Etsy Shop for beadkeepers

Just for the Holidays - Butterfly Pendants

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:43:39 -0500

$55.00
These pendants are one of my most popular items. I am offering them only through the Holidays and have a very limited amount. Once they are gone, I won't be making more for some time. These glass and sterling silver lockets are now extremely expensive to manufacture, so the prices I am offering here are SUPER-SPECIAL. Get these while you can! 18-inch silver chain included.

Captive raised butterfly wings are preserved forever under optic glass in these amazing pendants. Working with butterfly farms in Kenya and Costa Rica, I create stunning pendants of glass and sterling silver. No two are ever alike, all are full of amazing color. No wild insects are used in these designs, and butterfly farming supports in-country environmental protection and education programs. Each pendnat comes with species identification and butterfly farming information. Contact me for species/color availability.

Pictured: Sunset moth, monarch, blue morpho, owl moth, atlas moth, meadow wanderer.

Safari Companion Necklace

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:57 -0500

$75.00
MARKDED DOWN FROM $175.00

This necklace is all about the wonders and mystery of Africa. Four 18-inch strands made up of turquoise, carnelian, bamboo, shell, and fragrant myrrh beads are the back drop to a central focus of four amazing pendants. A deep orange carnelian spear with trade bead accent; naga shell with bronze, coral, and turquoise accents; an Ethiopian Medicine Man camel bone; and a curl of conch also accented with a small African trade bead. Each pendant represents some aspect of the culture and wildlife of Africa. The carnelian represents the fang of a mighty lion, the naga shell and conch assist travel in the spirit world, and the Medicin Man bone is burned with "eye" symbols in the form of a cross. These bones, made from the rib of a camel, are used by Shamans in spiritual healing ceremonies. The entire necklace speaks for all that is wonderous and precious in this ancient land. The design is also kinetic--it will move and fall as it pleases. As you wear and your body warms it, the subtle fragrance of myrrh will surprise and delight you. Wear it and walk in the path of true history.

Finished with sterling silver chain and hand-made clasp.

Hover - Bell Jar Butterfly Ring

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:44 -0500

$85.00
Another Happy Experiment...Dazzling butterfly species are often displayed in ornate bell jars--forever frozen in the moment of flight. Why not create a tiny belljar ring to do the same? I've cut the end of a recycled glass 20mm test tube and set it in a handmade copper bezel and base aged with blue and green patina. Inside are the hind wings of a fuscia and black African meadow wanderer butterfly. The tiny wings are set in a 14k gold-over-pewter bead on a silica/resin base. The wings are gorgeous, inky black with brilliant pink/red splashes. A nature lover's dream, all under one inch in height on a sterling silver adjustable ring band.

The butterflies I use in my designs are captive raised "farmed" insects--no wild insects are ever harmed. The funds raised through butterfly farming support environmental conservation and education programs as well as sustainable agricultural projects around the globe.

Written on my Heart - Mixed Media Story Book Necklace

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:06 -0500

$185.00
The journey to create this necklace began with the sterling silver pencil pendant, circa 1800's. I found this at an antique fair. It's just amazing--ornately carved sterling silver with a small wood pencil inside.

This necklace is about ancient traditions, and the passage of wisdom from one generation to another. I've based in on Native American folklore and history, and the story involves a young girl and her grandmother. The original short story, "Written on my Heart", is included with the necklace, and can be read in full at www.beadkeepers.com (click on the Featured Item link). Lots of "good medicine" has been used here--a fine silver sage leaf sits atop an 1800's brass optic lens. Pheasant feathers and porcupine quills are set in sterling silver cones, and silver foiled opossum vertebrae are transformed into beads. Herbs and spices in a tiny glass vial dangle with a coyote tooth and bronzite drop from an ornate brass spiral. Handmdade sacred spiral beads of polymer clay, textured lava rock, ancient Mali quartz, turquoise and hand-made lampwork glass beads have been carefully created and chosen to complete the design strung on braided leather cord with lobster clasp. Can be worn 17 - 20 inches.

Since this necklace is all about recording and preserving tradition through writing, a tiny hand-made leather journal measuring 2.5 x 3 inches is included. This fully functional journal (created by Etsy artist Kreativlink) should be carried with you--use it to record your own personal "good medicine".

