Peacock Feather Inspiration Wire Wrapped Pendant

I normally do wire wrapping (especially my tree of life pendants) but I had a customer ask if I could make a pendant that was like a peacock feather but in the same style as my trees. I really wasn’t sure how that was going to work but I gave it a go and here’s what I came up with.

(Click either for larger)

I used 26 gauge non-tarnish sterling silver plated wire and tiny, Japanese seed beads in several colors. I tried to get the general color pattern of a peacock feather but of course, it’s a little abstract. I know if it were actual seed bead work, it could be almost photo-realistic, but this is supposed to be more wire style.

I think it came out pretty good. It was a lot of work and lots of little fiddly bits due to managing all the seed beads at the same time. But I’d love some thoughts on it too since it’s something different for me. Feedback, suggestions, etc. appreciated!!

 

14k Custom Birthstone Tree of Life Pendant

I love making custom pieces based on customer specifications. In this case, a special Family Tree as a Christmas present. This was the birthstones of the family as a gift to the customer’s wife, all set in 14k gold fill wire.

custom birthstone family tree tree of life pendant may june august november mother's gift christmas in gold

Birhtstones featured are:
May – Chrome Diopside (as alternative to emerald)
June – Lavender fresh water pearls
August – Peridot
November – Citrine

custom birthstone family tree tree of life pendant may june august november mother's gift christmas in gold

Have something special in mind for someone you love? A Family Tree or a Mother’s Tree? Maybe you want to honor and celebrate those who have passed with a Memorial/Remembrance Tree. Let me make something beautiful and one-of-a-kind for you as well!

 

New at PhoenixFire Designs

Still time to shop and receive your handmade jewelry for the holidays!! Listed a lot of new items in the shop the past few days, so please take a look. Don’t forget, I also customize!



Don’t forget you can also “Like” PhoenixFire Designs on Facebook!

This year, it’s more important than ever that I have a good holiday season in the shop. With being laid off and with $10,000 in medical bills, my sales are the only thing keeping our head above water. I appreciate your support. Even if you just want to blog, link, tweet or post about the shop on fb, that helps too.

Thanks and happy shopping!

 

What’s New At PhoenixFire Designs

I’ve been hard at work trying to get items listed at the shop. Several items which were sold are now available again. And some new items are available as well!



And I have two more items that haven’t been photographed yet that will be up later today. There are a bunch of items available in the Gifts $25 and Under category too, so it’s not just expensive items in the shop. (Though there are quite a few truly premium, high-quality gemstone pieces available as well. True fine jewelry.)

Also, keep in mind you can Like us on facebook! Special discount codes and offers are posted there exclusively!

Any links or shares are also appreciated. With the day job officially “separating me from my employment” (seriously, that’s the terminology they used), the shop is it until I can find a new job. I appreciate your support!

 

Black Friday Sale

Support small businesses and independent artists this Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Help make a holiday bright for you and your recipients and buy handmade.

Free shipping all weekend on any purchase with code GIVETHANKS at checkout at http://phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com

Thank you for your support!

 

Custom Birthstone Tree of Life Pendant

Because everything I make is made by hand, it allows me to fully customize and personalize pieces. One of my favorite things to make are custom pendants that incorporate birthstones for Mothers and Grandmothers.

This piece features the birthstones of March (semi-precious blue topaz in substitution for aquamarine), July (precious Ruby), and August (semi-precious peridot) all together in non-tarnish, sterling silver plated wire.

From the happy customer:

As the recipient of this piece, I can attest to its amazing quality and beauty. One that left even my husband speechless. This is going to be one of the most meaningful and breathtaking presents I am giving this year.

This makes for a treasured, heirloom piece that has deep, personal meaning and brings joy to the wearer. I made a custom birthstone tree for my own Mother and she never fails to smile when someone compliments her on it and she can say it represents her daughters.

If you’d like a piece made especially for you, with birthstones of family members, or in memorial of those who have passed, just contact me. I’d love to make something that makes you smile and reminds you of your loved ones too.

 

Snowman Earrings and Snowman withSnowflake Necklace

Maybe it’s just because we’re having a bit of a cold front here today in Florida or maybe it’s that because of surgery, I kinda had to miss out on Halloween, but either way, I’m starting to get into the holiday mood. So I made up two items in a Winter spirit that I’m going to share.


