Artbeads.com Design Challenge Reveal - Peeking into Paradise

I'm so excited to share something new with you this morning.  A few weeks ago I was accepted to be part of the Artbeads.com Design Partners team.  What this means is that we're given a subject/theme and asked to design a piece of jewelry that highlights that theme and features Artbeads.com products, and then sharing my honest opinion about the products I used.

This challenge was call "What's Old is New Again" and the challenge was to bring a vintage element up to modern day usefulness.  I'm so excited to share my creation with you.  I call it "Peeking Into Paradise."

Peeking into Paradise

I've used a vintage keyhole as my muse for this piece.  I also have a vintage key that goes with the keyhole, but found that using both pieces was way too heavy for the necklace.  So in staying with the vintage design, I've used an antique brass oval chain from Artbeads.  I love the texture on the oval links and it gives the necklace the perfect drape on the neck.

For the splash of color, I chose a mix of Swarovski crystals - Capri Blue, Indicolite, Erinite, Montana Blue Sky and Aquamarine.  This mix reminds me of the Caribbean... crystal clear, beautiful azul waters - a true tropical paradise.  There's no comparison once you've seen Swarovski crystals.  Their fire and sparkle are unparalleled - seriously!

As a finishing touch for Peeking Into Paradise, I chose a Tierracast Brass Oxide Pewter Lock and Key toggle.  It's the perfect finishing touch for this vintage inspired piece.  I really love how well the Tierracast closures are made, they are a good sturdy metal that will withstand even the heaviest of jewelry designs.

I also received two Tierracast Pewter charms that were not featured in this necklace.  One is a hummingbird, the other a dragonfly.  Both are of exceptional quality just like the toggle.  I anticipate showing you those in the near future, in another creation - like a bracelet to match the necklace!

I'd like to thank Artbeads for giving me the opportunity to share these great products with you.  It was such a great creative process bringing in something old with the keyhole and then turning it into something new.  It's like letting history tell a story!

Necessary Legal Stuff:  I have received the following products for this jewelry design free of charge from Artbeads.com and I am honestly reviewing them.  I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received:  Tierracast Brass Oxide Lock and Key Toggle, Swarovski Crystal Bicones in Erinite, Indicolite, Montana Blue Sky, Swarovski Crystal 6 mm rounds in Capri Blue and Aquamarine, Antique Brass Oval Link Chain, Antique Brass head pins, eye pins and jump rings.