I finally got around to listing this piece on Etsy. I don't know what was holding me back. The beautiful borosilicate bead is the last one that I had of the set; maybe the thought of parting with it was too daunting. You really can't see how magical it is in the photos. The green is like shards of Peruvian opal and there are so many shades of brown. The little faceted rondelles of petrified wood echo the browns in the bead. It really turned out to be a special necklace. I believe that's a Herkimer Diamond wired across the horseshoe. They're supposed to have tons of positive energy, despite their small size.
I bought of couple of these Endless Knot carved shell pendants a while back, intending to use them in summer necklaces. I collaged the back with Chinese script, skeletonized leaves, silk fabric and bits of Godiva chocolate wrapper, protected by layers and layers of ModPodge and Renaissance Wax. The cord is braided and finger-woven.
I would wear it with the collage side up, but it's reversible. Also very very long, so it can be tied at any length the wearer desires. Very versatile and perfect for Summer.
Happy Mango Beads is having a contest to win some of its fabulous beads, so I made a new charm bracelet to enter. They are a great company with a social conscience to boot. I highly recommend checking them out.