Good Things in Small Packages

I love receiving packages in the mail and this month was no exception - check out the contents of the goody bag I recently received from the good folks at Rings & Things. It's filled with a variety of treasures, such as the cool, metal links in unusual shapes, a sweet and simple copper bail, a bag of blue designer mix beads and some cool Swarovski Crystalized Elements crystal cubes.

I was particularly interested in the cubes, as the colors just happened to complement a boro lampworked bead I recently acquired from Sarah Moran. The bead had been lying around for inspiration to strike, and the goodies from Rings & Things turned out to be the perfect catalyst.

I took one black diamond crystal cube and one topaz/aurora borealis crystal cube, two small fine silver rings I made myself and wire-wrapped them together. I then added two pieces of crimson silk ribbon to create this simple tie-back necklace:


Here's another shot of the necklace:



This simple design works for me. The beautiful crystal cubes set off the focal boro bead perfectly - the colors complement the glass nicely and the clean, geometric cube shape contrasts beautifully with the round focal. It is comfortable and easy to wear for the summer (and if you read my previous post, you know I'm now a big fan of tie-back closures).

Thank you, Rings & Things - I couldn't ask for a better Muse!