The BIB - a Statement Necklace?

From time to time I enjoy putting my wire, gems and wire-wrapping techniques aside to try something different. This time I used a gorgeous lace applique to create this one-of-a-kind necklace.

Though it has a rather infantile name, celebrities and tastemakers alike are going ga-ga for a decidedly grown-up accessory: The Bib Necklace. Although I am working on some "Night Out" bibs, I wanted this one to be fresh and romantic, so I used hues of pink and purple. Tiny handmade silk flowers, as well as wire-wrapped Chalcedony and Czech Glass (to form one of the larger blooms) went into making this lace applique quite unique. To complete the look, I attached a feminine lilac velvet ribbon, which ads versatility to this piece. Wear it tied high, low or in between, with your favourite outfit, this unique necklace will earn endless compliments!

Inspired by Butterflies!

Today my husband and I took our 5 year-old to "Wings of Paradise",a butterfly conservatory in our town. The place features 2000-3000 live free-flying butterflies and over 12 bird species on exhibit year round. The tropical butterflies are raised in Costa Rica and the Philippines. These colorful species are kept in tropical gardens, which create a lush and colourful backdrop to the free-flying butterflies. This tropical experience was a wonderful contrast from the frozen temperatures we have been experiencing in Ontario-Canada.

While at the conservatory, the most beautiful butterfly - in hues of purple and pink - caught my eye, and became today's inspiration for my most recent creation: "Sigry in Purple", which I haven't posted in Etsy yet.





Here is a shot of the necklace before it was oxidized. I really like the colour contrast between the darken sterling silver and the purple/lilac of the gems



Here is the link for more information on "Wings of Paradise"