Beadphoria Necklace Project: Lucky!

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bead, beading, Beadphoria.com, fashion, Four Leaf Clover Necklace, inspiration, leaf clover, lucky charm, Lucky Charm Necklace, Necklace Designs, St. Patricks Day Jewelry, style, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Lucky! A St. Patrick’s Day Necklace that can bring you luck all year long. By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Greetings, Beadphoria friends! Since today is St. Patrick’s day, we thought we would bring you a piece that is sure to bring you luck all year long. The center pendent of the “Lucky!” necklace features a real electroplated four leaf clover. Also, the design is neutral enough that it could be worn by either a “Patrick” or a “Patricia”!

Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s day by wearing a bit of green or do you have a lucky charm that you wear all year long? Let us know by clicking on “comments” above the photograph.

Wishing all our beading friends Good Luck today and all year long!

 

 

Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Connection: Handmade Glittering Ornament Necklace

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bead, beading, Christmas Jewelry, Christmas Necklaces, Handmade Christmas Jewelry, Handmade Holiday Jewelry, handmade jewelry, Handmade Pendent, Lightweight Jewelry, make your own jewelry, mixed media jewelry, Necklace Designs, Ornament Jewelry, Ornament Pendents, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Glittering Ornament Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Welcome back, creative friends! Today we are bringing you a necklace that is easy to make, but hard to keep your eyes off of. The best part of the whole piece? No one will ever guess that is almost totally made from materials from the holiday decorating aisle.

The small “beads” are made from a garland meant for a mini tree and the larger white “beads” are created from decorative holiday filler. A small glass ornament with a removable top becomes the perfect centerpiece for this festive stunner. Because the “beads” are made out of foam, the necklace is light enough for anyone to wear.

Here’s how to make your own!

Close Up of Ornament Pendent by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Tools:

• Snowflake Mini Punch
• Bead Reamer
• Crimping Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Round Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers

Materials:

• Garland for mini tree
• Holiday Decorative Filler
• 1.25″ Iridescent Round Ornament
• Shimmering Paper in Silver, Gold, and White (One Sheet Each)
• Toggle Clasp – large round
• 22″ of Beading Wire
• 2 – 2mm x 2mm Crimp Tubes
• Silver Colored Jump Ring

Instructions:

1. Using snowflake paper punch, cut approximately 40 snowflakes from each of the three pieces of paper.
2. Remove the silver cap from the ornament. Insert the snowflakes into the glass part of the ornament. HINT: A pair of tweezers may make it easier to put in the snowflakes into the ornament. Replace top when all snowflakes have been placed.
3. Next, swing open your jump ring using the round nose and chain nose pliers. Feed the jump ring through the ring on the top of the ornament. Swing the jump ring closed using the same pliers. Your ornament pendent is now complete!
4. For the smaller gold and silver “beads”, snip the wire of the mini tree garland. Remove the spheres from the wire for use in your necklace.
5. To make the larger white “beads”, pierce 10 of the the decorative filler rounds using your bead reamer to create a hole to be able to string them onto your necklace.
6. String one silver, one gold, one silver, one white, one gold, one silver, one gold, and one white. Repeat pattern one more time.
7. String one silver, one gold, one silver, one white, one gold, one silver and one gold.
8. Place your ornament pendent onto your wire.
9. Repeat steps 6 & 7 in reverse order to finish the other half of the necklace.
10. Attach your clasp using the crimp tubes and crimping pliers. Cut any excess wire.
11. Wear your necklace to your next holiday event to really shine!

Project Note: You may want to seal your “beads” to make sure the glitter stays on your necklace instead of the glitter “decorating” your holiday outfit. 😉

Thanks for stopping by today! Make sure to check out all of the other handmade holiday ideas by clicking on the Designer Crafts Connection blog hop button on the left. Wishing you a creative holiday season filled with joy and peace!

Beadphoria: Finding Backgrounds for Photographing Your Jewelry and Artwork

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Backgrounds for Photographing Jewelry, bead, beading, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, creative beading, creativity, Glass Beads, How to Photograph Jewelry, inspiration, jewelry design, jewelry making, make your own jewelry, Necklace Designs, Photographing artwork, Photographing Jewelry, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

When taking pictures of your artistic creations, jewelry or otherwise, it can be tricky to find the right background. Here are a few suggestions to consider before you click the shutter.

Using fabric remnants can give your photographs added texture and depth.

Fabric Remnants – Next time you head into Jo-Ann’s or similar fabric store, make sure you stop by the remnants section. These are usually the fabric that is left at the end of a roll that is too short to be left out on display. These pieces are typically discounted anywhere from 50-75% off the original price.