These cute little snowmen dangle earrings are made from glass pearls and Swarovski crystal. On a .925 sterling silver hook, it’s a perfect accessory for Winter!

I made these adorable little earrings with two sizes of glass pearl with an AB (Aurora Borealis) Swarovski crystal spacer in between. It’s topped with some black glass beads to form the “hat.” I used stamped, .925 Sterling Silver French hooks to complete it to ensure there are no problems for people with metal allergies or sensitivities.


This necklace features a cute snowmen made from glass pearls and Swarovski crystal accented with a snowflake charm. On a 18″ silver chain, it’s a perfect accessory for Winter!

I made this adorable little snowman pendant with two sizes of glass pearl with an AB (Aurora Borealis) Swarovski crystal spacer in between. It’s topped with some black glass beads to form the “hat.” Then I added a glittery snowflake charm and strung it on a 18″ sterling silver plated chain and finished it with a lobster claw clasp.

Both pieces are available in the Gifts Under $25 category on the PhoenixFire Designs esty shop.

 

Purple Agate Geode Slice Tree of Life Pendant Fluorite Gemstone Sterling Silver Wire

It’s been over a year since I’ve offered one of my award-winning agate slice trees but I’m happy to report, I have one up on the shop right now!

A stunning amethyst purple agate geode slice is the base for this wire wrapped tree of life pendant featuring green and purple fluorite in sterling silver wire.

This pendant is handmade using painstaking wire-wrapping techniques. This is an even more complex piece from my normal ones as I built a tree “growing” up an agate slice base. Non-tarnish sterling silver plated wire frames and encircles the slice and is used as the roots, trunk and branches of the tree.

The leaves are in the complimentary gemstone, fluorite. Formerly called fluorspar, fluorite has a wide range of colors and is a beautiful stone because often more than one color occurs in a single piece. I’ve selected a purposefully staggered color of stones ranging from the palest green to the deepest amethyst purple to give the piece vibrancy and beautiful spread of color.

This pendant is approximately 2.5″ H x 1.75″ W not including bail. This is a bold, statement piece. Keep in mind that this is a natural stone and is not a perfect oval. Part of the charm of this piece is that it is truly one-of-a-kind by Nature.

I’ve offered a handful of agate slice trees in the past but it’s been about a year since one was available. They are labor-intensive to make and thus a rare item on the shop. If you like it, please do not wait as duplicates are not possible due to the unique nature of the materials used. This piece is literally unique and absolutely one-of-a-kind and of course you will receive the exact pendant shown.

With the colors and tones used (the deep purples very much like amethyst) it would also be a great gift for someone born in February. Amethyst is the birthstone of February and this definitely has that kind of colorway and feel to it!

Available for purchase HERE. While it lasts!

 

This Week at PhoenixFire Designs

Added a few items to the shop this week so here’s a quick look at the new pieces.

Chrome Diopside (“Russian Emerald”) in the deepest, richest emerald green is featured in this stunning Tree of Life pendant wire wrapped in sterling silver.



Soft, pale yellow faceted citrine rondelle gemstones are the centerpiece of this Tree of Life pendant wire wrapped in sterling silver wire.



Stunning Tunduru (Tundra) Sapphire in a range of reds, oranges and browns make up this gorgeous Tree of Life Pendant in Sterling Silver Wire.



These and many other items available the shop right now. Plus, I gladly accept custom orders. Consider something unique and handmade for the holiday season instead of something made in China.

 

Surgery Tomorrow, October 5th

The day is finally here. My surgery is finally tomorrow.

I am having major surgery on Wednesday, October 5th. I will be in the hospital 24-48 hours after surgery. Orders from Monday, October 3rd onward will be delayed shipping until after I am home from the hospital and recovered slightly. I anticipate orders to start shipping again 1-2 weeks after surgery, or about mid-month. I will do my best to keep in touch, but please allow for some delay, especially in the first days around surgery. The shop will remain open during this time as I will continue to rely on my shop sales for my sole income during this time. I appreciate your support and understanding.

You can follow my progress on my blog as I am able to updates.