Tis the season to create a blushing pink lampwork bracelet!

It isn’t often that I have the pleasure of sitting down to create pieces of jewelry. This time of year is an exception to the normalcy of my routine, as I get to enjoy more than my share of creating gifts for family and friends. It’s a true pleasure because I explore the personalities of each individual as I try and design something special just for them. It comes with struggle however, as I tend to think of jewelry as being an extremely personal thing.Recently, I filled a custom order for a lovely set of pink and gray beads. I really loved how they turned out and my first thought as I strung them, was “Ah!! My mom would LOVE these!!” I made another large set for her to be used in a bracelet, necklace and earrings. Her style tends to be somewhat simple. Making things with her in mind leaves me with a craving to create something a bit more complex and detailed. Luckily, I had several of the lampwork beads that I used in her jewelry set left over. In fact, it was just enough for an additional bracelet.

As I sifted through one of my many coveted boxes of gemstones, I came across some pink Peruvian opal rondelles that I picked up at show last year. Their blushing color seemed to be a perfect accent to the pink and gray lampwork beads. Still, I thought, “Yes, there IS such a thing as TOO much Pink!” This idea paved way for a seeking mission that kept me digging through ten boxes of semi precious gemstones, only to find the beautifully faceted, steel blue-gray labradorite that I had purchased just one week ago.

With components chosen and scattered about my workspace, I began to think about what I really wanted the bracelet to look like. I knew that I wanted to do a double strand design, but at the same time, I wanted the design to also have a sort of flowing movement. Normally I can only achieve this idea in a piece that has a great deal of wire wrapping. Since I was bored of that idea, I chose to try and creatively string the design that I saw in my mind’s eye. I must admit that I am very pleased with this piece. Were I a wearer of the pinks, I’d have likely kept this one for myself.

Lydia Muell is a glass bead maker who blogs in her studio from Lexington, NC. For more information please visit here website at ashtonjewels.com