“Tide Pools” by Suzann Sladcik Wilson. A tile can be a great neutral background when shooting your jewelry.

Tiles – Tiles make a great backgrounds due to the range of colors and finishes they come in. Many of the larger home improvement stores sell tiles individually. They can be relatively inexpensive ranging in price from .50 – $5.00, depending on what the tile is made out of and how large it is. Local tile outlets sometimes have close-out pieces discounted. One store even gave me a sample they no longer carried for free!

Scrapbook Paper – If your object is fairly small, like jewelry, scrapbook paper that is 12×12 opens a world of options. Most major craft stores offer sheets individually, but also consider books of scrapbooking paper since they can offer a wide variety of colors and textures in one package.

A consistently white background is achieved by using white foam core poster board. Pendant by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Foam Board – When you need to have a true white background, consider using foam core poster board like the professionals do. Most office supply and big box stores carry it. Over time, it will become dirty, so remember to replace it every so often.

This necklace was shot on the floor of a patio to complement the earthiness of the design.

Household Finds – The background you need may be at your fingertips! Consider using place mats, a wooden cutting board, wrapping paper, stone floors, or even your favorite shirts as a backdrop.

One the best pieces of advice we received for when you’re photographing your creations is to try multiple background options. What may look good in person can sometimes comes across totally different when loaded onto the computer. By shooting the same object on different backgrounds, you can tell which one really “pops”. (Thanks Dad for the advice!)

Have a great idea for a background? Share it with the world in the comments below!

If you have any questions about beading, or photographing your jewelry and art work, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Wishing you creativity, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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All photos are property of Beadphoria, unless otherwise noted.

Beadphoria Project: A Charming Easter Bracelet

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beading, beading design, beading techniques, beading tips, Beadphoria, beads, bracelet ideas, Bracelets, Bracelets with Swarovski Crystals, DIY Jewelry, Easter Bracelets, Easter Charm Bracelet, Easter Jewelry, Easter Jewelry Projects, Easter Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals, How to make a charm bracelet, How to Make an Easter Bracelet, inspiration, Jewelry By Suzann Sladcik Wilson, jewelry design, jewelry making, Jewelry with simple loops, Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals, Make Your own bracelets, Make your own charm bracelet, make your own jewelry, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

"A Charming Easter" bracelet by Suzann Sladcik Wilson.

One of the most beloved holidays on the calendar is Easter. There are many reasons to enjoy. Bright colors of spring give take over from the dreariness of winter. Flowers are starting to break through the once frozen ground. The longer hours of sunshine warm both body and soul. It really is a time of New Beginnings in many ways.

Here at Beadphoria, we wanted to share with you a re-posting of last years “A Charming Easter” bracelet to help you enjoy the holiday in a sparkling way!

“A Charming Easter” Bracelet Project

Tools
Round Nose Pliers
Chain Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters
Bead Mat

Beads and Findings for "A Charming Easter" Bracelet

Materials
2 – 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicones in Jonquil.
4 each – 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicones in Peridot, Rose, Light Sapphire and Light Amethyst
1 – 7 inch length of Chain
9 – 2 inch silver headpins
1 – Jill MacKay Bird Lobster Clasp
1 – Silver Jump Ring
1- Pastel Egg Lampwork bead
2 each – Bunny Face, Chick-in-Egg, Cotton Candy Bunny, and Yellow Decorated Egg Lampwork  Easter beads.

1. On each headpin, place one 4mm Bicone Swarovski Crystal, one Easter lampwork bead, and one 4mm Bicone Swarovski Crystal that matches the first one placed on the headpin.

2. Bend the headpin at a 90 degree angle. Cut headpin to 10 mm long. Use Round Nose Pliers to make a simple loop. This will create a “charm”.

9 finished charms for "A Charming Easter" bracelet.

3. Continue steps 1 and 2 until you have made all 9 “charms”.

4. Lay out chain. Find center link. Take Pastel Egg charm and swing loop open using chain nose pliers. Hook loop through the bottom of the center link. Close loop with chain nose pliers so that it is now attached to the link.

5.  Count 4 links on either side of the center Pastel Egg charm. On the 4th link on each side, attach one Bunny Face charm in the same way the Pastel Egg charm was attached.

6. Continue the pattern for the remaining charms.

7. Once all charms are hooked onto the chain, attach a jump ring to the last link on one end of the chain.  On the other end, swing open the last link of the chain and attach Jill MacKay Bird Lobster Claw clasp. Swing the link back closed.

8. Your bracelet in now ready to bring a warm smile to the face of everyone who sees it!

We hope you enjoyed our project and would love to hear what you think of “A Charming Easter” bracelet in the comments below.

