Secret Snowflake Challenge Blog Hop!

After I got my kit...

the beads sat there

while the holidays and life carried me away,

but these jewels did draw me in 

for a moment,

then a few more visits to push 

these beauties around and ponder...

FINALLY, these lovelies pulled me in 

long enough to hatch a plan!

(The stage is set.)

I decided to make a necklace and a bracelet, with the addition of a handmade silver snowflake etched disc for the focal of the bracelet.  The problem, I had never tried etching silver before, but I jumped in with both feet, like I do sometimes...optimistic and ready to go!  Not thinking this could be a disaster...

(It REALLY is a slow process to etch silver

...one hour later, with only a slight 

indication that etching activity was happening...

I twiddle my thumbs waiting!)

Snowflakes make me feel warm 

and fuzzy inside, they always have!

And blue is my favorite color, so it's been 

a joy to work with this kit! 

(Pretty good for my first silver etching!)

Snowflake Bracelet

Even after all these years of designing  jewelry, I still find it fascinating that my designs evolve and they never end up the way I initially plan! After finishing the silver disc snowflake I started toying with the leather cording and thinking how I might attach it to the ceramic discs. When I wire wrapped some of the kit's beads to the leather cord it reminded me of early morning frost which made a fun embellishment to the design.  The silver hammered toggle clasp blends well with the snowflake patterns too.

Snowflake Necklace

I assembled my necklace using a similar layout as my bracelet.  I used a snowflake etched silver disc to make a bail for the pendent.  As I write this we are getting our first snow for 2012...what perfect timing!

I think I will keep these pieces for myself to remind me of the "first official blog hop" I participated in and the first time to etch silver. (I will post more about how to etch silver another time because that's what Millie does here at "ammjewelry"!  I hope you will return.)

I'm looking forward to
seeing the other participants creations!
And I urge you to hop over to
the their blogs as well.
Blog list below:

If there is no blog link listed next to a person's name, check Michelle's Beads & Books. Participants without blogs will be posting their photos on her blog.

• Alice (Alice Dreaming)
• Chris (beadjewelry.net)
• Christa (Adventures of One Beady Woman)
• Crystal (Here Bead Dragons)
• Cynthia (Cynth's Blog)
• Dawn (Morning Glory Beading)
• Donetta (Simply Gorgeous)
• Erin A.
• Jennifer (JenniferJW)
• Jennifer (Jewelry, Art and Life)
• Kari W.
• Kate (We Can Make That at Home)
• Kay (Palm Coast Art)
• Linda (Lindy's Designs)
• Lisa C. (A Bead a Day)
• Lisa (Inspired Adornments)
• Mary (MLH Designs)
• Michelle (Beads & Books) 
• Michelle B.
• Millie (AMM Jewelry)
• Norma (Moonlit Fantasies)
• Pam (The Crazier Sister)
• Rebecca J.
• Renetha (Lamplight Crafts)
• Rosemarie (Gem Rose Designs)
• Shannon (Falling into the Sky)
• Susan (Bead Inspired)
• Therese (Therese's Treasures)
• Therese (DG Enterprises)

Thank you for dropping by!

And a special thank you to 

Michelle Mach for finding time to
organize the "Secret Snowflake Challenge"!

It's been fun and educational!

Happy Creating!