Etsy Shop for ErtheFae

Nomadic Treasure -- Tribal Coin Necklace w/ Art Bead

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:10:18 -0500

$75.00
Not for her the sparkling gem stones and gold of the city dwellers -- the nomadic dancer adorned herself in the tradition of her people, with glass and coins, carrying her wealth around her neck. Wherever she went, she gathered beads, delighting in the different styles that each city's traders offered. Her greatest treasure was the large blue bead adorned with mutli-colored paisleys, the pattern echoing her tattoos. It was a rare find indeed, and made her the envy of the other girls of the tribe.

I'm absolutely enchanted by JC Herrell's mendhi-inspired lampwork beads! After the glass has cooled, she draws intricate patterns with multiple colors of enamel. Really, is there anything more perfect for a tribal necklace?

Eager to make a real treasure with this stunning bead, I dangled an Afghani coin from it, and then strung it with more coins and a variety of gorgeous vintage beads. Green English-cuts from Czechoslovakia, red glass molded as if to appear faceted, faceted hematite-colored seed beads, and matte translucent hand-wound blue beads with their own inner glow.

The uneven nature of the vintage beads gives this necklace a less manufactured look than a lot of modern jewelry, making it perfectly appropriate for your next Renaissance Faire.

Nomadic Treasure measures 15 1/2" long, and the pendant is just under 3" long. It fastens securely with a Sterling Silver toggle clasp. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, it is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Snowdrop -- OOAK woven necklace with crystals, vintage, and more.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:10:18 -0500

$100.00
Snowdrop is the queen of the frost sprites, those wintry pixies whose job is to adorn the flowers of the world with icicles, frost rime, and perfect little drops of frozen dew. As the paragon of frost sprites, she is given the most challenging of tasks. If you happen across a breathtakingly beautiful garden of ice on a winter morning, more wondrous than you've ever seen before, know that you've had the good luck to chance across the work of Snowdrop.

Queen Snowdrop is known to wear her handiwork to all of the royal faerie balls, and this necklace is inspired by her artistry. A sparkling Swarovski crystal rivoli is encircled by Delicas and Japanese seed beads in beautiful shades of white, from which spills a cascade of swaying fringe. The fringe is adorned with vintage glass teardrops, Swarovski crystal bicones and teardrops, and a large opalescent crystal drop which I believe is also Swarovski. This stunning focal rests at the center of a woven necklace that resembles a chain of interlocked hearts, adorned with more teardrops and crystals.

This glorious necklace would be perfect to wear to a holiday party, or for your wedding. I'd simply love to see it on the neck of a blushing bride!

Snowdrop is my entry for the Etsy BeadWeavers' December challenge. The theme is Snow Queen, so of course I had to do a necklace inspired by a faerie queen. For more of this month's entries, simply search for the EBWC tag. And don't forget to visit our blog at http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ and vote for your favorite! Voting runs from December 9th to 15th.

Snowdrop measures 20" long with a 3 1/2" long centerpiece. It fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features a metal-shanked Czech glass button in frosty iridescent white. Like all Erthe Fae designs, it is one of a kind and was created with imagination in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Tiger in a Taffeta Dress -- OOAK Steampunk Neo-Victorian Earrings

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$20.00
She wore a dress of amber and bronze taffeta, with an elaborate bustled train and a tightly-laced corset. Her smile was alluring, her wit disarming, and her past just a little mysterious. Daughter of the city's most brilliant inventor, she had been sent away to a finishing school, supposedly, but there were those who said that she had really been studying mechanics, and was now as clever an engineer as her father. To be certain, her ideas about the future of steam-powered aircraft were very insightful...

The next time you're going to a ball or convention, you know you'll want to have these earrings to complete your outfit! Elegant antiqued brass diamonds are adorned with luscious dangles of vintage and modern cut glass and shimmering tiger's eye. Perfect for an elegant lady or an exotic belly dancer!

Tiger in a Taffeta Dress earrings measure just a smidgen under 2 1/2" long, not including earwires. All findings are antiqued brass. These are rather heavy, I do not recommend them if you have delicate lobes! Like all Erthe Fae Designs, they are one of a kind and were made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Dreamwalker Amulet -- OOAK Woven necklace with art beads

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$50.00
Walking in the realm of dreams, the dangers you have to watch out for are myriad. Nightmares, shantak birds, baku, shifting terrain, and more. But with this amulet around your neck, you'll travel without fear. The crystal at the center emanates a protective aura, chasing away the fiercest monsters and keeping you safe.*

Dreamy blues and lush purples come together to form this necklace. The sparkling strand of beads flows down into an eye-catching pendant. A vintage Swarovski rivoli of tranquil blue is bezeled with high-quality Delicas and seed beads. Dangling below it is a "dream" pendant from Earthenwood Studios, bedecked with an assortment of beads.

I've marked the price down on this one a bit, because the crystal centerpiece, while still amazingly beautiful, is looking a little filmy. I think it's stable, but there's a small chance that the color may degrade over time.

Dreamwalker Amulet measures 17" long with a pendant section that measures just over 3 inches long. It has a lot of presence without being overwhelming! In fact, it's very lightweight and comfortable to wear. It fastens securely with a Sterling Silver toggle clasp; all other findings are also Sterling. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, it is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

*This necklace has no actual magical properties of which I am aware. I just enjoy writing fiction, especially about dream-walking. I make no claims that this necklace actually will follow you into Deeper Slumber and protect you from Night Gaunts. But it's nice to daydream, isn't it?

Key to the Sky -- OOAK Steampunk Earrings

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$10.00
The Key to the Sky, that was what she called her balloon. When she was up in the clouds, she felt like she was free from society's rules and expectations. She used to dream of going on grand adventures, and finally one day she sailed off, with a hamper of supplies and a vague plan. What happened on her journey is too grand a tale for this space.

Don't these key charms look just like an old-style hot air balloon? I had to play up on that image, pairing them up with vintage beads that look like a cloudy sky, and some lustrey clear round beads to remind you of the cold, crisp air you find at high altitudes.

If your steampunk fashion tastes lean more towards grey than brown, these will be the perfect touch to your outfit. They're also great with jeans!

Key to the Sky earrings measure a smidgen under 2" not counting earwires. Aside from the silver-plated charms, all metal is Sterling Silver. They are a nice, average weight. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, they are one of a kind and were made with love and imagination in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Key to The Autumn Door -- OOAK Upcycled Key Necklace

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$15.00
In the Hall of Seasons there are four locked doors, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Each door has a guardian, and those guardians each wear a key around their neck, waiting for the right time to unlock the season. This is the key to the Autumn door.

This simple but beautiful necklace was inspired by some pretty packing twine that I couldn't bear to throw out. The Autumn colors are so attractive, and it's surprisingly soft. I looped it around a darkly patinaed key, and then adorned the key and the cord ends with dangling beads. Each spiral-bedecked headpin features translucent carnelian, earthy citrine, and sparkling Swarovski crystals -- all of which perfectly accent the colors of the twine.

The 29" cord can be tied to whatever length you're most comfortable with. The key measures 2 1/2" inch and is a solid, high-quality reproduction of a vintage-style skeleton key. I'm not sure what sort of metal it is. I'm pretty sure the headpins are brass -- they were given to me years ago by a friend. The twine appears to be some sort of acrylic and cotton blend.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, Key to the Autumn Door is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Trundling Turtles -- OOAK Earrings

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$10.00
Two little turtles, trundling through the marsh grass, off to who knows where...

These cute earrings feature a pair of Czech glass turtle beads in varigated dark green satin glass with golden accents. I've flanked them with Swarovski crystals that perfectly compliment their hues. They're adorable, unique, and would make the perfect gift for the turtle lover in your life!