Now, go hop forward and be inspired by what the other crafty designers are making for Spring!

If you have any questions about beading, or the “A Charming Easter” project, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria: Craft and Hobby Association Jewelry Trends Report: Mixed Media and Cross Crafting

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beading, Beading Trends, Beadphoria, copper foil soldering, Craft and Hobby Association, Cross Crafting, Eileen Hull, image transfer for jewelry, ImpressArt, jewelry making, Jewelry Making Trends, make your own jewelry, metal stamps, Mixed Media, mixed media jewelry, resin, StazOn, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Tsukineko

Welcome Beadphoria Friends! In yesterday’s post, we gave you a quick overview of the 2012 Jewelry and Beading Trends that were presented at the Winter Craft and Hobby Association Show. Today, we will be delving deeper into the Mixed Media and Cross Crafting Trend.

Many areas of the craft industry are being influenced by one another, and jewelry making is no exception. Because materials like resin, copper foil soldering, and image transfer mediums are now more readily available, jewelry makers have the opportunity to incorporate items outside the beading aisle into their designs.

Here are some ideas on how to do just that:

Using scrapbook paper in soldered pendents lets you complete your projects quickly and easily. Designed by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

– Scrapbook paper can make beautiful backgrounds for resin and copper foil soldering. The necklace above is an example of how using a small piece can make a big impact! You can find out more about the design above in this previous post.

– Personalize your beads, pendents, and findings using clip art with image transfer mediums. It will give them a whole new look!

– Certain paints, inks, and powders can be used to color resin. Make sure they are compatible with the polymers in the resin before adding them.

StazOn Ink by Tsukinko will work on almost any surface a beader can think of!

– One of my favorite items to play with outside of the beading aisle is StazOn ink pads by Tsukinko. The color can be applied to almost anything including non-porous and semi-porous surfaces due to the fact that it is solvent based ink. A bonus is that the pads do not have a strong odor like many other permanent inks. Try StazOn by stamping the back of a metal resin bezel, altering a leather cuff, or even on shrink plastic. (FYI – I have not received any compensation from Tsukinko. I just like to share a great product with my readers!)

Eillen Hull's project shows how ImpressArt metal jewelry stamps can be used by crafters on matboard. Photo used by permission from http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com

Just as craft items are crossing over into beading, jewelry making is having its own effect on other creative areas. ImpressArt makes metal stamps that are typically used to create words or images on jewelry blanks. For the project above, fellow designer Eileen Hull used the metal stamps on matboard to create words that really pack a punch!

Mixed Media and Cross Crafting is one trend that will help expand the markets for both jewelry makers and crafters, but it will also expand the artistic possibilities for all those who love to create!

Do you have a way that you have used mixed media or cross crafting in your work? What’s your opinion on the mixed media and cross crafting trend? We want to hear it! Share with us and your other Beadphoria friends in the comments below.

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry business marketing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria Project: Soldered Halloween Pendents and Treat Bag Tags

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bead, beading, beading design, beading techniques, creative beading, Halloween Favors, Halloween Jewelry, Halloween Pendents, Halloween Treat Bags, Jewelry By Suzann Sladcik Wilson, jewelry design, jewelry making, make your own jewelry, Martha Stewart Halloween Scrapbook Paper, Microscope Slide Jewelry Pendents, Mod Podge, Necklace Designs, Soldered Glass Pendents, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

This party treat bag tag can also be used as a pendent for a necklace to be worn long after the party is over.

Today is the last day of summer and tomorrow fall officially begins. Our attention is now turning toward the next holiday that is a little over a month away – Halloween! Scary, isn’t it?!

If you are planning a Halloween celebration, you can easily create these personalized treat bag tags that will be treasured long after the party is over. Slip the tag onto leather, cord, or other stringing material and it magically becomes a pendent for a necklace that can be worn any time of year!

The back of the treat bag tag displays different image, letting the wearer have two different looks from the same necklace. By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

These treat bag tags/Halloween pendents will be an extra special treat for your guest and are simple to make with almost no tricks to it. Check out the tutorial below to conjure up your own.

