“Jewel of the Month!" for March

This month I am posting the “Victoria” Pendant Necklace on my website which you can purchase at 50% off the regular price.

It is already made, so it will be delivered in a matter of days. But, there is a catch — there will only be one! So, be prepared to purchase as soon as you see it!!

Here’s the “Jewel” for March

Antique porcelain cabochon is bead embroidered into a statement pendant. 2.25” in diameter and on a bronze chain 28” long. Stunning “Downton Abbey’ look!

Regular price is $125, this one is specially priced for one lucky person at only $62.50!!

Be sure to contact me if you are looking for something specific – I specialize in custom designs!

What's New in Color for the Summer? Coral!!

Coral is a wonderful, workable, wearable shade that isn’t quite pink, and isn’t quite orange – and it’s trendy for summer 2019. It looks fabulous with white, especially in the summer, as well as beachey turquoise and blues, pinks and yellows.

Incorporate shades of “Living Coral” into your wardrobe and jewelry to keep your style looking fresh and up to date. Various shades of coral shows optimism, and versatility, making it a great addition to your summer style.

Coral and Mother-of-Pearl Necklace

Coral Tassel Earrngs

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, embedesignsjewelry, Pinterest, MB Designs Beaded Jewelry, and on Instagram, embedesigns to see my latest jewelry. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact me at embedesign@sbcglobal.net. I’ll be happy to give you an update, a price, or discuss a custom design with you.

I’m always happy to be in touch!

Muriel

Spring’s Hottest Jewelry Trends Are All About Being Extra

Get ready for the return of maximal jewelry.

from Harper’s Bazaar

Dainty necklaces and classic hoops have been ruling the accessory scene for quite some time. But this spring, it's time to have some fun with your jewelry. From dripping, blinged out crystals to '80s hearts and seashells galore, this season's hottest jewelry trends are playful and unapologetically bold. Give your wardrobe an instant update with the help of these standout pieces to start shopping now.

Bling It On

Dripping crystal jewelry first made an appearance on the Spring 2019 runways and quickly took over Instagram.

Modern Pearls

Pearls are back, but this season's are nothing like your grandmother's pearls. From delicate pearl hoops to ear cuffs and sculptural bracelets, the classic piece is getting a modern, reimagined update for spring.

'80s Hearts

Show some love in the form of chunky, oversized heart earrings. From the runways of Balenciaga and Escada to the cool girls of Instagram, the '80s-inspired trend is already proving to be one of the season's most fun.

By The Sea

The shell jewelry craze isn't slowing down anytime soon. This nostalgic jewelry trend is here to stay for the warm weather.

Be sure to contact me if you are looking for something specific – I specialize in custom designs!

A New Year and New Goals

Just as in 2012, I decided that I reached my design potential with bead stringing — I’ve now decided that I’ve reached my bead weaving potential and need to expand my skills. I’m planning on learning and practicing more with bead embroidery combined with bead weaving. I’m learning new stitches and more intricate designs with the goal of publishing more projects and selling in more exclusive boutiques. I’m also focusing on custom designs, so please let me know what kinds of jewelry you’d like to see!

I’m always open to suggestions!

Muriel

More Good News for MB Designs!

Last year at this time, MB Designs was contacted about publishing the Dragonfly Dreamer Necklace in Bead & Button magazine – and that happened in the June 2018 issue.

This week we were contacted once again by Bead & Button to publish that same necklace in their yearly, best of Bead & Button book!  This will be out for purchase in May 2019.  It certainly is a good feeling to know that your designs are appreciated by the best in the business.

Feeling honored!!

Muriel

Finally Finished!

Today I finally finished the necklace that will hold the enameled pendant that my father gave me many years ago.  I have always loved this pendant, but through the years it was chipping on the edges.  I decided to encase it in seed beads and now made a chenille rope to put it on.  What a great save!  And what a great new look!  I can't wait to wear it.

If you have a piece of jewelry that you'd like to update or change the look, please contact me!  I'd be happy to speak with you and discuss what might work for you.  You'll certainly have something completely unique when we're finished!

That's it for now!

Muriel

Let's talk Custom Designs...

This week I finished the custom necklace based on my Turquoise and Coral statement necklace.  While the turquoise is an eye-catcher, it is still on the casual side, mostly because of the colors I used.  The new necklace, however, is much more formal.  The use of freshwater pearls and soft bead colors accented with silver make this not only a statement necklace, but a WOW necklace!  Using neutral colors like this also makes the piece more versatile — it can be worn with almost any color combination.  I'll let you know how the customer likes it!!

I'm sure you can see the same thing here — the Jasper cabochon is earthy and casual, while the Black Onyx, and the addition of silver and crystals, creates a more formal look while the two bracelets are practically the same design!

Be sure to check out my website: murielbadinellidesigns.com and if you like a certain design, but aren't sure of the colors, please contact me!  We can talk and I can come up with a design you will love.

See you soon!
Muriel

This week is all about Custom Designs!!

Black and silver netted necklace

This week I've been working on two custom projects, and I hope you can see from this what a difference the beads make!  They can change the mood, style and degree of formality as the beads change.

The black and silver netted necklace above was designed to be worn as both casual as well as dressy.  You can see it can't you?  with a white T-shirt and jeans as well as a LBD — perfect!

The customer and I sat and discussed what she was looking for, I showed her some samples and then came up with this design.  She was very pleased.

Freshwater pearl statement necklace

This necklace isn't finished yet — look forward to seeing the finished product next week — but it is based on my Turquoise/Coral Statement necklace (https://www.murielbadinellidesigns.com/shopnecklaces/turquoise-coral-statement-necklace).  See the difference in style, even though they are the same design? This one is soft and elegant, while the turquoise is bolder, fun and more casual!

I hope this give you some ideas for your own custom designed jewelry — I'll be happy to help!

'Till next time!

Using Gemstones in Woven Seed Bead Jewelry

Often I use gemstones in my work as a focal bead.  The jasper in the photo below is bead embroidered and attached to a simple peyote bracelet, adding a new dimension and interest to the piece.

Click to view

In the leather wrap bracelet faceted amethyst beads are used. These beads have a great sparkle to them and lend themselves to a bracelet that wraps around your wrist three times.

Click to view

This bead embroidered pendant combines a kyanite focal gemstone with seed beads and pearls. Honestly, the only limit to the use of gemstones in beadwork, is one's imagination! Happy beading!

Click to view

Repurposing Meaningful Objects into New Jewelry

Years ago my father gave me a necklace, one that I loved at the time, but after a while, it was no longer in style!  It was a beautiful and large cloisonné bead with a peacock design on a silk cord.

Once I started bead weaving, I looked through my things for anything important to me to see if I could give it an updated look.  I pulled out the pendant and thought a beaded bezel would work.

Here's how the pendant looks now...

Now all it needs is a beaded rope!  I love it!!

If you have a piece you would like reworked -- a brooch, and earring or just a bead -- contact me!  I'll come up with a solution for you and I guarantee you'll be pleased!