The last image shows them with the necklace and bracelet that they were made to match. This listing is for the earrings ONLY. The other two items are also available in my shop.

Trundling Turtles measure 1 1/4" long, not counting earwires. All findings are 14k Gold Filled. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, these earrings are one of a kind and were made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Marsh -- OOAK Beadwoven Crystal Bracelet

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$40.00
The marsh, where pixies flit from mushroom to mushroom and turtles trundle through the grass, going about their mysterious way. In the middle of the water, a family of frogs rests on the lilypads, filling the air with their song.

This bracelet features crystals the color of the water in a faerie marsh, accented by seed beads the color of the grass that grows tall in the water. I love the contrast of dark and light greens at play here.

The final image shows this bracelet along with the necklace and earrings that it watches. This listing is for the bracelet ONLY. The other two items are also available in my shop.

Marsh is woven from Swarovski crystals and Japanese seed beads. It measures just over 7" and fastens securely with a button and loop clasp, which features a Czech glass button in the perfect shade of green! Like all Erthe Fae Designs, it is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Keeper of Mementos -- Faerie Locket Necklace

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$50.00
If you've ever lost a memento, it was probably taken by this pixie. She has a fascination for the things that we humans cling to, sentimental jewelry and old photographs and locks of hair. Sometimes she can't resist taking the object of her obsession, in hopes that it will help her understand human emotions.

Keeper of Mementos is a bead and chain necklace featuring ceramic art beads and a silver-tone locket. To match the colors of the faerie bead, I've used black Czech glass flowers, two-tone faceted Czech glass, and red coral Swarovski crystals. Great colors for Autumn and Winter! The locket has a floral design stamped on the front; I've left it empty, so that you can place your own precious memento inside. Don't worry, the pixie will watch over it... she thinks its hers!

I've included a pair of earrings that feature the same dangles as the necklace, they're small and subtle, but you'll feel very coordinated!

Keeper of Mementos measures 18" long and fastens securely with a floral hook and eye clasp. All chain and findings are Sterling Silver. The locket is not. The pixie face and floral links are created in America by Earthenwood Studio. Like all Erthe Fae creations, this necklace is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Turtle Talisman -- OOAK embroidered and woven necklace

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:54 -0500

$175.00
Turtles and tortoises play an important role in many myths and legends. In China, they're considered a symbol of longevity. In "The Tortoise and the Hare" we learned that slow and steady wins the race. They're less common in my beloved faerie lore, but I'm sure I've seen a painting someplace of faeries riding on turtleback. It sounds like something Rackham would paint, doesn't it?

This gorgeous green and gold necklace features a Czech glass turtle bead at the center, surrounded by rows of Japanese seed beads and a border of cut Czech satin glass beads. The fringe sparkles with Swarovski crystals and has lush green drop pearls at the ends. Unlike most turtles and tortoises, it's very vibrant and shiny. The pendant hangs from an attractive and sturdy spiral rope that will perfectly hug the contours of your neck.

I've backed the embroidered pendant with butter-soft Ultrasuede, which protects the stitches and feels great against the skin. And just because it's fun, I hid a fortune cookie paper in the pendant! Your fortune reads "Success and Health are in your fate." This talisman was stitched with wishes of prosperity and longevity for the wearer.

Turtle Talisman measures 18" long with a pendant that is 3 1/2" from top to the end of the longest fringe. It fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features an attractive glass button in the same variegated green as the turtle itself. Like all Erthe Fae creations, it is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Turtle Talisman was created for the Etsy Beadweaver's "Animal Instinct" Challenge, where it took third place.

Unlock My Secrets -- Art Bead and Key Necklace

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:53 -0500

$35.00
Would you like to know what secrets I keep hidden away, deep within my soul? Perhaps if you had the key to my heart, you could unlock them.

This beautiful necklace is inspired by my love for steampunk, vintage styles, and earthy Autumn tones. The focal was a happy experiment, as I wondered "How would that pendant look dangling in front of this key?" I believe that the answer is that it looks quite beautiful. I hope you agree!

I found this key at a hardware store. Who knew that they still made skeleton keys? The package said "brass plated." I think it's steel underneath, as it feels quite sturdy. It's currently a bright, shiny brass. I have no idea how it will oxidize or fade -- it's an adventure!

Dangling from the key is a beautiful ivory and orange engraved shell pendant by Heidi Viau of Lillypilly Designs. The floral pattern adds an air of vintage elegance to the piece. This composite focal hangs from a strand of mother of pearl, coppery freshwater pearls, topaz Swarovski crystals, and autumnal red-orange cathedral cut glass beads with faded bronze highlights.

Unlock My Secrets measures 17" plus a 3" long key focal. It fastens securely with a twisted toggle clasp made out of shimmering brass and copper (the rings holding the pendant are the same metal blend). Like all Erthe Fae creations, it is one-of-a-kind and was made in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Midnight Enchantment -- OOAK Woven Crystal Bracelet

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:53 -0500

$40.00
Secretive sorcery, spells cast after midnight, a subtle enchantment... but what sort of magic was she weaving?

This darkly elegant Gothic bracelet features jet black Swarovski crystals and deep purple Japanese seed beads, woven together to form the perfect adornment for your wrist. The crowning touch is the button clasp, which features a Swarovski crystal button in rich purple with flashes of blue, a delicious color known as Heliotrope.

Midnight Enchantment is the ideal addition to your wardrobe, whether you favor club wear, Neo-Victorian, EGL or even Renaissance-influenced style.

Bracelet measures 7 1/2" (9cm) long. It fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features a metal-shanked Swarovski crystal button. As is the case with all of my jewelry, it is one of a kind and comes from a smoke-free studio in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

The final picture in this listing shows a variety of crystal bracelets. This is one of my best-selling designs. Feel free to contact me if you would like one in other colors and don't see one in the store already.

Ice Cream Swirl -- Handmade Earrings

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:53 -0500

$15.00
Most of my jewelry has a fantasy theme, and a little snippet of a story to go with. But all I can think about when I see these earrings is ice cream! The swirling, delicate pastel colors remind me of ice cream and ices in an upscale Italian dessert stop on Canal Street in NY. Delicious and decadent!

These earrings feature matched cane glass beads by Mingo and Asho of Glasscapes, two American glass artists who make beautiful beads. Swirls of pink, green, white, and yellow are accented with a touch of brown and a sparkling of gold. They're flanked by Swarovski rose alabaster crystals. A delightful combination!

Ice Cream Swirl earrings measure 1" long, not counting earwires. All findings are 14k gold-filled. Like all Erthe Fae Designs they are one of a kind and were created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Sacred Clouds -- Crystal chandelier earrings

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:53 -0500

$35.00
A gentle rain falls upon the sacred mountain shrine, a blessing from the dragons amongst the clouds.

These Sterling Silver chandelier findings remind me of the clouds in Chinese paintings, the kind of clouds that a dragon would chase a pearl of wisdom through. As such, I've accented them with crystals in rainy colors. Modern Swarovski crystals in white opal and light sapphire, and vintage crystals in sapphire opal. I really love these vintage crystals. They're a beautiful color!

Sacred Clouds earrings measure just under 2", not counting earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, they are one of a kind and were made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

In The Dragon Nest -- OOAK Necklace with Art Bead

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:53 -0500

$40.00
Sneak quietly into the mother dragon's lair while she's out hunting, and you may be lucky enough to find her nest. Look, there are seven eggs in this one -- and one is hatching! Few adventurers have the chance to watch a baby dragon come into the world. Just make sure you're gone before the mother gets back.