This necklace is a complete original, one-of-a-kind. A wood and glass shadowbox is available for display when not being worn. If interested, just convo me.

Blue Oasis - Peruvian Blue Opal Wood Ring

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:05 -0500

$35.00
I love the cutand feel of this ring. The wood is sustainably grown hardwood from Indonesia. A lovely red/brown with a subtle chocolate brown pattern, sanded and hand-polished to a soft, satin sheen. Off-set on the top is a glowing 4mm bullet of blue Peruvian opal set in a recessed sterling silver bezel. This tiny spot of blue is so intense, it reminded me of an oasis--full of light. True Peruvian opal is easy to spot--it litterally glows from within.

This ring is a blend of modern design with organic elements. Very cool. Size 7.

**NOTE: I can make this ring with a variety of gemstone bullets including topaz, amethyst, citrine, pink Peruvian opal and green tourmaline. JUST ASK!

Spirit Series - Deer Dancer

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:05 -0500

$85.00
I am very inspired by African art and especially carved masks. For this series I am drawing from a style of mask I collect, sometimes called "Passport Masks". These small, wooden masks are often simple yet elelgant in design. Here I have made a setting using sheet brass and copper tube. The mask face is polymer clay with sterling silver wire set in a cut copper tube bezel hammered and textured. I have "dusted" the brass base with silver solder, and the antlers are silver wire. Below the "face" is a gorgeous slice of amethyst agate held in place with brass wire and an 8mm silver set round of pink rhodocrosite. A polymer clay crow with silver eye perches from an antler.

The "Deer Dancer" represents all things wild and free, with the wisdom and clever sense of humor of a crow.

Pendant measures about three inches, on an 18-inch snake chain with lobster claw clasp.

Vela Liya - Polymer Clay Mixed Media Story Book Necklace

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:05 -0500

$125.00
Many rare and beautiful flowers only bloom at night, by the light of the moon. Night gardens fascinate me. These unusual plants must be pollinated by other nocturnal creatures in order to survive. Bats and moths pollinate some of the world's rarest and most spectacular plants--ensuring their survival.

This story book necklace was created around a fanciful tale I wrote about a very special, magical night blooming vine called Vela Liya--the Climbing Woman Vine. According to the story, this vine is very special to a group of women and they tend the vine to gather the night-blooming flowers. They also help attract the lovely moth that pollinates the flowers. So, in this necklace we have handmade polymer clay pendants and beads in textured shades of magenta, ivory, and black. Encased in optic glass and sterling silver is the wing of a nocturnal "owl moth". A glass vial contains dried flower petals and a polymer pendant carries the face of the moon carved in bone, which sits next to a bright brass whistle. Brass and sterling silver beads and findings accent this 18 inch design strung on chocolate leather cord. The Vela Liya story book is also included. To read the story in it's entirety, visit my website, www.beadkeepers.com and click "Featured Items".

This necklace is perfect for the person who understands that the night is for much more than dreaming.

Note: All insects used in my designs are captive raised or "farmed". No wild insects are harmed in the creation of my work.

Luxe Lasso - Brass Multi Pendant Lariat Necklace

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:10:38 -0500

$125.00
I don't usually make lariat-style necklaces, but the componants here seemed to really go well together and a lariat is the best way to show them all to their best advantage. For the loop end of the lariat (made from hammered brass wire), I started with a pendant made from truly ancient mammoth bone with a disk of fossilized coral set in sterling riveted to the bone. On the right is a brass point topped with beach stones, 14K gold accent beads and Tibetan turquoise, on the left a gorgeous tusk of carnelian topped with 14K gold beads and a handmade ceramic bead. The other end of the lariat holds a copper over pewter free-form pendant set with a brass riveted beach stone accent. Above it sits a giant tumbled garnet the size of a grape and a hammered brass circle. The lariat chain is polished brass.

This necklace can be worn several ways--you can loop it, wrap it, tie it, wear it with both ends long, as a choker, you name it!

Encaged - Aquamarine Copper and Sterling Silver Ring

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:57:59 -0500

$65.00
A 20mm copper tube forms the bezel for this ring, attached to a base of one-inch round sterling silver. Inside the tube, two nuggets of rough aquamarine are "caged" in place by crossed sterling silver wires. The aquamarine is pale blue, looks like chunks of ocean ice. Sterling silver ring band, hammered and buffed, size 7

Break Glass In Case of Emergency - Forest Vial Ring

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:48:29 -0500

$75.00
This is one of my most popular rings, and I stopped making them for a while...now they're back for the Holidays!

