The Crown Jewels

You never know where experimentation will take you. Recently my students requested I teach them how to make rings and earrings. I hadn't made many rings at the time so I began experimenting.
I have come up with some lovely designs - sold quite a few also - and now my most recent ring design has lead me to make this pendant.
All Swarovski crystals locking into a beautiful sparkling pendant. When I finished making it my thoughts were "you are getting closer to making the Crown Jewels."  Thus the name.
I have woven a spiral weave rope to hang the pendant from in black and grey with the occassional flash of garnet red to pick up the centrebead of the pendant.
I am very happy with this design and look forward to hearing any comments.

Marcia deCoster's Workshop

Here is Marcia DeCoster and myself at her workshop on Sunday last.
It was fantastic meeting Marcia and hearing about her journey in jewellery making. I had lots of questions to ask on teaching and future directions, which Marcia willingly shared. I am most grateful.
I am also absolutely gob-smacked seeing her jewellery in person. OMG Magnificent work. I came home feeling like an rank amateur. Oh well, there will always be someone out there that challenges your opinions on your own designs.

'Dragon's Bane' - Awarded First Place

"Dragon's Bane" - Awarded First Place, Elly Feldman Awards, Melbourne Bead Expo - November 2010

Whilst making this necklace I kept thinking on how Dragons are depicted with spikey bits around their head and tail in movies and in books. Thus the name.

Look at this Beauty

Look at this beautiful succulent. I have had this for many years and it never ceases to amaze me when it is in full bloom. I have this growing in my garden and have brought it up on my deck to enjoy it whilst in bloom.
WOW !!

"Byzantia" Workshop March 12th, 2011 - enrol now, maximum 6 people

Opulence at its best. A beautiful gathering of beaded beads.- Amber and crystal rhondelles embellished with drops, Swarovski crystals and leading into a woven rope of delicas and Czech seed beads. Necklace is very light and measures 435mm in length (17"), sitting elegantly and comfortably around neckline.

Checkout website calendar for March 12th, 2011 for full workshop details. Enrolments being taken now for a maximum of 6 students. Don't delay

BEADED BEAD EARRINGS

What a lot of fun to make. Taking a 10mm bead, creating a cage of seed beads around it then decorating the cage. Fantastic results don't you think ??

I like them all and if you like them go to my website for full details

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF MY WEBSITE http://www.patrickduggandesigns.com/

CHECK IT OUT, SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS OF UPCOMING EVENTS, NEWSFLASHES,  CLASS DETAILS, GO SHOPPING, FEATURED STUDENTS WORK,  etc etc

Elegance at its best

I have made many, many pieces of jewellery over the last 4 years and after making this bracelet I saw how beading sometimes creates something with class and elegance .
Purple freshwater pearls that have a mint green hue about them with Swarovski crystals that give off a yellow flash. Really beautiful and everyone who has seen it immediately comments how elegant and/or classy.
I shall be making more of these in different colours

Egyptian Donut Pendant

Carnelian gemstone donut hung from a beaded copper and green pagoda shape connected with rich copper coloured Swarovski crystal, reminds the viewer of Egyptian colours. Hung from a fabric cord measuring 48cm with 4cm extension chain. The next step in the pagoda shape.

Purple Laurel Necklace

Stage 2 of the Pagoda shape. This necklace is made from tiny size 11/0 seed bads in a lovely plum and black colour and measures 43cm from end to end and sits very nicely around the neckline.
When making it I kept thinking how it resembles a laurel that Caesar would have worn on his head.
A huge success in the recent class I taught with all the ladies loving it.
This necklace will be available soon in kit form with download pdf instructions.

More to come.