This necklace was a lot of fun to create. I was thinking "I sure would like to use that Green Girl Studios dragon egg in a necklace today, but what should I pair it with?" Then I saw these baroque olive-shaped green glass beads and thought that they had a rather eggy look. The rest came together pretty easily! And because I already have some earring supplies out, I even made a pair of matching dangly earrings.

I think the baroque eggs are some sort of vintage glass. If I remember correctly, I picked them out from a bin of baggies of vintage beads at a shop in North Carolina. But I'm not positive, so we'll call them "maybe vintage."

Aside from the pewter hatching dragon and the maybe vintage beads, this necklace features a lovely assortment of the sort of sparkly beads a dragon might hoard: crackled quartz crystal, shimmering kelly green cat's eye, and cobalt Swarovski crystals. I know some people say that you shouldn't mix blue and green, but I've always done it and I think the jewel-tones of the emerald and cobalt beads look great together!

In The Dragon Nest measures 19" long, with a 1 3/4" pendant. The matching earrings are 1 1/2" long, not including earwires. The focal bead is lead-free pewter. All findings are Sterling Silver. This necklace clasps securely with a spiral toggle clasp.

Like all Erthe Fae creations, this necklace is one of a kind -- I couldn't duplicate it even if I wanted to, I only had six of those egg beads! It was beaded with much enthusiasm in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Note: the adorable plush dragon is NOT included in the auction!

The Keys to Any of a Number of Things -- OOAK Steampunk Earrings

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:13:48 -0500

$10.00
Wherever she went, she carried a ring with three silver keys on it, and no matter what lock she found, somehow one of them would open it. Though she was generally a good person, I'm sad to say at times she abused this gift, and in the end, she had to give up her keys out of sheer guilt. But I'm sure you'll do better with them, won't you?

These earrings feature the neatest little silver-toned keyring charms, each with three distinct and freely moving keys hanging on them. I've dangled the adorable charms below some beautiful swirly green glass squares, edged with stony colors, and flanked by baroque freshwater pearls. The glass squares are much prettier in person, with light shining through them, then they are against my photography background.

Keys to Any of a Number of Things measure just over 2" long, not counting earwires. Aside from the key charms, all metal is Sterling Silver. They are a nice average weight. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, they are one of a kind and were made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

The Inventors Gala Ball -- OOAK Steampunk Necklace

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:13:48 -0500

$50.00
Although a lady inventor must often struggle to compete with her male peers, ever striving to prove her intelligence and merit to gain their respect, she mustn't lose sight of her femininity! This is just the sort of necklace that she might wish to wear to the Inventors' Gala Ball, to remind the men that she's a force to be reckoned with in the workshop and on the dance floor.

Now is the part where I wax rhapsodic about the materials I used, primarily those gorgeous, gorgeous vintage tortoiseshell glass disks. Aren't they marvelous? If memory serves me correctly (and it usually does), they're West German. Convex in shape, they have a lovely baroque texture that well-compliments the variegated light and dark amber of the glass. Simply stunning! They're perfectly accented by a selection of Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, and a gear tile pendant by Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio.

This necklace has a simple elegance that would be right at home with your favorite steampunk regalia. It's also suitable for adding a little steamy touch to your day-to-day clothing. The metallic bronze glass and sparkling crystals add pizazz, while the square shapes give it just a bit of a punk edge.

The Inventors' Gala Ball measures 18" long with dangles that measure 1 1/4" and 2 1/2" long. It fastens securely with a brass and copper toggle clasp. The dangles are wrapped with brass wire. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, it is one of a kind and was made with love and a sense of whimsy in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Moonlit Seductress -- Sexy Mermaid Necklace with Dichroic Cab

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:01:49 -0500

$125.00
She rises from the ocean, water streaming from the ebon curls that cascade down her back. Her voice calls out in dulcet tones, singing a siren's song that echoes across the waves. Moonlight glistens off of supple human flesh and sparkling fish scales. Her eyes are as uncaring as the stars, but that hasn't stopped countless sailors and fishermen from falling under her spell.

For March's "Temptation" challenge, I chose to represent the oldest and most dangerous temptation of all, lust. The focal piece of my one of a kind necklace is a sparkling dichroic cabochon by Laura Kramarsky of Torchsongs Glassworks, depicting a nubile nude mermaid under a crescent moon. What could be more tempting to a lonely sailor, at sea for months on end?

I've used a variety of embroidery and beadweaving techniques to surround this artist-made focal with a bezel of Japanese seed beads in aqua and green hues. The pendant is then strung onto a hand-dyed, American-made silk ribbon of blue and teal shot with gold. A dainty edging of beads embellishes part of the ribbon, tying it to the beadwork.

The focal pendant of Moonlit Seductress measures approximately 2 1/2" by 1 1/2" (6.35cm by 3.81cm) and hangs from a 36" (.9 meter) long ribbon that can be tied in a bow at your desired length. For an additional $5, I can cut the ribbon to any shorter length and attach a Sterling clasp. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, Moonlit Seductress is one of a kind and was created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Moonlit Seductress was created for the Etsy BeadWeavers March challenge, "Temptation." Voting for this challenge will run from March 9th-15th. To view more tempting beadwork, either search EBWC. To vote, visit our blog at http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Gossiping Pixies -- OOAK Faerie Earrings

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:01:49 -0500

$20.00
"Did you hear the one about Snowdrop?" Bluebell asked, leaning over the stem of the flower she'd just sprinkled with dew.

"No!" Petaluma was all ears. "What is it this time? Mooning after the prince again?"

Bluebell smiled in the way only a pixie could, all mischief and mirth. "Oh dear, if only it were that simple. They say she's been taken in by a human, of all things! She follows him everywhere, making flowers bloom and butterflies take flight, and he doesn't even notice."

Their work was completely forgotten as the two diminutive fae shook their heads in sympathy of the plight of their love-struck sister.

These two Sterling Silver pixies look as if they're leaning over to whisper secrets into your ears. Are they ready to impart the mysteries of the faerie realm, or just the latest gossip about Titania's chambermaid? No matter what they're about to say, they'll look simply adorable doing so.

I've accented the pixie charms with White Opal Swarovski crystals and pretty green vintage glass flower beads. They're the perfect touch for Spring and Summer party outfits, or for a day at the Faerie Festival.

Gossiping Pixies earrings measure 1 1/4" long, not including earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, they are one of a kind and were made with love and whimsy in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Destash -- Two Lampworked Vessels by Ginny Sycuro

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:01:48 -0500

$30.00
These two large lampworked vessels were made by Ginny Sycuro, who used to write the "Glass Doctor" column for Beadwork Magazine.

Both vessels are decorate by frit. The green one features a Nile Green base adorned with various greens, browns, and bits of blue. It looks like there's also ivory which has reacted with the greens to form beautiful earthy tones. The blue one is transparent aqua over some opaque pinkish base, adorned with frit in various blues, aquas, and periwinkle. The frit on this one is just barely not entirely melted in, giving it a pleasant pebbly texture.

The green one looks rather like a woodlands faerie vessel, and the blue one definitely puts me in mind of the sea and mermaids!

Both vessels come complete with well-fitted corks. The green one measures just under 2" tall, not counting the cork, and 1 1/2" wide at the handles. The blue one measures 2 1/4" long, not counting the cork, and 1" wide at the widest point. Both vessels are flattened so that they will rest nicely when worn. They'd be equally beautiful worked into beaded jewelry, or just hung from an attractive cord or chain.

Automatic Ankle Accelerator -- OOAK Steampunk Anklet

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:04:00 -0400

$30.00
Professor Langstrom was certain that he'd win the invention contest this year. His Automatic Ankle Accelerators were brilliant! Simply place the pair of anklets over the shoes of any young lady, flip the switch, and watch as she suddenly dances up a storm, even if she'd never been in a ballroom before! What could possibly go wrong?