I make these rings and pendants using recycled glass test tubes and copper pipe bezels. The test tubes are 20mm in diameter, cut, ground and set in copper tube on sterling silver. Inside, a tiny handmade tree sits in a 14K gold base. Tiny faceted gemstones move freely about, like bright fallen fruits.

These rings are my way of carrying a bit of forest with me, always.

Hammered and textured sterling silver ring band, size 7.5

Cocktail Vibe - Sterling Silver Pearl Ring

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:52:27 -0500

$65.00
I love this ring! I made it using hammered sterling silver for the band and the base, then attached white pearls with brass screws and nuts. I hammered and formed sterling silver cups to accent the multi-level design. Definately not your Mother's cocktail ring! Great on the hand, dramatic and bold. Buffed to a satin shine, size 7.

Fraternal Twins - Brass Gemstone Ring

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:44:31 -0500

$45.00
I made this ring using hammered brass wire and sterling silver bezels. I set a 5mm bullet of hot pink Peruvian opal on one end, with an 8mm round cab of rhodocosite on the other. The pinks are so close in color, but not quite twins. I've buffed and polished the metals to a nice shine. Size 7, can adjust slightly larger or smaller.

Ancient Adornment - Ammonite Pearl Garnet Necklace Earring Set

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:06:45 -0500

$185.00
Wow. That's all I can say about this necklace. Made from stunning ammonite fossil beads, 12mm freshwater pearls, and rough faceted garnets the size of grapes. I've accented the large, focal ammonite (this baby is huge, about 2.5 inches across) and two flanking ammonites with brass cups set with pearls riveted by brass screws. The remaining ammonites are also accented with brass screws through their centers. All the fossil beads are full of opalized color and flash, the benefit of thousands of years underground. The garnets are deep, blood red--really beautiful. 14K gold beads are used throughout, finished with a gold vermeil "S" hook. Can be worn as a choker or up to 18 inches in length.

The necklace comes with matching brass riveted ammonite and pearl earrings on 14K gold vermeil earwires.

Ancient Shore - Fossil Ammonite Pendant

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:41:37 -0500

$65.00
I created this pendant using a fantastic fossil ammonite I found at a gem and rock show. I layered the fossil with a sterling silver cup held in place by curling "tendrils" of sterling silver wire. The ammonite is riveted to the handmade textured and antiqued brass pendant base with brass screws. A tiny sea urchin shell filled with resin is riveted to the center. Above the fossil, a rough nugget of aquamarine is held in place by brass wire.

A rugged, organic pendant--measures about 1.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches long. On an 18-inch chocolate brown cord.

Down Under - Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Necklace

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:09:49 -0400

$150.00
Australian boulder opals are amazing. Deep, dark stone shot through with lightening bolts of color. I've collected many over the years, and have finally gotten around to setting some. For this necklace I've set a gorgeous hunk of boulder opal, measuring just under 1.5 inches, in a deep sterling silver setting. Sterling "twigs" surround the bezel, wrapped with golden brass wire. Below a faceted drop of bronzite dangles, also wrapped with golden brass wire. Strung on lovely sterling silver loop chain, measures 18-inches in length.

This opals is truly lovely--full of color and texture. G'day Mate!

Tribal Treasure - Camel Bone Copper Turquoise Necklace

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:43:53 -0400

$175.00
This is definately a statement necklace fit for a Tribal Queen. I collect "Medicine Man" bones, made from the ribs of camels. These bones are decorated with burned "eye" symbols and are used by Shamins in healing rituals. For the pendant I riveted a hand-made, dramatic flower of patina-treated copper set in silver to the front of the bone. I used three different colors of patina in layers of copper to form the flower. In the center of the flower a deep blue lampwork glass bead is set in sterling silver. Above, another cup of silver holds an ivory glass bead. Both the flower and the cup above are riveted in place with brass screws. This pendant is substatial and ancient (over 100 years old), measuring just over 4 inches in length.

The necklace is made from large disks of raw turquoise, full of color and matrix. These beads are roughly 12-15mm. I've used sterling silver beads to accent and finished the necklace with sterling silver cones and handmade "S" hook. 17 inches in length.

