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Treat yourself to summer designs

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

"Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind." -- Jimmy Seals and Dash Crofts

Summer has arrived, officially, according to the calendar. Personally, I consider the first day the temperature outside goes above 87 degrees F as the beginning of summer. The heat is a bother, but it does make finding something cool so nice. Certain beads can have a way of bringing this sensation of refreshment into your jewelry designs.

Blue is the perfect color for summer -- and so is a design created solely of different shades of blue beads. Ocean shades and an extra-large, extra-detailed fish bead give any ensemble a fresh summertime feeling and bring to mind thoughts of sandy shores and cool waves.

Two different shades of Swarovski crystals draw attention to the focal bead and add extra sparkle. Firepolished facetted AB 10mm beads provide a perfect center from the light and dark blue 8mm firepolished facetted beads. Beadalon Elasticity gives the bracelet (or anklet) a fluid feeling, and ensures it will be safe around water. Use an appropriate glue, such as G/S Hypo Cement on the knot for extra stability.

Sherbets and slushes and shakes... oh my! A variety of sweet, cool, summer treats to enjoy is one of the best parts about hot weather.
 With their smooth tastes and lovely colors, cold, creamy creations are both a joy to the eyes and the taste buds.

These earrings are designed with milky opal glass beads in sweet treat shades. Small silver bead caps and accents add to the frosty feeling. A design like this lends itself to either a colorful T-shirt or a more upscale ensemble.

Go from frosty to downright nippy with these snowy ice cube earrings.  This design, with its opaque white diagonal cube, is reminiscent of an ice cube, a sugary dusting of snow, or a sugar cube. I like to call them sugar snow cubes. They dangle nicely and their slightly unusual shape is attention-getting.

 

In keeping with the chilly theme, remember that nothing looks quite as icy as clear glass AB beads.

For this simple necklace design, AB Swarovski bicones set off a matte AB fish, and the beads that make up the body of the necklace in crystal AB sparkle like the sun on an icy winter landscape.

Even though blues and pastels are most often thought of for spring and summer, the heat of summer lends itself well to bolder, brighter shades. Neon colors are a great contrast for tanned skin (whether it is attained safely from a bottle or the unhealthy old-fashioned way). And of course, red always makes a statement. Combine a length of gold chain with a single red bead for an outstanding look.

These long red dangles are ready to be paired with a manicure and pedicure of bright red nail polish for a summer evening of patio dining and nightclubs. The vibrant color of the beads brings to mind a nightcap of sparkling champagne and fresh summer strawberries.

Red pressed glass rounds and white diagonal cube beads courtesy of the Bead Peddler.  


 

 

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