Poor Professor Langstrom. He just never thought things through as well as he should have. Little did he imagine that the gears might seize up, throwing the poor girl to the floor. Or that once the dancer was in motion, how hard it would be to flip the switch off and give her a rest. Or that the miniature steam boilers could so easily overheat and explode.

This anklet is created from all that's left of Professor Langstrom's prototype. Let's all hope that he does better next year.

I've created this anklet with a length of brass chain, nine well-coordinated brass gears, gorgeous mottled Czech glass beads, and copper Swarovski pearls. The variegated glass beads hold the colors of rust, verdigris and warm leather. Perfect steampunk hues! It would be perfect with a steampunk bellydance outfit, or drape it over a boot for an extra touch to an airship pirate ensemble.

Automatic Ankle Accelerator is fully adjustable up to a maximum length of 12". It fastens securely with an antiqued brass lobster clasp. Like all Erthe Fae Designs it is one of a kind and was created with love and Victorian pseudo-science in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Mysterious Portrait -- Tribal Necklace with Copper, Malachite, Lava

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:04:00 -0400

$45.00
They found the bead buried in the sand of an abandoned campsite. No one knew whose face was detailed in silver against the gleaming copper background, but clearly it was a person of great importance. The tribe's craftspeople hung the pendant from a strand of beautiful beads and gave the necklace to their most skilled dancer, certain that someone would see the mysterious portrait and identify the worthy person.

The story above isn't too far from the truth. I found the focal bead at the Bead Museum in Glendale, not buried in the sand, but it's true that I don't know who the face is supposed to be. A chief? A priest? A deity? It reminded me of a classic cameo, but tribal-style, so I simply had to have it.

The copper and silver focal is accented by beads of copper, malachite, black lava, and Thai silver. It's a study of contrasting colors and textures, as delightful to the fingers than it is to the eyes. The metal beads give it a comfortable weight on the neck and a warm gleam.

Mysterious Portrait measures 19" long with a 2 1/4" long focal section. It fastens securely with a copper and brass toggle clasp. Like all Erthe Fae Designs it is truly unique and created with love and mystery in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Spiral Journey -- OOAK Gothic Tribal Anklet

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:08:27 -0400

$45.00
Her steps traced a spiral pattern on the floor as she danced ever inwards, twirling, swirling, at once wild and precise.

This beadwoven anklet is inspired by my love of tribal bellydance! Red and black is such a strong combination, and as such is immensely popular for dancers looking to cut a dramatic figure. Add the perfect touch to your ensemble with Spiral Journey.

I created this anklet using high-quality Japanese seed beads, spiral-patterned Czech glass beads, and nickle-silver bells. These are stealth bells, which really don't jingle much, so the sound won't compete with your music.

Spiral Journey is adjustable from 9 1/2" to 11 1/2" long. The weave has a bit of stretch to it, allowing it to flex comfortably with your ankle while you dance. It fastens securely with a Sterling Silver lobster clasp with a Sterling extender chain.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this anklet is one of a kind and was made with love and mystery in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Custom Crystal Bracelet -- You Choose The Colors

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:08:27 -0400

$40.00
My beautiful, sparkling crystal bracelets add the perfect scintillating touch to your outfit. They're versatile enough to go with every style -- steampunk, faerie, tribal, boho, elegant, funky. The choice of colors changes the bracelet to fit the image you want to convey.

These bracelets are created with Swarovski crystals, the top of the line when it comes to crystal beads. They're accented by high-quality Japanese seed beads, and then fastened with either a toggle, lobster claw, or button clasp.

This is your chance to have a stunning crystal bracelet in your favorite colors, in your size, custom woven just for you! You tell me what color of crystal and seed bead accent you want, what length, and any clasp preference you might have, and I'll do the rest.

As long as I have the beads on hand, your bracelet will ship within one week! If I have to order crystals for your bracelet, it may take up to a week longer. I'll let you know if there will be any delays! Feel free to convo me prior to ordering to check on color availability.

Your crystal bracelet will be made with the same technique shown in these images. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, it will be one of a kind and made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Face of the Gorgon -- Medusa Necklace w/ Jade

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:49:47 -0400

$50.00
A gaze that turned men to stone, surrounded by a writhing coif of serpents. The Gorgon Medusa, from whose blood sprang Pegasus -- yeah, I never understood that one either.

Despite my phobia of snakes, I've always loved Medusa. This necklace features a wonderfully detailed coin pendant by Green Girl Studios, with Medusa on one side and a serpent biting its own tale (the symbol of infinity) on the other. I've hung this pewter treasure from a strand of nephrite jade coins, lizardite ovals, and round Czech faux pearls in deepest forest green. This versatile combination of greens has year-round appeal.

Face of the Gorgon necklace measures 19" long and fastens securely with a Sterling Silver toggle clasp. The focal is pewter, with a Sterling wire-wrapped bail.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this necklace is truly unique and was made with love and legend in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Beneath an October Moon -- Gothic Tree Necklace w/ Artisan Focal

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:44:48 -0400

$50.00
Theirs was a forbidden romance: the Unseelie Maiden and the Seelie knight. Unable to be open about their love, they held secret trysts beneath the ancient oak tree that stood alone in the field that marked the border between the two realms. Their fate is lost to history, but so strong was their passion that it shaped the very boughs of their meeting place. It's said that if you stand facing the perfect heart amongst the branches, and gaze at the October Moon, your true love's face will be revealed.

This necklace features a beautiful polymer clay focal by fellow Etsian Michele Gabriel. I couldn't help but spin a romantic tale about the mysterious tree painted on the clay.

The pendant is perfectly complimented by smooth, shimmering ovals of Eagle Eye (some sort of quartz or feldspar, I think), with Purple Velvet Swarovski crystals serving as elegant, sparkling spacers.

Beneath an October Moon measures 18" long and fastens securely with a Sterling Silver toggle clasp. The focal is 1 1/2" tall and is signed on the back by the artist.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this necklace is truly unique and was made with love and mystery in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

The Gatekeeper Talisman -- Tribal Steampunk Necklace

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:08:03 -0400

$50.00
For as long as history had been recorded, the clockwork dervish had been standing in front of the gate to the Path of Enlightenment. There were those who said that she'd always been there, and that the Path had been built behind her. Only true seekers could pass her; all others were stopped by her whirring blades. Most said that she was a mindless automaton, built for only a single task, but others spoke in awed whispers of her beautiful dancing, glimpsed whenever a truly worthy seeker stepped upon the Path.

A variety of materials came together to create this stunning necklace. I started with textured brass chain and wove a twisted silver-tone chain (pilfered from my personal jewelry box) and a black satin ribbon through the links. Once the weaving was done, I assembled the pendant. I overlaid a pewter fleur on a brass filigree, then dangled two pewter keys. At the center hangs an engraved shell disk created by Heidi Viau of Lillypilly Designs. The mandala pattern on the shell inspired the story above. A toggle clasp finishes it off, accented by the trailing ends of the ribbon.

I created this necklace to express my love of the steampunk belly dance scene, the blending of tribal and Victorian elements. This piece is beautiful and ornate, like the dancers and their costumes.

The Gatekeeper Talisman measures 22" with a 3" focal. It fastens securely with an elegant pewter toggle clasp.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this necklace is truly unique and was created with love and wonder in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Mistress of Ghosts -- Gothic Steampunk Key Earrings

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:43:30 -0400

$15.00
Even after her death, Lady Arabeth Tillinghast continued to rule the manor. Her incorporeal state didn't even slow her down; if anything, the ability to drift up stairs and through walls gave her even more control over her stately home. Every night, her ethereal form can be seen gliding through the halls, keys in hand. To most, she is a benevolent spirit... but woe betide the man who seeks to do wrong within the walls of her estate.