Believe me, when you wear this you will stop traffic. A true one-of-a-kind example of wearable art.

Time Traveler - Fossilized Sea Urchin Necklace

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:32:11 -0400

$55.00
MARKED DOWN FROM $85.00

Millions of years ago the two sea urchin fossils you see here were living in the bottom of an ancient ocean. Over time, their delicate shells became stone, but retain all the amazing detail found in urchin shells. I've placed them on eiter side of a spectacular Tibetan bead of carved wood capped in sterling silver. Inlaid turquoise and coral beads from Tibet accent, along with sponge coral and turquoise abacus beads, turquoise discs, and coral chunks. This necklace is an organic celebration of history--really lovely to wear. 18 inches in length, finished with a copper "S" hook.

Spirit Series - Keepsake

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:38:45 -0400

$85.00
I am very inspired by African art and especially carved masks. For this series I am drawing from a style of mask I collect, sometimes called "Passport Masks". These small, wooden masks are often simple yet elelgant in design. Here I have made a multi-charm pendant using textured nickel silver and copper tube. The mask face is polymer clay inset with golden brass wire. On either side sit three tiny 14Kt gold nuggets. Below, sterling silver "branches" are bound with golden brass wire. Below that, a rectangular box of sterling silver plate holds many treasures, including African porcupine quills, a 1,000 year old Mali quartz bead, a guinea feather, and a tiny, faceted lab-grown ruby, aquamarine, and diamond, along with a lovely mask illustration. These treasures are held in place behind clear acrylic and brass screws. All these elements represent the wealth of beauty, culture, and natural treasures of Africa.

Suspended on a silver ball chain, 18-inches.

I am Timeless
I am Beauty
I am Life

I am Before
I am After
I am Forever

I am Strong
I am Powerful
I am Savage

I am Fragile
I am Struggling
I am Afraid

I am Africa.

Perseverance - Sterling Silver Rutilated Quartz Ring

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:11:23 -0400

$60.00
I began this series with a "Perseverance" pendant, now here is the ring. The intent behind it is simple, perseverance in the face of adversity. The base of the ring is a rounded rectangle of nickel silver, just under one inch. On top sits a smaller, curved rectangle of silver aged with patina and scratch-buffed. From the center emerges a 5mm AAA bullet of golden rutilated quartz set in a sterling silver bezel. The quartz seems to burst from a hand-sawed opening full of cracks and fissures. The glowing golden quartz represents power and growth. The ring band is solid sterling silver hammered with a simple line detail.

A lovely, one-of-a-kind design. Great on the hand, size 7.

Order in the Chaos - Sterling Silver Mixed Media Pendant

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:04:42 -0400

$60.00
My husband called this necklace a study in chaos. Actually, there is some real intent here...A simple bar of hammered sterling silver holds an array of charms and tailsmans beneath a curved trapeze of sterling silver. Central is a vintage bright brass whistle. The whistle represents voice, the need to be heard above the crowd, to be seen as individual. A disk of nickel silver has been hammered into a curved bowl held in place by a strand of sterling silver. The bowl makes a soft chime when you wear it, reminding us that we don't always have to shout to be heard. A coyote tooth wrapped in sterling silver grounds us and reminds us of our mortality. A porcelain doll arm, circa 1850, represents the difference one person can make, and reminds us of our strength and humanity. The flowered handle of an antique sterling silver salt spoon reminds us of the real beauty in the world. Twisted curves of sterling silver represent the twists and turns of daily life.

I made this because I wanted to create a piece that speaks to the chaos that can often distract us from truth. We must find our way through the chaos, and focus and find our our true voice.

Suspended on an 18-inch silver snake chain. Completely one-of-a-kind.

Homeward Bound - Brass Mixed Media Map Pendant

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:46:31 -0400

$40.00
I believe we all travel through time guided by an interior map of sorts. The map changes constantly, our personal destinations and journeys change with it. This necklace is all about that journey. A fragment of a map, from an exotic land is captured beneath a sheet of mica on a hammered and textured brass base. I burned the edges of the map to add a bit of interest to the fragment. The mica and map are riveted in place with tiny brass nails. A silver grommet holds the handmade brass bail.