All the materials you will need to make your Soldered Halloween Pendents and Treat Bag Tags

Materials

• Soldering Iron
• Heat Resistant Surface *Tip* Remnant large ceramic tile works well.
• Copper Foil Tape – 1/4 inch wide
• Gel Flux & Brush
• 2 Microscope Slides
• Lead Free Solder
• Sterling Silver Jump Ring
• Bone Folder
• Hemostats
• Tweezers
• Martha Stewart Halloween Scrapbook Paper
• Scissors
• Third Hand
• Letters from magazines to spell names
• Mod Podge w/ brush
• Krylon Craft Paint Pen in Black

1. Trace an image you want to use from the Martha Stewart Halloween Scrapbook paper using a microscope slide and pen.
2. Cut out your image. Make sure your image fits inside the glass. Trim off any paper that extends past the edges of the slide.
3. Apply the letters from magazines to spell the name of your guest on your paper using Mod Podge. *Tip* Rub the shovel end of the bead tweezers over your letters to ensure they are laying flat.
4. Place your piece of paper with the name between two slides.
5. Wrap copper foil around the edges of your slides. Make sure your slides are in the center of the tape. This will ensure that the copper tape will be even on both sides.
6. Press down the tape onto the slide with your fingers. Use your fingernail to press down the corners. Rub the tape with a bone folder to ensure the tape adheres tightly.
7. Brush flux gel onto the copper tape covering in completely. The flux is what helps the solder adhere to the copper foil tape.
8. Lay your pendent on a heat resistant surface. Use your soldering iron to pick up a small amount of Lead Free Solder. Skim the tip of your soldering iron with the solder over the copper tape on the front of your pendent. Once the solder has cooled, repeat on back.
9. Use your tweezers to hold your pendent on the heat resistant surface so you are able to solder around the edges in the same manor you did the front. You may need to do more than one coat to build up the amount of solder you like.
10. Once you are finished soldering around the edges, use a third hand to hold your pendent so the bottom is flat against your heat resistant surface.
11. Grasp your jump ring with your hemostats. Brush the bottom of the ring with flux so it will easily attach to your pendent.
12. With one hand, use your hemostats to hold in place the jump ring on the center of the top of your pendent. Use your soldering iron to slowly melt the metal on either side of the jump ring. You will know it is attached when you feel the jump ring “drop” into the metal.
13. Remove the hemostats from the jump ring and let the pendent cool before removing from the third hand.
14. Color the silver solder black using the Krylon Craft Paint Pen to give the pendent a more festive look.
15. Tie onto your Halloween Treat Bags for your guests to enjoy!

If you have any questions about beading, or the Soldered Halloween Pendents and Treat Bags, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria: Bead Soup is Served!

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bead, Bead Soup Blog Hop, beading, beading design, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, Choker Necklace Designs, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry Designed by Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Lori Anderson, Margot Potter, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Swarovski Crystals

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Today is the big reveal day for Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Hop. As many of you know from my earlier post, the amazingly talented Margot Potter is my swap partner. She was so generous in sending me some of my most beloved beads, Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls. The clasp/focal is an absolute stunner from ClaspGarten.

Sparkling bead soup from my partner Margot Potter just waiting to be mixed.

And here is the finished piece…..

A Night at the Opera Choker Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

I had several ideas before this one came to be. I thought about making something longer, but the beads seemed to always came back to the design with the choker. I am really excited about how it came out. The next black tie event that I attend, you can bet that this necklace will be worn with a little black dress!

Thank you for stopping by to see my creation. Make sure you stop by Margot Potter’s Blog and see what she made with her soup. Click here to see the list of other bloggers participating in hop. Enjoy all of the delicious designs the Bead Soup blog hop has to offer!

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry business marketing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria: Bead and Button Show 2011 Trend Report

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bead, Bead and Button Show 2011, bead events, Bead Marketplace, beading, beading tips, Beading Trends, Beadphoria, Crystal Clay, DIY Jewelry, ICE Resin, Jen Cushman, jewelry design, Jewelry Design Trends, jewelry making, make your own jewelry, Mixed Media in Jewelry Making, resin, Stephanie Dixion, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Swarovski Crystals, The Bead and Button Show, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Hello to all you beaders out there! This past spring, we here at Beadphoria attended 2011 Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Every year we are amazed by the amount of beads, various ways to make beads, and jewelry designs that are on the shopping floor. We wanted to let you in on some of the trends that you might see popping up in your favorite magazines and at your local bead shops.

Jen Cushman demonstrates how to use Ice Resin at the Bead and Button Show 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1. Resin is HOT! Resin demonstrations and classes seemed to be everywhere! The resin now on the market has little to no fumes and is especially made for jewelry making. This is one trend you are going want to try!

2. Colored Metal – Metal is no longer just silver, gold, brass, and copper! By using gilders paste, inka-gold, and various other methods, metal can now be colored almost any color under the rainbow. Color metal to match or contrast the stones you are designing with.

3. The Return of the Artisan – We were very happy to see many new hand made bead vendors. There seemed to be more this year than any other.

