Artbeads Colors of Fall

When I was contacted by Artbeads about their blogging program using the colors of Fall, I knew exactly what I wanted to make! This was unusual for me, as each time I have participated in this program, I have had a challenge to figure out not only what to make, but in choosing my supplies. For awhile now, I have been tossing around an idea in my head about using a gemstone donut as a focal piece in a necklace. That was my jumping off point in choosing this beautiful 35mm Leopard Skin Jasper Donut. I wasn't sure what the colors would be so I wanted 2 so I would be able to pick the one with the best fall coloring. I was not disappointed in either of the donuts I received. One was the one pictured here in deep hues of chocolate, rust tones and cream colors. I love it! I then made a selection of several different colors and sizes of Swarovski crystals. I chose 8mm crystals in Xillion Bicone Crystal Golden Shadow and Indian Red. If you haven't seen these colors up close, let me tell you they are gorgeous. I wasn't sure what to expect with the Indian Red, but it is one of the prettiest colors I have ever seen. I also chose several 4mm bicones in colors Indian red, Crystal Golden Shadow, Fire Opal, Sun, Crystal Copper. I was in love with each and every one of them! I want to accent with antique copper to compliment the donut, so I picked out 3mm Antiqued Copper Rounds, Antique Copper crimps and the most beautiful Antique Copper- Plated Pewter leaf clasp. I love the detail of this toggle clasp and thought it was perfect for an Autumn design. I also chose a lovely 3.5-4mm Potato Pearl mix called "Nostalgia" There were lots of cream, gold, copper, steel gray and light gray toned pearls in this mix. They are potato pearls, but each pearl was very nicely shaped and they are very uniform in size. I was very impressed by this mix. Next I bezeled the donut since it wasn't an actual bead. I glued it to some Lacy's stiff stuff and bezeled it using Delica #0015, bronze size 15 seed beads, size 11 seed beads in cream. After I cut out the pendant, I sewed on some Antique Copper split rings and attached the floating necklace I made using Beadalon stringing wire in a color called Satin Copper, as well as the swarovski crystals, potato pearls, antique copper rounds and some seed beads. I made the necklace a 22" length so I can wear it over a sweater or turtleneck this fall/winter. I found I liked the Beadalon wire, it was easy to work with and has a nice drape to it. All in all, I am thrilled with each and every component I chose in this necklace. I think it represents the theme "Colors of Fall" what do you think?

*Please note: I have received the Swarovski Crystals, Antique Copper clasp, beads, split rings, Beadalon Wire, Potato pearls and gemstone donut free of charge from Artbeads for my honest opinion of these products. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to these products.