Just in time for Halloween, I present these beautiful, ghostly earrings. Ornate pewter keys, Swarovski pearls, and twisted vintage grey glass beads create the perfect elegant look. They'd be equally at home with Gothic or Steampunk fashion, and naturally, they'd be the perfect accent for your ghost costume this season

Mistress of Ghosts earrings measure a generous 2 1/2" long, not including earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, these earrings are truly unique and were made with love and mystery in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Wheel of Destiny Steampunk Necklace

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:23:55 -0400

$30.00
The fortune teller beckoned her into the tent with promises that her future would be laid out before her. The young woman was expecting tarot cards, perhaps a crystal ball. The burnished brass wheel came as a surprise, with its intricate mechanisms and the gentle whirring of its gears. A sense of wonder gripped her, eclipsing the soothsayers words. It didn't matter what the old woman said -- the girl knew that her future lay in the world of clockwork.

This simply elegant necklace features a beautiful, intricate brass stamping. I've accented the focal with two tiny brass keys and a vintage glass teardrop. Brass figure-8 chain completes the necklace and makes it easily adjustable to compliment the blouse of your choice.

Wheel of Destiny measures 19" at max length. It fastens securely with a brass lobster claw clasp.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this necklace is truly unique and was created with love and wonder in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Little Elf Shoe Earrings -- OOAK Fantasy Earrings

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:06:24 -0400

$15.00
The fae folk love to dance, and of course, that means that they need dancing shoes. Oh of course it's alright to dance barefoot in mushroom circles, but when one is invited to the Queen's Solstice Ball, only the finest little slippers will do.

These earrings feature vintage glass beads in the shape of little green shoes with a floral pattern, just the sort of thing a tiny elf would wear. I've accented them with modern crystal and glass beads in beautiful shades of green, because as we all know, green is the favored color of the faeries.

Little Elf Shoe Earrings measure 1 1/2" long, not including earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, these earrings are truly unique and were made with love and whimsy in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

The Storm Lords Bride -- Unique vintage and crystal earrings

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$10.00
The Storm Lord's new wife has just arrived at Thundercloud Keep, and everyone says that she's the perfect match for him...

These turbulent earrings feature vintage navy and white swirled glass beads, accented by shadow crystal Swarovski bicones. A perfectly stormy color combination, ideal for rainy days! The cluster of three crystals at the bottom of each earring swings and sparkles, so even when it's overcast, you'll shine.

"The Storm Lord's Bride" earrings measure just over 1 1/4" long, not including earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, these earrings are truly unique. They were created in a smoke-free studio in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

Autumn Flier -- Butterfly Necklace w/vintage beads

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$30.00
I don't know what it's like in the rest of the world right now, but here in Arizona I have been seeing a lot of butterflies for the last couple of weeks! They love the Mexican bird of paradise plants in my front yard, and it's not unusual to see two or three different types of butterfly (plus a couple of bees!) on my way to and from the mailbox every day. That must be why I was inspired to create this necklace.

Even on the darkest days of Autumn, you'll feel ready to take flight with this necklace. An enameled metal butterfly pendant sets the tone for the piece, with its brown, orange, red and yellow hues. To perfectly compliment its coloration, I chose Swarovski crystals in Sun and Red Topaz, little brown Czech glass cubes, and two styles of vintage glass beads in red and light citrine-topaz. There's a lot of different shapes here, and facets both cut and molded. This leads to a riot of texture and sparkle! Fall won't seem so drab when you're wearing Autumn Flier!

The enameled pendant was a random find at my bead store. I have no idea if it's modern, vintage, where it was made, or what the metal is. The back is enameled as well, in a dark speckled grey. I suspect that it's copper, because that seems to be the most common metal for this sort of work.

Autumn Flier measures 19" long. It fastens securely with a 14k gold filled toggle clasp, which is twisted for an attractive sparkle. Like all Erthe Fae creations, it is one of a kind and was created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio. In fact, it was beaded in the midst of a beautiful thunderstorm!

The shining rays of Amaterasu -- OOAK earrings with vintage beads

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$10.00
In most cultures, the sun was considered male. In the Shinto belief system, however, the sun is a woman, Amaterasu. She's the subject of perhaps one of the most well-known Japanese myths, in which she retreats into a cave, plunging the world into darkness, and the other gods have to lure her out with merriment.

Feel like a little bit of a sun goddess yourself when you wear these earrings. The large vintage lampworked earrings have a strip of foil wrapped around the core, and it practically glows. These vintage beads are so awesome that I decided to keep the accents simple -- little vintage citrine-hued glass saucers flanking the main beads. I only had two of these nifty, chunky beads, so these earrings are even more unique than usual!

"The shining rays of Amaterasu" earrings measure 1" long, not including earwires. All findings are gold-filled. These earrings are a little heavier than usual, so I don't recommend them for anyone with delicate lobes.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, these earrings are totally unique. They were made with love in a smoke-free studio in beautiful Tucson, Arizona, where we get quite a bit of Amaterasu's attention, it seems.

Eternal Spring -- Cane glass and leaf beads

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$15.00
I made these earrings on a late August afternoon that felt like Fall, with a thunderstorm blowing in around me. Despite the weather, I found myself drawn to the Spring green hues of these beads. Perhaps they serve as a window into a faerie realm, where it's always Spring.

The beautiful American-made cane glass beads are swirled with a beautiful assortment of soft greens, a touch of white, and a subtle shimmer of silver. They're perfectly accented by light opalescent green Czech glass leaf beads, and chrysolite Swarovski crystals. Joined by interlocking loops, the earrings have a lot of movement and sparkle.

Naturally, I think these would look perfect with a light green faerie costume, either for Halloween or your local Faerie Festival. But they'd also go cute with a party dress or even jeans and a green t-shirt. I'm sure that once you own them, you'll want any excuse to wear them!

As you can see in the hand picture, these greens go very nicely with a pale Irish complexion. But I think they'd also pop against darker skin or hair!

Eternal Spring earrings measure 1 7/8" long, not including earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae jewelry, they were created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio. And in the last picture, you can see the storm that blew in while I was making them!

Napping Treasure Hunter -- Mermaid Necklace

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$75.00
This mermaid spent all day scouring the ocean floor and the beach for sparkling treasures, and now she's all tuckered out. Curled up in her favorite shell, she's clearly dreaming about what wonderful finds the morrow will bring.

When I saw this carved boxwood mermaid pendant at a bead show in New York years ago, I simply had to have her. It's taken me this long to come up with the perfect design for her, but I'm glad that I waited.

The three knotted cord strands contain a wild assortment of beads, too many to list individually! They include Swarovski crystals, tigers eye, freshwater pearls, Czech glass, mother of pearl, carved bone, and vintage glass. I had to force myself to stop picking out more beads to add to it.

There are so many places you could wear this necklace! I think she'd be the most at home as part of a wench's garb at a Pirate Festival (or with a Halloween pirate costume!), but she could also enjoy dinner on a cruise ship, your next luau, or even a trip to the grocery store. I don't know about you, but I find grocery shopping more bearable when I'm wearing a beautiful necklace!

Napping Treasure Hunter measures 23" long with a 2" x 2 1/4" pendant. Despite its size, the focal is very lightweight. The necklace fastens securely with a brass and copper toggle clasp. Like all Erthe Fae creations, it is one-of-a-kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Misty Isle -- OOAK beadwoven crystal bracelet

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$40.00
Faeries were often believed to have lived on islands, and it's a well-known fact that they love their privacy. As such, whenever I see a mist-shrouded island, I can't help but think of fae forms, half-seen in the gloom.

