A Beaded Cuff Without a Name is Just a Cuff - or is it?

I'm at a loss for naming this bead embroidered cuff.  I shared it on my Facebook Page yesterday asking for a name.  I received several great suggestions and now I'm asking you to help me choose.  I posted a poll for everybody to vote and the person that submitted the winning name will get something super special that I created.

While I'm not usually one to post sad, emotional stuff on my blog, I feel the need to share the reason for my absence and help to create a network of love and prayer. 

We found out a few weeks ago my baby brother's brain tumor has returned after 8 years of being cancer free.  It also brought friends and they've spread their party to his spine so they could dance on the bar.  The tumors are inoperable so the only course of treatment we have is chemo and tomotherapy (which is a form of radiation that was actually developed at UW Madison where he coincidentally is being treated).

This photo was taken just 3 weeks before THE appointment.

While my baby brother (he's 28 and 6' tall, so yes bigger than me, but still my baby brother) is going through treatments, I am living with him and helping to take him to appointments.  My other two sisters have also been extremely helpful in sharing time with him and giving us each the time to regroup so we can together be strong.

Meanwhile Mama D found out her pacemaker is on it's last tick. She will be having surgery next Wed. to have her pacemaker & leads replaced.  So while I'm running West, my baby sister is running East with Mama D and we're so grateful for cell phones and wifi!

So thus the reason for my absence.  I was just about to put the backing on this cuff when the bottom of our world dropped out and we got the news.  After all, we had 8 years of clean check ups.  Why would this year be any different?

My brain stopped, I went into what I know best - love mode.  I just do what I need to do for my family, I spread love, provide humor to keep people's spirits up and in general try to balance several spinning plates.

We're a long way from the finish line and the future of this journey is beyond uncertain.  We do know one thing though - we have today, and today is a gift.  If we open that gift with excitement each morning we can make a difference to someone each an everyday.

If you'd like to help me name this cuff, I'd appreciate it!  I posted a poll on my Designs by Dawn Marie Facebook Page.  Go over to my page (make sure you like the page) and click on the the name you like best for this design. 

I appreciate all the love and prayers, positive energies and wish you a day full of wonder!
Use your gift to it's fullest!

Love,
Dawn

Credits:  Family Photo by Matt Mason Photography in Lake Geneva, WI
Focal Lampwork Cab by JulsBeads
Ammonite Glass Beads from Lima Beads
Tiger's Eye & Mahogany Obsidian Cabs Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Rainbow Casilica Square Beadology in Lake Geneva, WI
Beading Foundation - Nicole's Bead Backing by the Beadwright - Nicole Campanella

Beaded Cuff - A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

And yet this cuff needs more than a thousand words!  I created this cuff as a custom order for a client that just lights up the room!  The process of creating a custom order is priceless!

First we jumped on video chat so she could show me the exact outfit she's wearing for a special event.  Then we did measurements where I had her measure the exact size of her wrist with a tape measure so I could make sure it fit perfectly.

We then talked about the length of the necklace she wanted to wear and what her thoughts were that she wanted for these pieces.

There will be a necklace and earrings to complete the set, but they will be much simpler.  The dress is a vibrant geometric pattern in black & white with gold accents.  So the necklace is going to be long, featuring some gold chain, crystals and a few pearls.  In creating with a black/white/gold color scheme... I got the inspiration to add a pop of red.

So I first checked to make sure my client had red shoes to doll up that black & white dress.  Indeed she did because her shoe wardrobe is nearly as awesome as her jewelry wardrobe. ;) So a little pop of red to attract attention and the piece turned out great.

I have to share with you for this piece I used the COOLEST leather to back the cuff that I've ever seen.  It is a metallic gold genuine lambskin.  It is super soft, took a bit to stitch through as it is thicker than Ultrasuede but it really completed the look of luxury I was aiming for when I designed this cuff.