Below the pendant a porcelain doll arm, circa 1850, is suspened by brass chain and wire. The arm symbolizes strength and support as we journey through life. A twisted dangle of sterling silver represents the twists and turns we encounter on our journey, and the fall of silk ribbons represents the beauty and color all around us.

Suspended on a chocolate brown silk cord necklace, 18-inches in length.

Enjoy the Journey.

Southern Charm - Sterling Silver Alligator Salt Spoon Necklace

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:38:51 -0400

$40.00
I found this tiny sterling silver salt spoon at an antique fair and fell in love with it. I spent several years as the curator of a small zoo that had a large population of alligators on display. I love alligators!

The spoon is old, not sure exactly how old, but probably made in early 1900. The detail is extraordinary, right down to the alligator's scales and scalloped shell bowl. The entire pendant measures just over 2 inches. I added a sterling silver bail and strung it from 18-inches of blackened sterling silver chain.

A truly unusual pendant and necklace, a real one-of-a-kind!

Helping Hand - Doll Arm Necklace

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:29:58 -0400

$30.00
I made this deicate pendant from the tiny arm of a German porcelain doll circa 1800. I set the arm in a polished brass cap and added a tiny drop of faceted topaz crystal on the hand. The entire pendant measures just over 1.5 inches in length. Strung simply from 18 inches of black sterling silver chain with brass closure.

A wonderful gift for anyone who needs a helping hand every now and then.

Looks great layered with other designs.

Tendrils - Sterling Silver Ring

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:29:07 -0400

$35.00
This ring has sort of a Zen feel to it. A .75 disk of sterling silver is gently cupped, topped with a smaller dome of sterling. From the center of the dome two tendrils of sterling silver curl and reach to the edge. On a sterling silver ring band. I've colored the entire ring with patina, then scratch-brushed it to a subtle sheen. Namaste.

Size 7.

Sunburst - Brass Copper Pearl Ring

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:53:13 -0400

$35.00
I love this ring. It's organic and has great depth and texture. I started with a .75 inch round of brass that I hammered and textured. Next I layered a textured copper disk with a sterling silver hoop and topped it with a white freshwater pearl. All riveted with sterling silver. On a sterling silver adjustable band, also hammered and textured. Treated with a bit of chocolate patina, then buffed to shine. Great on any finger, anywhere, anytime.

Guilded Treasure - Copper Patina Bracelet

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:12:59 -0400

$85.00
MARKED DOWN FROM $150.00!!

This bracelet was created using copper tube bezels on textured brass bases. Inside each copper bezel is a copper dome that I colored with layers of patina to amazing guilded blends of blues, greens, yellows, coppers and reds. In the center bezel I've "captured" tiny white freshwater pearls behind copper mesh. The metals are sealed with clear acrylic specific to metals to preserve the colors. I just love the colors here, they simply glow. 7.5 inches in length with an antique silver hook clasp.

Level With Me - Copper Assemblage Pendant

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:12:58 -0400

$125.00
This pendant is all about friends and family and what these relationships give us over time. Truth, support, love, all these things make up lasting friendships and close families. Honesty is the key here--who better to "level" with you than a best friend, sister, or brother? With that in mind I created this pendant using copper tube bezels on textured brass. The photo is a great vintage piece...are they brother and sister? Best friends? Maybe both!

The central bezel is one inch across. Inside with the vintage photo are the workings from an old watch, a faceted peridot and a faceted garnet. Below, antique porcelain doll arms represent trust, support and friendship. Above, a small level vial set with sterling silver caps and copper wire sits below an old watch face. A tiny cup of sterling silver treated with rust patina accents. Further below, copper cups treated with patina hold more watch works and are supported by patterned brass.

I hung this on braided leather attached to aged copper chain, accented with a sterling silver skeleton key charm. 17 inches in length with a hand-made copper hook clasp. A perfect gift for your BFF...

Pots of Patina - Copper Patina Bracelet

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:12:58 -0400

$75.00
Circles of hammered, aged copper float on top of disks of copper colored with bright patinas. Each bracelet link is cold-connected with sterling silver rivets and rubber "O" rings. Colors include green, burgundy, red, yellow, blue, and white. A fun, funky bracelet full of color and texture. Finish is sealed with clear acrylic specific to metals. 7.5 inches in length with a hand-made hook clasp. Great with jeans--you'll wear this every day!