This subtly-hued bracelet is woven with shadow crystal Swarovski bicones, and the lightest iridescent seafoam Japanese seed beads. The colors are delicate, almost ethereal, like mist itself.

"Misty Isle" bracelet measures 7" long. It fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features a grey satin glass button.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this bracelet is truly unique and one of a kind. It was woven with love in my smoke-free Tucson studio.

Mistress of the Secret Forest -- OOAK fantasy necklace

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$100.00
An ancient dryad watches over this forest, keeping it secret from the advances of mankind. Untouched by the woodman's axe, her beloved trees grow strong and beautiful. If you're lucky, you might see a glimpse of it as you crest a hill... There, just on the edge of your vision.

To create this verdant choker, I've suspended an Earthenwood Studio pendant from a base of woven seed beads. Light and dark olivine and ivory provide the perfect compliment to the earthy greens of the glazed porcelain. The graceful swags along the bottom edge of the necklace are accented with beautiful Czech glass leaves.

Like all of my creations, this is a one-of-a-kind necklace.

Mistress of the Secret Forest is adjustable from 13" to 14". It is designed to be worn as a choker, with the pendant rest just at the collarbone. It fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features a sparkling mother-of-pearl button.

Verdant Pageantry -- Chandelier Earrings

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$25.00
Fit for a faerie noblewoman or the hostess of the season's most elegant masquerade, these gorgeous earrings are sure to make you feel glamorous.

Attractive filigreed Sterling Silver stampings serve as the perfect base for three swaying dangles each. The dangles consist of drops of malachite, round green goldstone, and palace green opal Swarovski crystals. The three greens look perfect together, and would go great with emerald or forest hues.

A quick note about green goldstone: despite the name, it is not a gemstone. It is, in fact, dark green glass with copper crystals suspended in it, creating a deep and sparkly green material that looks black until the light hits it.

Verdant Pageantry earrings measure 1 1/2" not including earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae designs, they are one of a kind and were created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Underworld -- Beaded bead earrings with swinging chains

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$30.00
Underworld... the word conjures up so many different images. The realm of the dead and cthonic death-gods. The shady land of crime. Or a series of movies with Kate Beckinsale.

When you wear these earrings, you can evoke any of those feelings. Whether you see yourself as a ghost, death goddess, femme fatale or butt-kicking vampire, they fit the bill! They're sleek, sexy, and versatile, just waiting for the right woman to pair them with the right outfit.

I've taken a pair of beaded beads that I made from Delica beads and grouped them with hematite triangles, jet black Swarovski crystals in two sizes, and lengths of chain with diamond-shaped links. The combination results in a pair of earrings much more modern than my usual designs, a bit of an oddity, but an awesome oddity!

In the interest of clarity and fairness, I'd like to point out that most hematite on the market is actually a man-made material which is virtually indistinguishable from genuine mined-from-the-earth hematite. I'm fairly certain that these beads are of the artificial variety.

Underworld earrings measure just under 3 1/4" long, not including earwires. All findings and chain are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae creations, they are one of a kind and were made with love (and thoughts of myths and movies) in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Pearl Branch -- Elegant Beadwoven Spiral Bracelet

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:26 -0400

$35.00
Pearls don't grow on trees, but wouldn't it be nice if they did? I'm sure the mollusks would prefer it, and I think the pearl trees would be beautiful. A branch might even look something like the fringe on this bracelet.

I've lovingly woven "Pearl Branch" from Japanese seed beads in matte teal and shimmering seafoam. At the end, there's a branching fringe accented with tiny freshwater pearls. These lovelies have a very nice luster and pleasant, smooth shapes.

"Pearl Branch" measures 6" long, suitable for those with petite wrists. The branching fringe accent is 2 long, and will look equally nice dangling from your wrist or draping across the top of your hand. The bracelet fastens securely with a button and loop clasp, which features a cute little pearly white glass button.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs jewelry, "Pearl Branch" is truly unique! It comes from a smoke-free studio in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

Neon Dragon -- OOAK beadwoven bracelet, adjustable size

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:25 -0400

$35.00
Hidden within a vast metropolis, the neon dragon guards a hoard of advanced electronics. Their blinking lights reflect off of her scales in the darkness of her urban lair.

Sci-fi and fantasy collide in my latest beaded bracelet. I like to call this style "Dragonscale" because of the scaly pattern of the weaving, but the neon colors have a definite cyberpunk edge to them.

Woven from high-quality Japanese beads, this bracelet features shimmering lime and capri triangles and sleek jet seed beads. I've accented it with a few Czech firepolished glass beads in the same hues. The woven tube is then slid onto a memory wire core, for ease of wear on many sizes of wrists. No clasp, no worries about length, just an easy and comfortable accessory!

Neon Dragon Will fit most adult female wrists. I wear a 6-6.5" bracelet, and it fits me comfortably, but as you can see from the hand image, it also uncoils nicely for larger wrists. It may be too large for little kids, but good for teens. Memory wire is made of steel; the wrapped dangles are some sort of gunmetal-hued metal.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this bracelet was woven with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio, and is completely one of a kind.

Within the Waves -- OOAK Cane Glass Bracelet

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:25 -0400

$20.00
Imagine yourself within the waves of a deep green sea, crested with sparkling white foam. Riding the water as it crests and crashes back into the sea, exhilarating in the thrill.

This bracelet features five American-made cane glass beads in swirled white and green. The glass was left with a slightly twisted shape, which reminds me of waves frozen in time. I've accented these artisan beads with vintage faceted white satin glass, and deep green Czech glass rounds.

Within the Waves measures just over 7" long. It fastens securely with a Sterling Silver toggle decorated with a swirling motif. Like all Erthe Fae creations, it is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Medusa Turning to Stone -- OOAK Woven Necklace with Art Bead

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:25 -0400

$100.00
It wasn't true, you know, those things they said about Medusa. Far from being monstrous, she was in fact beautiful. Only the twining snakes that crowned her head differentiated her from a mortal maiden, and there were those who even found her ophidian hair attractive. Perseus didn't see her beauty until it was too late, after his mirrored shield had turned her to a statue.

I have a real fascination with Medusa, and I've kept this Green Girl Studios Medusa head bead around for a long time, waiting until I could design just the right necklace. When I saw the Greek Key patterned silver ring in my favorite findings catalog, I knew that the time had finally come to work Medusa into a piece of art.

Medusa Turning to Stone is an experiment in form and texture. The herringbone rope that she hangs from goes from the slinky, shiny green of her reptilian coils to the rough, grey stone of a statue. By using different beads and varying the stitch, I was able to create a contrast between snake and stone which I think is appealing to the eye and the neck. This necklace feels great when you wear it, and is sure to draw many admiring glances.

This necklace is woven from Japanese Delica and seed beads, with a sterling silver ring and a pewter focal bead. Green Girl Studios is an independent American business hand-making beautiful pewter beads and pendants like this one. By purchasing Medusa Turning to Stone you'll be supporting two independent businesses -- mine *and* Green Girl's. The pendant is completed with a handmade headpin (can't remember if it's from Bali or India!) and a single Swarovski crystal pearl.

Medusa Turning to Stone measures 18" long with a 2" pendant section. It fastens securely with a button and loop clasp featuring a vintage dark silver glass button with a pattern reminiscent of coiling serpents. Ring and headpin are both Sterling Silver.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this one of a kind necklace was handmade with love and sympathy for Medusa in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Rose Tea -- Sparkling beadwoven crystal bracelet

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:25 -0400

$40.00
I'm addicted to tea with rose petals or tiny rosebuds in it. There's just something about the scent and flavor, something magical and otherworldly.

