As I have mentioned before, I am honored to be a part of ArtBeads.com Blogging Designer Program for the last few years. I love designing and creating bead, fiber, and metal jewelry pieces, and appreciate that I was chosen to participate in their program.
The Challenge was to create a piece inspired by “Winter Enchantment.” I thought about the words and was immediately inspired by snow, winter and to create a freeform necklace and pendant appropriate for a winter bride:
I knew I wanted a pendant, so I searched the Artbeads website and discovered this lovely Swarovski Crystal Snowflake Pendant:
I next ordered a lovely selection of seed beads in various sizes and shades of white, gold, and silver seed beads and delicas. I also used some lovely pearls, too, to add to the necklace.
To help ground the piece, I used a spiral Cellini Stitch for the necklace strap. I thought it would a nice juxtaposition to go from chaos in the freeform work to organized in the spiral Cellini strap.
In the end, I love how the piece came out. I did change colors in the beginning, but that is a part of the creative process- giving yourself the freedom to change directions.
For the Quilters reading this, please be aware that I will be teaching FreeForm Beading for Quilters at International Machine Quilting Showcase in May, 2011. No experience needed for this class.
Thanks, once again, to ArtBeads. Please note that I received some of the products free of charge from ArtBeads, but the company gives me complete freedom to review honestly each of the products received. I have not been paid for any endorsements.
I hope you enjoy seeing this Winter necklace and pendant! Hugs, Carla Barrett
Carla Barrett 
I saw this one in person and it is stunning — totally appropriate for a bride and it does look like winter, snowflakes, and sparkle. You are amazing Carla!
Carla, this is just so magically gorgeous! Thank you for sharing all of your gifts with us!
That is a gorgeous necklace Carla, it makes me want to be a winter bride and I have been married 41 years. lol
Is it possible to purchase a pattern for your red and white butterfly?
Hi Johnnie, I create a wide variety of items- quilts to jewelry. A red & white butterfly is not jumping out at me. Do you have a picture of this item?
See answer below. Thanks for explaining what you meant for me.
It’s the quilt picture below this item on your blog.
Thanks for clarifying. Unfortunately, the butterfly block was from an antique kimono. In fact, most of the fabrics in this quilt came from antique kimonos belonging to a family. The photos in the quilt show the relatives who wore them.
That is a pretty block! You do have excellent taste! Happy quilting, Carla
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