4. Messages – Words seemed to also be a popular theme. You could find them stamped on metal, in pottery beads, and inserted into resin components. Your jewelry can truly make a statement with these components.

5. Mixed Media – In jewelry making we are seeing quite a bit of crossover from other crafts. Fibers, found objects, and paper are just a few of the materials that being used. Be on the lookout for items to use in jewelry making outside of the beading aisle.

Crystal Clay, demoed by Stephanie Dixon, is a beutifully blingy new product that lets you use Swarovski Crystals in a whole new way!

6. BLING IS BACK! Crystals seemed to be popping out everywhere. Crystal Clay is a new product hitting the market that will make a big splash. It brings together a two part epoxy clay that is then embellished with Swarovski crystals. With a 24 hour drying time, you sport your sparklingly beautiful crystal clay creation in no time!

Chunky rocks and wooden beads were also being paired with crystals. Organic materials and stones became more sophisticated with an extra touch of shimmering crystals.

As you can tell, we had a lot of fun! What trends are you starting to see in jewelry making? Share your knowledge with your fellow jewelry makers in the comments below.

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry business marketing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria Blog: Back Up and Running With a Big Announcement!

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Amazon.com, bead, beading, Beading Books, Beading Books on Amazon.com, beading design, beading techniques, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, Beginning Beading Books, Book Giveaways, creative beading, DIY Jewelry, Fox Chapel Publishing, How to make jewelry, inspiration, jewelry design, jewelry making, make your own jewelry, Simple Beginnings: Beading, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

Hello fellow beaders! We are glad to be back to blogging after a little bit of a hiatus. During the time away, we have had several big projects in the works. Over then next few days, you will find out about them. Today’s post, though, happens to be about the one that we are most excited to share with you!

Simple Beginnings: Beading by Suzann Sladcik Wilson and published by Fox Chapel Publishers. Available on Amazon.com for pre-order now!

Tada! It is the cover for our brand new book “Simple Beginnings: Beading” being published by Fox Chapel Publishing! How cool is that?! Even more cool is that it is available for pre-order from Amazon.com. You can click here to order it.

The book contains projects that are easy enough for an absolute beginner, and yet will inspire experienced beaders.  The photographs for the projects are beautiful and plentiful. The appendix has FAQ with many resources that jewelry makers are looking for.

Fox Chapel has been an excellent company to work with. Writing a book for the first time can be extremely challenging. They walked me through the process with the up most professionalism and understanding. For that, I am truly grateful.

What advice would you give to a beginning beader? Leave us a comment and let us know. One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of my book when it is released! Contest ends on 8/7/2011.

If you have any questions about beading, or Simple Beginnings: Beading, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Blog Hop: “For Country” Necklace

Tags

bead, beaded necklace designs, beaded necklaces, beading, beading design, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, creative beading, creativity, Designer Craft Connection, Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop, DIY Jewelry, inspiration, Jewelry By Suzann Sladcik Wilson, jewelry design, jewelry for 4th of July, jewelry making, Jewelry with Flea Market Finds, Jewelry with vintage components, make your own jewelry, National Lutheran Commission For Soldiers and Sailors Welfare, Necklace Designs, patriotic jewelry, Sunshine Polishing Cloths, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Vintage Medallions, www.Beadphoria.com, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

Time for another Designer Craft’s Blog hop! With Memorial Day having just past and the 4th of July coming around the corner, this month’s theme of “Patriotic”  comes at the perfect time.

When this challenge rolled around, I knew I wanted to create something unusual. “Patriotic” is a somewhat vintage word in that it brings up memories of our country’s heritage. I felt the necklace design should reflect that.

Rummaging through a bag of old medallions and tags from a local flea market, I came across this pendant. Originally, it was so tarnished, it appeared to be copper or bronze. Using a Sunshine Polishing Cloth and a lot of elbow grease, a treasure was unveiled.

The medallion was actually silver with gold highlights. What a surprise!

Finding out more about this patriotic medallion has been quite a challenge. There has only been one other image I have been able to find on Google like it. A brief mention is made about the National Lutheran Commission For Soldiers on the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America website.  If you are aware of any other information, please let me know in the comments!

I wanted to the design of the necklace to include patriotic colors, but in a more subdued way. Here is the final design “For County” using the pendant.

Beadphoria "For Country" Necklace designed by Suzann Sladcik Wilson for Designer Crafts Blog Hop

What do you think of the patriotic “For Country” piece? I would love to have your feedback in the comments below.

Now, click on either “forward” or “back” on the Designer Blog Hop button on the right hand side of the blog and see what other Patriotic creative ideas my fellow designers have come up with!

If you have any questions about beading, or the “For Country” necklace, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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