What's New? Va-Va-VOOM!

I seem to be "bogged down" right now...but maybe that's not the right phrase? Since I started working at the Bead Store, I've become more aware of the different styles of beading and jewelry-making for the crafting artisan. There's wire-working which intrigues me. There's seed bead work that is intricate. There's chainmaille that amazes me... Just to name a few. My dilemma, if that's really what I'm feeling, is which direction to branch out in and incorporate in my simple stringing? Simple stringing is fast, easy, with immediate results. The other specialties require time, patience, and practice to learn a new skill. I've already tried a little wire-work and it does enhance my designs but to make my stringing really stand out, I need something to give it some va-va-voooom! Anyone can pick up beads and string them on a wire but not everyone can become skilled in the areas I've mentioned. So I'm spinning my wheels and trying to decide what to try next. Guess I just need to take a few classes at the store and see if anything really sparks my creative drive!

Here's a pretty patriotic bracelet and earring set I made in honor of the upcoming July 4th holiday. I made it with real Venetian beads, not the fake imitation kind. And the sterling silver tubes lighten up the overall look and weight. I just love Swarovski Crystals so I made the focal bead in the front a 12mm crystal helix. The magnetic clasp makes it so easy to put on and take off. Plus I added a safety chain so it couldn't accidently fall off. I think it looks pretty good but it needs that little something extra to say va-va-voom!!! I just need to figure out what that could be...