doubling the necklace.

Jasper with Gemstones and Crystals Necklace

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:46:34 -0500

$20.00
This nifty little choker is the result of a few beads finding themselves next to each other on my bead board. My karma was working!

The three jasper beads are corner-drilled and puffed, and they are separated and enhanced by other gemstones and crystal beads in gold and topaz. The beads are anchored on a leather cord and close with a lobster claw clasp. The necklace is about 16" long.

Wear it with your jeans, your hoodie, your best suit. The neutral colors will work with nearly everything in your wardrobe.

Rhodonite Necklace and Earring Set

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:12:27 -0500

$34.00
The colors in rhodonite include a rich pink with gray to black striations and every combination of those colors imaginable. Each gemstone is uniquely colored and shaped; combined with each other, small pink rhodonite beads, and etched silver spacers, these gemstones make for a stunning piece.

The necklace closes with a beaded silver toggle and is about 18" long. Matching earrings (not pictured) are included.

Irridescent Cyrstal Necklace and Earring Set

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:27:20 -0500

$40.00
Irregularly shaped crystals in an irridescent color nearly impossible to describe make for a fun, blingy necklace for the cold winter months. Depending on the lighting, the colors shift from amethyst to purple to shiny silver or gold and all variations on that color palette. The shifting colors make the beads difficult to photograph for an amateur like myself, and I included the last picture to illustrate the elusiveness of the beads. They just will not "sit still."

Finished with a length of gold chain and a pretty gold toggle, the necklace is about 17" long. A pair of matching earrings on gold earwires is included with the necklace.

Gemstone and Copper Necklace

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:21:42 -0500

$57.00
Carnelian nuggets and olive jade puffed ovals draw out the dramatic red-orange and olive colors of the gemstone donut at the center of this unique necklace. Copper wire, copper tubes, and copper chain highlight the earthy colors of the stones and add to the contemporary designs. The necklace closes with a copper lobster claw clasp and is about 20" long.

This colorful and unique design would be a lively addition to your cold-weather wardrobe. We all need a little sunshine right now!

Sandy Blue Desert Jasper Necklace

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:49:40 -0500

$32.00
The puffed ovals and small round desert jasper gemstones in this design bring to mind the Southwest desert with its sandy earth and blue skies. Each stone is as unique as the landscape it mimics. The soft colors are neutral enough to blend with many pieces in your wardrobe, yet are warm and strong enough to draw the eye.

Separated by tiny silver beads and anchored by one sterling bead at the center, the necklace is choker length, about 16" long, with a 2" extender chain.

Ice Blue Faceted Crystal Bracelet and Earrings

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:24:52 -0500

$24.00
The coolest ice blue crystal rounds, faceted to catch light from any angle, are strung with tiny gold spacers and beads in the same ice blue color. Lovely for the winter doldrums, this charming little bracelet with its matching earrings will move with ease into warmer weather.

The bracelet closes with a lobster claw clasp, and a small length of gold chain makes for ease of adjustment. Bouncy dangle earrings on gold earwires complete the set.

Note: the fact that the facets catch light from many angles makes them difficult to photograph clearly. These crystals are even prettier in the hand than than they are in the photographs.

Black and Ivory Kazuri Bead Necklace

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:57:09 -0500

$45.00
Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, and the Kazuri beads in this necklace are handmade, hand-painted fair trade clay ceramic beads from Kenya. Each bead is uniquely shaped and painted, so no two beads are ever alike.

The dramatic impact of this elegant piece depends on the focal bead, a 1 1/2" round black and ivory Kazuri bead with a circular pattern that makes me think of the cycles of nature. Flanked by smaller ivory and black Kazuris and silver spacers, plus a few black seed beads and rice-shaped black glass beads, the necklace is a generous 24" long. The necklace is finished with silver chain and a sterling lobster claw clasp.

Black Furnace Glass Bead Necklace

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:56:52 -0500

$40.00
Furnace glass is made by drawing long tubes from molten glass. The tubes are then cut from the tube and tumbled to smooth the ends of the beads. In this case, the furnace glass beads are made of clear crystal lined in black. Shaped like barrels and graduated in size, the beads are separated by silver spacers. While the design is simple, the result is elegant. The necklace would be lovely for evening, yet the classic design of graduated beads lends itself just as easily to day or business wear. The necklace is choker length but can be extended to 19".

Swarovski Crystal and Vintage Gold Chain Necklace

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:56:52 -0500

$52.00
Swarovski crystals are the most desirable Czech glass beads. Incredibly versatile, their many facets result in rich, light-catching colors. This lovely necklace features Swarovski crystals two shapes: the moon charm and the faceted round crystal bead in the pendant, both in Topaz. A creamy Swarovski pearl compliments the topaz to complete the pendant. The moon charm and the pendant hang from an elegant vintage gold twisted rope chain harvested from my collection of Sarah Conventry jewelry from the 60's and 70's. The chain's rich patina and classic pattern stand up well to the strong color of the topaz crystals--a nice combination. The necklace is 24" long and closes with a gold-plated lobster claw clasp. If you prefer a shorter length, please contact me.

Matching earrings of pearls and Swarovski faceted round crystals in Topaz are included. The earrings are made with gold-filled lever backs but if you prefer another style, convo me and I'll make the revision.

The necklace and earrings will be spectacular for an evening out or any special event at which you want to look your best. They would certainly brighten up the gloomy winter days!

Amethyst Crystals and Irridescent Glass Necklace

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:59:53 -0500

$40.00
These inch-long irridescent silvery glass beads in a long oval shape kicked around in my bead stash for several months until the fortuitously found themselve next to some amethyst crystal rondelles. Voila!

The two-strand necklace measures 18" at the shorter strand, 22" at the longer.

Forest Jasper and Amber Necklace

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:48:50 -0500

$35.00
Big, bold ovals of forest jasper are flanked by gold heishi and amber chips. The jasper's earthy browns and the green striations that add motion are perfect for the season. Finished with a unique leaf-shaped toggle that enhances the natural feel of the piece, the necklace is 17" long. For added interest, wear the leaf toggle to the side.

Blue Resin and Horn Fishhook Pendant Necklace

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:24:02 -0500

$26.00
This necklace combines elongated ocean blue resin beads with white bone disks, etched gold beads, and a very chic sylized fishhook horn pendant. Finished with a unique gold toggle, the necklace is about 19" long. Hip and modern for the city girl who would rather be on the beach. The necklace is approximately 19" long.

Kazuri Coral Cream 14k Gold Necklace

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:24:02 -0500

$72.00
Kazuri means "small teasure" in Swahili, and the colored coral and cream beads in this necklace are handmade, hand-painted fair trade ceramic beads from Kenya. The women and men who create these beads support their families in decent fashion from their work in the Kazuri shops, and the beads they produce, each one of which is unique, speak to the soul of those who wear them.

The three coral and cream focal beads are brushed with 14k gold for richness and drama. Coral beads and gold-filled spacers and chain pump up the bling of an otherwise simple design. The necklace can be worn as a choker or expanded to about 19 inches.

Black and White Kazuri Bead Bracelet

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:24:01 -0500

$30.00
Kazuri means "small treasure" in Swahili, and the Kazuri beads in this bracelet are handmade, hand-painted fair trade ceramic beads from Kenya.

Black and white polka-dotted Kazuri beads are mixed with more Kazuris in solid black and white for a simple but very versatile bracelet. Elasticized for ease of wear, this bracelet will go from day to night with aplomb.

Summer Blues Resin Necklace