And because I'm a girl of glitter & sparkle, I ordered silver, fuschia and chocolate brown in the same awesome metallic finish!  Here's a link to where I ordered:  http://www.fashionleather.com/index.html

In addition, I did all my stitching on Nicole's Bead Backing!  If you haven't used NBB before, it's a stiff felt-like material that provides support for all the beads and objects you are stitching.  PLUS it comes in a whole variety of colors made to compliment your designs.  Beadwright: BEADING DAILY AND NICOLE'S BEADBACKING

 I love working on custom orders.  It makes each piece even more special being able to bring the clients personality into a one-of-a-kind design.  Truly, if you're looking for something really special - something you will pass down as an heirloom - then I'd love to chat with you about my art jewelry. 

Hope your day is filled with sparkle & inspiration!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Silver and Gold - Elegance and Oppulance in Beaded Jewelry

Have you seen it?  The bright shiny yellow gold finishes are all over this fall season and it looks like the trend will continue through the holidays!  It's been a long time since gold has been "in" as silver, antique silver and brass lent themselves to vintage inspired designs in the recent past. 

Recently I was inspired by a tutorial in Beadwork.  I usually flip through the magazine, get inspired and file it away with the rest of my jewelry magazines to take out when I'm having a lull of creativity.  However, I've been following their Beaded Bead series for their 15th anniversary and this one beaded bead popped off the page at me.  I thought what the heck I'd give it a try! 

I tried and I like!!!

I created 3 beaded beads for this necklace using the round beads as the inspiration for the color palette.  The rounds are black with silver and gold foil accents on them, lending perfectly to gold & silver netting for the beaded beads. 

I strung the necklace featuring pewter colored pearls, shiny gold rounds, some black faceted rondelles and a few bold, vintage gold beads for a little more va-voom!  The end result is a necklace that is super versatile, comfortable to wear and adds that splash of bling that I think every woman needs!

What's your "Must Have" in a design?  Is it a go-to color?  Are pearls in nearly all your pieces?  I know I bring Swarovski crystal in anywhere and everywhere I can because I really do thing every woman deserves to sparkle!  Follow me on Facebook for more inspired sparkles!

Hope your week is inspired!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

If you like this piece of custom designed artisan jewelry and would like something created just for you (or for someone that means a lot to you) now is the time to begin talking about Christmas gifts.  Drop me a message and we can discuss in more detail what you are looking for!  I just love creating a wearable work of art that perfectly depicts the person wearing it!

Custom Jewelry Order Spreads Happiness around the globe

It's amazing the reach of just one picture and the emotion it spreads.  Recently I finished a custom jewelry order.  What happened after sharing just one little picture shows just how much we can impact and make a difference to others.

The story goes something like this... a woman that knows I make jewelry was heading to a bead show with her friends.  She said if I pick up some beads, can you make me something with them.  Well Absolutely!!! I love bringing in someones personality into a design.

The beads she picked up were a great mix of turquoise, colored magnasite, red coral and some funky lampwork beads.  The colors were such a perfect mix for her vibrant personality I was instantly excited to make something with them.

Large Beaded Bead adapted from Beadwork, Small Beaded Bead adapted from Heather Collin's Anastasia tutorial

After discussing what she likes to wear for jewelry, I set out to make something truly special that showcased her personality to a T!

The necklace is a longggggggg necklace  - 42"-ish.  I wanted to incorporate the beads she selected with some seed bead work of my artisan hand.  I also wanted to make a pair of complimentary earrings because a piece this bold needed some WOW earrings to go along with it.

She received the set yesterday and the follow-up e-mail and voice mail she left me were really, really precious.  I'm thrilled she loved the design as it's what I see in her personality.  She's full of sparkle and shine and truly makes a difference in the lives of all of the people she interacts with!

My jewelry is out of this world! I love it! 

I love the way you write an email your passion oozes through!!!

Your work is so impressive and beautiful!!! I can’t wait to show my mom!

Mary Petersen, Keefe Real Estate, Inc - ABR, SRES,CHMS

www.sellinglakefronts.com

So when posting the picture of this set on Google+ imagine my delight as people started responding with "I agree, it makes me happy just looking at it" and "Absolutely uplifting and gorgeous work."  These coming from people locally all the way across the pond to South Africa!  The ripple effect stretches so much further than what we even realize... so my challenge for you today, do something that will make a difference again and again and again!