This sparkling crystal bracelet reminds me of those precious teas, and all things rosy. It's woven from rosewater opal Swarovski crystals and pinky-purple lustrous Japanese seed beads. A very lovely, feminine combination.

"Rose Tea" bracelet measures 7" long. It fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features a metallic mauve vintage glass button, with a floral design.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this bracelet is truly unique and one of a kind. It was woven with love in my smoke-free studio in Tucson, Arizona. These crystal bracelets have long been one of my best sellers on my website.

Subtle Charm -- OOAK Victorian or Edwardian Necklace Set

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:50:06 -0400

$25.00
They said that she had a subtle charm about her -- the perfect hostess, the most delightful guest, the one that you simply had to have at your next ball or salon. Little did they know that it was more than her genteel upbringing and delicate good looks that won people over. They never suspected that the filigree necklace that she wore every day was a magical charm that warded off the evil eye and instilled a sense of trust. And so she led a charmed life, in more ways than one, from the day she became a debutant til the day that they laid the grand society dame to rest, and her necklace was hidden away in an armoire, just waiting to be rediscovered...

This necklace is a one-off for me. Rather than putting the pretty filigree focal at the center of a beaded creation, I decided to give it minimal ornamentation and let it shine on its own. The glowing green glass stone at the center was already there when I bought it, so I picked out some vintage and modern glass beads and Swarovski crystals to accent it, dangled them from a V of chain, and then dangled the filigree from more of the same chain. To compete the look, I made matching earrings with beaded dangles and lengths of chain.

Subtle Charm is made with a vintage brass filigree station and modern brass chain. It would look great with a steampunk ensemble, or it could add a little antique charm to your daily wear.

Necklace measures 20" long and fastens securely with an antiqued brass lobster clasp. Earrings measure 1 1/2" long, not counting antiqued brass earwires. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, Subtle Charm is truly unique and was created with love and mystique in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Midnight Dancer -- OOAK Gothic Tribal Earrings

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:03:03 -0400

$30.00
Beads sway and sparkle, hanging from the silver ornaments in her ears, as she dances the night away. Every tilt of her head or toss of her hair sends them swinging, emphasizing her movements, framing her wildly beautiful face.

These gorgeous Gothic Tribal chandelier earrings were inspired by my love of belly dance, but they'd be equally at home at the Renaissance Faire, Prom, a darkly elegant wedding, or a swanky cocktail party. Anywhere you want a little glitter and movement.

Handmade Turkish chandelier drops are adorned with modern and vintage glass beads and saucers of lapis lazuli. Lapis Lazuli has a rich history, having been used as jewelry as far back as ancient times. It was beloved by the Egyptians. In modern times, it is thought of as a stone of friendship and truth.

I designed these earrings to complement my Avatar of the Moon Goddess necklace. I used the same beads and the silver chandelier findings echo the pattern of the pendants in that piece. Buy both for a stunning coordinated set!

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, Midnight Dancer earrings are one of a kind and created with love and a little sense of mystery in my smoke-free Arizona studio. All findings are Sterling Silver.

Broken-Hearted Robot -- OOAK Gothic Industrial Punk Necklace

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:03:03 -0400

$50.00
"The Day My Robot's Emotion Chip Went Haywire"

My robot was always so helpful and reliable, until one day he went on a rampage throughout the apartment. When I asked him what was wrong, he said that he'd fallen in love with the digital camera, but it had spurned him. His early prototype emotion chip just couldn't handle the rejection, and he was destroying everything that reminded him of the camera. I caught him as he was shredding the instruction manual.

This fun necklace features a glazed porcelain robot head bead by Earthenwood Studio. I've strung him on some black wire lace mesh, and accented him with red glass beads, white glass hearts, and little silver washers. The beads are dangled on the outside and captured on the inside. There's lots of movement and chaos here!

Wire lace mesh is a fun material... I've left it straight here, for a sleek industrial look, but you can tug and tease it into a more crazy look if you want your robot to look more frazzled. You can also rearrange the inner beads however you want!

Broken-Hearted Robot measures 21" long. It fastens securely with a Sterling Silver clasp. All other findings are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this necklace is one-of-a-kind and was created with good humor in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Mr. Skully-Man -- OOAK beadwoven skull necklace

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:37:07 -0400

$120.00
Are you a Goth who enjoys adding a splash of color and whimsy to your dark wardrobe? Do you love the gleefully macabre imagery of Dia de los Muertos? If so, Mr. Skully-Man would like to be your new best friend. He enjoys moonlit walks in the cemetery, reading Poe, and going to Collide concerts.

I've woven this necklace from jet black Japanese seed beads, accented with the most awesome vibrant Kelly green beads. Made from satin glass, and featuring tiny cuts, they sparkle and shimmer almost like cat's eye. The gently spiraling Ndebele rope flows into four strung strands, which are joined together at even intervals by vintage chartreuse and clear swirled flower beads. At the focal point is Mr. Skully-Man himself, a handmade porcelain bead from Earthenwood Studios. Adorned with black spirals, he grins in spite of all the darkness in the world.

Mr. Skully-Man measures a generous 21" long. The necklace fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features a green satin glass button with a floral design. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, it is one of a kind and was handmade with love and dark humor in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Earthenwood Studios beads are handmade in America by the very talented Melanie Brooks. By purchasing this necklace you'll be supporting not one, but two American artists!

Elvensoul -- Woven elf necklace with lots of leaves

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:37:07 -0400

$150.00
She had always felt drawn to the old places, the ancient forests and the hidden grottoes. Though they tried to keep her in the city and raise her up to be a proper young lady, she longed to throw off the chains of society and live in the woods, at one with nature. Deep inside, she knew that she was different, that she had an Elven soul.

Have you ever felt like her? Honor your inner elf with this stunning necklace. Gorgeous greens and browns, ranging into coppery bronze, echo the hues of a sacred forest. The focal piece is a vintage bronze Swarovski rivoli, encircled by woven seed beads, adorned by a peaceful Elven face bead and a trio of dangling leaves. The sparkling spiral rope flows into a segment of strung beads. At the junction of these two elements, branches of fringe grow a profusion of leaves and crystals.

Elvensoul is a design experiment. I wanted to see if I could create really full fringe at each side of the necklace without overwhelming the focal. I'm very pleased with the results. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this is the second best necklace that I've created in 2008 (the very best having been made for a charity auction).

I've used the finest materials for this necklace, including Japanese seed beads, Czech glass leaves and beads, Swarovski crystals, and an elf bead by Earthenwood Studios.

Elvensoul measures 22" long and fastens securely with a copper and brass toggle clasp*. The focal is just under 3" long, and the fringe sections are 3". Like all Erthe Fae jewelry, it is one of a kind and was created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

*I wanted to use a gold-filled clasp, but I didn't have one at hand. If you would prefer a gold-filled clasp, please make a note of it when you purchase the necklace, and I will order one. This will add 1 week to the time it takes for your item to arrive.

Gothic Romance -- OOAK Chandelier Earrings

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:37:23 -0400

$25.00
These earrings practically demand that you wear them with an elaborate Gothic gown, perhaps to a masquerade ball. You will, of course, have to wear your hair swept up into some elegant style, leaving your ears free to show off your stunning jewelry. Then again, you could just pair them with the perfect Little Black Dress.

Faceted Czech glass beads in red and black and red crackled hearts dangle from highly-detailed pewter chandelier findings. The earrings are hinged, allowing extra movement. Super dangly and swingy, these are not for the mild-mannered or delicate-lobed.

