More Crochet Magic

I've had so much fun over the last week with wire crochet. It's so versatile and there are myriads of ways of playing with it and creating something special. I can't wait to make more. However, my jewellery party is on Friday, so I thought I'd better show my guests what I've made.

The first is a set called Black Orchid:

The necklace is made of 5 separate strings of chain stitch crochet with beads in shades of black, grey and purple. I've used seed beads, lots of Japanese beads including Toho and teeny little cubes and Swarovski (Heliotrope, Jet Black, Light Amethyst, Jet Black AB, and Black Diamond). The strings are different lengths and come together at the neck with two purple Indian beads. The necklace is sparkly in a very subtle way and very filigree. The wire is a dark, purple blue.

Here are the matching earrings, made with gunmetal findings and three loops with the same beads as the necklace, however I've only used three of the Swarovski bicones (Heliotrope, Light Amethyst, and Jet Black).

And here's my latest invention. I've not seen this technique anywhere else and I am rather proud of it (can you tell?). I've used memory wire (4 coils), then used wire crochet to attach the beads to it. The bracelet below shows the technique. It looks amazing, really different and, like all the wire crochet jewellery, very organic.

Here's a similar bracelet in pinks and red. This bracelet has two rows of wire crochet with beads rather than the single one I've used in the Black Orchid bracelet.

Here it is close up.

And here is another version in greens with vintage green seed beads, leaf green AB Magatama drops, and peridot glass chips.It has one row of beaded crochet and one of plain crochet.

My latest bracelet, made only today. Another new technique, although this one is from a book. I didn't actually follow the instructions, but worked them out for myself (I am the same with recipes). I've used deep pink wire and crochet without beads. I left "holes" to feed the pale pink organza ribbon through. The ribbon and crochet are held together by ribbon clamps at the ends with a simple clasp to fasten the bracelet.

Below you can see the little dark pink roses I added as a final touch. This is so feminine and lovely. Very romantic.
Another one of my creations, this one is made with a pre-knitted wire "tube". I've rolled up the edges (top and bottom) and then used crochet and beads to keep them in place. I've used gorgeous teal blue seed beads, lovely turquoise pony beads and shimmery pale blue Magatama drops.

Here's the bracelet with more detail. I love the shimmery, delicate copper against the turquoise blues.

A purple extravaganza, again, made with purple pre-knitted wire and lots of beads in purple, lilac, pale lavender, and tiny crystal bicones and of course lots of crochet to hold it all together.

Yesterday's creation, pre-knitted gunmetal coloured wire. The edges of the tube were first covered in beads then turned around towards the centre and held together with more crochet.


I've used gorgeous beads in copper and chocolate colours which work perfectly with the gunmetal wire. I love the harmony between the two colours and textures.


More to come. You can't stop me! ;-)

Bombshell Earrings

To match my beautiful bombshell bracelets and necklaces I made some earrings. Not necessarily matching ones, but one-offs that will go with anything because they're so pretty (even if I say so myself).

The first pair are made with new copper findings, vintage faceted beads in different shades of blue and the most gorgeous copper dangles. The effect is quite stunning and so different from everything else in the shops.


The next set is made with new silver plated findings, vintage pale blue faceted beads in two shades and lovely filigree silver colour charms. These earrings are so lovely and fragile.


Probably my favourite or at least one of my favourite "gems" - opalite - here mixed with new silver plated findings and a lovely kite shaped charm. The opalite beads are Victorian and have the most beautiful "fire".

Gorgeous red earrings made with new silver plated findings, vintage Art Nouveau chandeliers, shimmery deep red faceted vintage beads and a few dark red, topaz lined Magatama drops. Gorgeous.
The final earrings are made with a new semi-precious gem I've only just discovered: Burma Jaspter in a lovely soft shade of honey with new bronze findings, vintage gold coloured connectors and vintage red gold coloured roses. These are stunning. :-)

My beautiful bracelets - ATTRILL JEWELLERY SPECIAL

I received the two most gorgeous bracelets in the post today - complete with a picture and description of all the beads used and where they came from each. All was packaged well and in a lovely box.

I am thrilled to bits. Just look at them:


This one was made by Toby in the most wonderful greens with silver and all sorts of beautiful shells and buttons and faceted beads. It's very long so I can either wear it as a bracelet or a necklace.
And here's the one Penny and Toby made together:

It's so beautiful in all the raspberry reds and pale pinks and mauves with buttons, glass and sparkly fimo beads, not to forget the pretty copper beads.

I can't decide which one is more gorgeous (and Penny said I don't have to). ;-)

If you want your very own bracelet (necklace, brooch or earrings... etc) check out the ATTRILL Blog.

I am so glad I knitted Penny a scarf and she was happy to swap it for the bracelets. I think I definitely got the better deal! :-)

Here's the scarf I knitted for her:

I thought it looked like a raven's wings. I've used three types of wool - soft eyelash yarn with bits of ribbon threaded into it, velvety ribbon yarn, and long eyelash yarn, all in black - and I used a bit of black lurex thread to add a little sparkle. The scarf is soft and luscious and very long (about twice the length of my other scarves at 84 inches). Penny tells me she's barely taken it off since it arrived yesterday... :-)

And here's the scarf pin I made to go with it.

For some reason I thought they were just perfect for Penny - I've used a large wooden bead (the one with the big black spots), seed pod beads (the ones with the little spots), black Indian beads, some dark brown carved wooden beads, and quite a few gorgeous Japanese bugles and seed beads. Steve fixed the bead arrangement (made with wire) into place with a bit of solder.