If you like this piece of custom designed artisan jewelry and would like something created just for you (or for someone that means a lot to you) now is the time to begin talking about Christmas gifts.  Drop me a message and we can discuss in more detail what you are looking for!  I just love creating a wearable work of art that perfectly depicts the person wearing it!

Dawn Doucette, Artisan

Have a terrific day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Sequins are a Girl's OTHER Best Friend

I'm not going to diss diamonds in any way, shape or form because let's face it... they sparkle and they rock!  BUT sequins, they too sparkle and what I've found out is that they really can bring a pop of wow into a design instantly!

Welcome to the reveal for the Sequintastic September blog hop.  Our challenge as set forth by Sarah Sequin herself was to use sequins in a design.  For those of us that have never used sequins before this was a great adventure in exploration!

I created a bead embroidered cuff bracelet featuring a vintage glass button as a focal.  I loved the silver metallic and it played so well with my silver sequins!  The sequins I chose to use as accents in an asymmetrical yet balanced design.  The cuff is beaded starting with a black color palette in the center, then variegating out to greys using marble (the rectangle beads) and finally the very ends are white.  I actually used a clear AB sequin and cut it to line up perfectly with the beading for the final finishing touch!

I've used a fun button as a clasp with a sparkly crystal in the center!  I've had a blast wearing the cuff as it just keeps catching the light and turning heads every time I wear it!  If you'd like a cuff bracelet made just for you, contact me and let's have a discussion about what you're looking for! Each piece I make is one of a kind and made true to the personality of the person that will be wearing it!

So let's keep the party rolling!  Today is National Coffee Day - which is so fitting as I'm celebrating the anniversary of my entrance onto this planet!  How appropriate is that?  Here's to festive parties, cake and lots of sequins!



Please take a moment to stop by and visit Sarah Sequin and these other great sequin artists to see where the inspiration took them!  Sarah, your organization of this event was exceptional.  I had a blast and I'm sure lots of other designers did as well! Thank YOU for putting it together! Have a fantastic day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Participants!!!!

Host: Sarah... http://saturdaysequins.com

Dita... http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
Ambra... http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com
Audrey... http://hotpinkquilts.blogspot.com
Stacy... http://iridalsattic.blogspot.co.uk
Karen W...  http://baublicious.blogspot.com
Lori...  http://www.prettythingsblog.com
Lisa... http://lisabinkley.typepad.com
Carmi... http://resincrafts.blogspot.com

Dawn Marie...  http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com <-- YOU ARE HERE

Jeannie... http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog
Shirlee... http://www.shirleestuff.blogspot.com
Linda... http://www.lilysofthevalleyjewerly.blogspot.com
Corrine... http://www.sparkledaysstudio.com
Gutukas... http://atradimutakeliais.blogspot.com
Shannon... http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com
Mallory... http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com
Cyndi... http://www.beading-arts.com
Maneki... http://wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com
Maryanne... http://zingalasworkshop.blogspot.com
Ine... http://jewelsbyine.blogspot.com
Karen... http://www.overthemoon-design.com
Kepi... http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com
Jennifer... http://jenniferstumpf.blogspot.com
Misty...  http://thejollyfatelf.blogspot.com
Dot... http://speediebeadie.blogspot.com
Hope... http://craftyhope.blogspot.com
Cynthia... http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com
Micheladas... http://www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com
Shirley...  http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Karla... http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com
Eleanor... http://eleanorpigman.blogspot.com
Therese... http://theresestreasures59.blogspot.com
Rita... http://www.toltecjewels.blogspot.com
Robyn... http://rcponders.wordpress.com
Stepha... http://skwds.blogspot.com
Sue... http://suebeads.blogspot.com
Cate... http://fulgorine.wordpress.com
Amy... http://Loraamyjames.com

An Amazing Totally Awesome Reveal

Brace yourself for something really... really awesome!  

