Pirates and Treasure Inspiration

Who needs a treasure chest when you have beauties like these beads in the ocean? Those were my thoughts when I sat down to begin making this necklace. I had just come home from the bay where I live and I had a great time watching the pirate ship that entertains the locals and tourists. I watched with great interest the water fight between the "good" ship and the pirate ship. I thought about how centuries ago ships like these might be fighting over a treasure chest. I have little beauties like these beads on my work table and they remind me of the bounty that is under to ocean for everyone to enjoy and protect. I am happy I can share this treasure with you.

This bronze necklace is 18 inches(45.72 cm) long and contains bronze nautilus shells beads, bronze pearls, peach and cream colored beads, and is crocheted and braided using copper wire. The beads were strung onto copper wire, crocheted, and then 3 strands were handwoven together. It is unique and stunning. Crocheted necklaces are my passion. The different shades of copper, browns, bronze,and the peachy and cream colors compliment each other. The necklace is held together with a copper toggle clasp.

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Christmas in July

Here's a crocheted necklace made with red wire and red dyed turoquise and emerald green cats eye beads. Attached to the necklace is a red and green flip flop. The necklace is 21 inches in length and held together by gold clasp. This necklace that reminds me of Christmas in the Caribbean. Since I made this in July, I think Christmas in July is a fitting name for it. This necklace brings back some beautiful family memories! It reminds me of our first trip to the Bahamas several years ago. It was on this trip that we learned about the Junkanoo. It is believed that this festival began there during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were given a special holiday at Christmas time, when they could leave the plantations to be with their family and celebrate the holidays with African dance, music and costumes. After emancipation, they continued this tradition and, today, Junkanoo has evolved from its simple origins to an organized parade with intricate costumes and music. Every Christmas we hang a brass cow bell that was used in a Junkanoo parade on our tree.

This was a wonderful vacation for a number of reasons. Who doesn't love escaping the cold of December and being able to wear flip flops? Wearing flip flops in the winter and feeling the warm sand between your toes is a real treat. This necklace is reminiscent of the warm weather and soft breezes. I have combined summer flip flops with traditional Christmas colors of red and green. This necklace would be a fabulous accessory for a seaside vacation or cruise in December or it would be a great necklace for anyone who loves flip flops.

Happy 4th of July

I love the 4th of July for a lot of reasons. We celebrate our liberty which has been earned through the sacrifices of many. This is a holiday that is in my favorite season--Summer. Just about every year I celebrate the 4th of July on Lewes Beach, Delaware. This small, beach town usually has some great unofficial fireworks that are set off over the water. Even though the fireworks are small in comparison to some of the large fireworks displays, they are very special to me. I love to see their reflection over the water and hear the sounds of them moving through the air and exploding over the water with the sound of the waves in the background.

This holiday inspired my latest necklace which I have named my "4th of July Necklace". It is made from shells, buttons, and beads. The shells are from many beaches and Lewes Beach is one of the locations from which I get my shells . I have used the primary colors of red, white, and blue with a pop of yellow . It can be worn around the neck with one, two, or three loops. I prefer three. My daughter likes to wear this casual design as a bracelet sometimes. It is crocheted using monofilament wire so it has lots of flexibility. This is a lively and fun addition to a casual wardrobe.