Gothic Romance earrings measure 2 1/2" long, not counting earwires. Aside from the chandeliers, all findings are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, these earrings are one of a kind and were made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Innocence -- OOAK Woven Crystal Bracelet

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:37:23 -0400

$40.00
Soothing shades of blue weave together to form a lady-like bracelet. Pair it with your daintiest clothing to look the very picture of innocence.

This bracelet is made with light sapphire Swarovski crystals and cobalt lustre Japanese seed beads. Light sapphire is my favorite blue crystal, it's such a delicate shade of blue, like an early-morning sky. There's something very tranquil in it. And the light-and-dark contrast provided by the cobalt makes for great visual interest!

Although it's perfect for every day wear, I could also see Innocence looking just right with a blue faerie costume, or an Alice in Wonderland dress!

Innocence measures 7" long and fastens securely with a button-and-loop clasp which features a blue glass heart button. Because it is metal-free, it is ideal for those with metal allergies. Like all Erthe Fae creations, it is one of a kind and handmade by me in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

The final picture in this listing shows a variety of crystal bracelets. This is one of my best-selling designs. Feel free to contact me if you would like one in other colors and don't see one in the store already.

Avatar of the Moon Goddess -- Gothic Tribal Necklace

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:37:23 -0400

$50.00
The avatar of the moon goddess adorns herself in nocturnal shades of blue and black. The faceted beads and enameled amulets of her necklace sparkle in the candlelight as she performs the sacred dance, preparing to enter a trance.

I think there's something magical about the three enameled blue and silver pendants in this necklace. When I saw them at the bead show, I was drawn to them and simply couldn't put them down. I knew that one wouldn't have quite enough impact in a necklace, but three would be just right. To allow them to really shine, I've placed them in a necklace with a simple color palette: black and cobalt. However, I refused to use boring beads! The black teardrops and faceted cobalt beads are vintage, and of course, Lapis Lazuli is a classic stone for tribal jewelry. Faceted Czech glass beads pull the whole look together.

Although anyone can wear this necklace and feel beautiful, I designed it with my fellow tribal belly dancers in mind. It would look simply amazing with a black and blue costume, and coordinate well with Afghani lapis jewelry!

Lapis Lazuli has a rich history, having been used as jewelry as far back as ancient times. It was beloved by the Egyptians. In modern times, it is thought of as a stone of friendship and truth.

Avatar of the Moon Goddess measures 18" long and fastens securely with an antiqued Sterling Silver clasp. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, it is truly one of a kind and was created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Summer Dragonfly -- OOAK Beaded Necklace

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:18:18 -0400

$35.00
The warm hues of this necklace pick out the colors of the beautiful glazed ceramic dragonfly pendant. Earthy green and brown mottled Czech glass, green turmaline Swarovski crystals, agatized fossil coral, and lampworked beads by Joan Eckard provide a variety of patterns and textures.

Agatized fossil coral has traditionally been used to ward off the evil eye.

Summer Dragonfly measures 18" long with a 1 1/4" long pendant. It fastens securely with a Sterling Silver hook and eye clasp with a leaf and flower pattern.

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this necklace is one of a kind and was made with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Forest Singers -- OOAK Bird Earrings

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:06:52 -0400

$40.00
In the depths of the forest, or in the trees in your front yard, the music is provided by little birds like these. Whether their songs and calls are to attract a mate, announce their territory, or communicate with their flock, they create a beautiful melody for you to enjoy.

Subdued forest colors dominate these earrings. A pair of subdued mottled lampwork beads by Lois Oster of Wolf Song Designs share the spotlight with highly detailed rhodium-plated pewter sparrows. Swarovski crystals in olivine, smoke topaz, and Ceylon topaz are happy to provide accompaniment. What bird lover could resist these?

Forest Singers earrings measure a smidgen over 1 3/4" long, not counting earwires. All findings are Sterling Silver. Like all Erthe Fae Designs, they are one of a kind and were created with love in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Aviatrix -- Steampunk or Retro-Futuristic, you decide

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:06:52 -0400

$55.00
Everyone is always surprised to discover that the fleet's best pilot is a woman. They're even more surprised to learn that when she's not decked out in her flight suit, she's quite the fashion plate! In perfectly tailored suits and stunning evening gowns accented by sparkling jewelry, she cuts a dashing figure.

Of course, it's up to your imagination whether she pilots a dirigible, a sleek space rocket, or a classic biplane. This necklace combines the elements of steampunk and retro-futurism, with a little dash of the adventurous spirit of Amelia Earhart!

The focal point is a black and white propeller tile with a "fly" charm and two beaded dangles. The tile and charm are both by Earthenwood Studios. Melanie's Steam Stone series (of which this propeller is part) has been getting a lot of press lately, so if you want to be the first in your social circle wearing these beads, you'd better act fast! Of course, you'll be the only one with this unique necklace.

I've accented the porcelain focal pieces with vintage and modern glass in black and off-crystal. I don't know what else to call the color. It's clear, but it's not stunningly, perfectly clear. It's not cloudy, and it's not grey, and it's not yellowed, it's just different. It's well-suited to the more natural white of the porcelain. Most of the beads have rough facets, for sparkle and vintage appeal.

Aviatrix measures 19" long with a 2" long focal. It fastens securely with an attractively twisted gleaming Sterling Silver clasp. All other findings are also Sterling. Like all Erthe Fae designs, it is one of a kind and was made with enthusiasm in my smoke-free studio.

Her Airship Sailed Through Time -- Steampunk Necklace With Art Beads

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:06:52 -0400

$100.00
With the addition of Professor Langstrom's Aetheric Chronology Manipulatronic, Halcyon Greene's airship could slip through the streams of time as well as space, carrying her to exciting new destinations. No longer was she constrained by the societal norms of the Victorian England she called home -- she could sail forward to the 21st century, where women had rights and technology had advanced far beyond her hydrogen-filled ship.

She could travel back, too, to ancient Greece, to the Renaissance, even back to the time of the dinosaurs (though after that narrow miss with the Pterodactyl, she stayed away from such antediluvian destinations). She took care to only observe when she was in the past, lest she wreak horrible havoc on the present as she knew it, and yet, sometimes it was hard to resist coming home with some trinket from history.

Cast yourself as the heroine in your own neo-Victorian steampunk adventure when you drape this creation around your neck! A supple spiral rope woven from Japanese seed beads in shades of black, antique ivory pearl, and antique gold iris serves to support an attractive collection of focals. First, a pewter steampunk heart toggle clasp by Green Girl. Second, a nickle lock washer from the hardware store (isn't it neat? it looks like a little gear!). Then two porcelain pendants by Earthenwood Studio: an earthy green one representing the steering wheel of Halcyon Greene's airship, and a sandy brown one bearing the word "Freedom," speaking of the liberating feeling of being able to travel wherever your whims take you. These pendants are all linked together using lengths of delicate Sterling Silver chain and antiqued brass rings!

Green Girl and Earthenwood are both American artists hand-making each of their beads and components individually. By buying this necklace, you'll be supporting three artisans (them and me!), not to mention all of the small business that I buy my imported beads from.

The main body of this necklace measures 21" long, with an eye-catching 5 inches of stacked focals!

Like all Erthe Fae Designs, this necklace is completely one of a kind and was made with love and imagination in my smoke-free Arizona studio.

Her Airship Sailed Through Time was created for the Etsy BeadWeavers' April challenge, Time Machine. Search EBWC for more gorgeous entries by talented bead artists. Visit http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ between April 9th and 15th to cast your vote for your favorite Time Machine.