Saturday we're having the reveal for the Sequintastic September challenge hosted by Sarah over at Saturday Sequins.  If you haven't checked out Saturday Sequins blog before... head over and take a look at her work.  I'll wait, then come back because there's something else wonderful I have to share...

Waiting...  tick, tock, tick, tock...

Glad you made it back!  I was worried you got gobbled up by cyber grizzly panthers.  Those little buggers can be sneaky! ;)

It's rare that I create a piece of beaded jewelry from a tutorial.  It's rare I use a tutorial at all.  I actually look at the books & magazines, love the designers and admire their talent... then go on my merry way doing what I do... ME!

So imagine the bruise on my chin as my jaw dropped when I, myself purchased a tutorial from Heather Collin with the intent to actually make the bracelet!  I know, I was shocked too!!!

I saw Heather's Crossing Over bracelet a while ago.  I loved the curvy layering and Celtic feel to the embellishment and really, really wanted this bracelet.  So I scooped up her tutorial and this weekend made the bracelet.

Now if you saw the necklace I made as a custom order in turquoise and coral last week, you'll know I've been deeply inspired by those colors ever since.  I don't duplicate designs as each piece of jewelry I make is one of a kind.  So when I saw Heather Collin's Crossing Over, I saw the beads still sitting on my tray from that gorgeous necklace and BAM!  It hit me like the first sip of coffee in the morning!

Then I heard the angels sing... and now I have my very own turquoise & coral work of art.

If you like the bracelet and want to pick up your own tutorial (and you should) head over to Heather's Etsy store.  She's got TONS of beautiful tutorials listed in there.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/studio183   This one is Crossing Over, but I won't limit you to crushing on just one!

**This post is not a paid advertisement.  In fact, Heather has no idea I'm writing this and has probably never even heard of me (until I purchased her tutorial.)  But I have to say, her design inspired me so and the bracelet is sooooo comfy to wear.  It's not meant as your very first beading project if you've never done any beading before, but with some stitch know-how (and patience because lordy, lordy... herringbone with 11s and 15s takes for-EV-er) you too can have a wearable work of art!

Now, don't forget to come to our Sequintastic party on Saturday!  We'll be sporting some bling and showcasing just how sequins can be included in jewelry designs!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

P.S. If you'd like a piece of custom made jewelry designed for yourself or to give as a gift, contact me via my website:  http://www.DesignsByDawnMarie.com or on my Designs by Dawn Marie Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/DesignsByDawnMarie.  I'm happy to work with you to make something really special that can be worn countless times and passed down as your legacy to your children or grandchildren!

Creating a Custom Order and getting Christmas Requests

Yes, it's not yet Halloween, but can I tell you how much I love people that plan in advance to give really special gifts for the holidays?  Indeed I have started taking holiday custom orders.  I am honored to create something so special for their loved ones!  Now that's all I'm going to say about that because Shhhhhh, the rest is a secret!

And now for a piece of custom made jewelry I can share...

I was commissioned to design a piece to adorn a particular dress.  I skyped with my client so I could see the dress on her and get a feel for what style would work best with the dress.  Her dress was a vibrant shade of coral - bordering on deep orange depending on the lighting.  It has a deep v-neckline and shiny gold accents!  GOLD... are you seeing it everywhere this season?  I am seeing bright yellow gold making a come back in everything from belts to jewelry and purses.

I was excited to play in the yellow gold world for a first time in a long time!

This neckwire is PERFECT for the V-neckline of the dress... I was so excited to find it the wheels just started turning!  So I used Swarovski crystals in the Padparadascha shade (say that one 10 times fast) along with turquoise accents.  I just love that pairing together!

The finished product is elegant, sparkly and on trend with the gold theme that's en-vogue for this fall!  And even more special is that it is the PERFECT compliment for my wonderful client.  What other trends are you seeing?

{Hugs!}
Dawn

P.S. If you'd like a piece of custom made jewelry designed for yourself or to give as a gift, contact me via my website:  http://www.DesignsByDawnMarie.com or on my Designs by Dawn Marie Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/DesignsByDawnMarie.  I'm happy to work with you to make something really special that can be worn countless times and passed down as your legacy to your children or grandchildren!