I had a design in my head. I had a colorway in my mind’s eye. I had a package in my mailbox — from Artbeads.com.
What a wonderful resource these folks are! It took Artbeads no time to get me my order, while it took me awhile to get into my studio and work out that design in my head into the Pearls and Flowers Necklace you see here. 
I have always loved crystal pearls, Article 5810, from CRYSTALLIZEDTM – Swarovski Elements and the necklace I designed uses two sizes of them, as well as the popular standbys, bicone crystals, Article 5301. You can find all sizes of crystal pearls and beads, including the new Xilion bead, Article 5328, and the full range of products from CRYSTALLIZEDTM – Swarovski Elements by accessing the Artbeads.com site at http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-crystal-beads.html
I’m already planning new colorways for this necklace, and perhaps a smaller closure. When I began weaving the piece, I was playing with 3-D shapes and put together the large buttons at the closure, which can be worn either in front as a focal or in back as usual. I’m thinking that a simpler closure, using CRYSTALLIZED buttons, might be more effective. Which necklace closure would you use?
I plan to weave a bangle bracelet and earrings to accompany the necklace. Can you see it?
