PhoenixFire Designs – The Blog

As usual, I’ve been updating PhoenixFire Designs lately and I’ve added some new items and restocked some previously sold items. Here’s a look at what’s new and back in stock in the shop!

Dew Drop Necklace

Glowing blue micro-faceted Rainbow Moonstone Briolette is nestled on a verdigris patina brass leaf charm. On a sterling silver plated chain of 18 inches.

Summer Tree

This pendant is like summer in it’s fullest, more verdant abundance. The stunning rich, emerald color of dark green aventurine gemstone is set in sterling silver plated wire.

Steampunk Penny Farthing Brass Bicycle Necklace

This Steampunk necklace features a vintage inspired Penny Farthing bicycle charm in brass, accented with watch gears, roses, butterfly charm and crystal on 18″ chain.

Also, back in stock…

And, as always, custom orders welcome! All these and more available in the shop!

Thought it might be interesting to share some photos of pendants being made as well was their final images. The in-progress shots are just quick shots from my cell phone, so forgive the low quality. But, as you can see, last week, I had a whole batch of trees I was working on. These were made over two days for orders, restocks and swaps.

And here are what some of those finished pieces look like:

Here is another tree in progress with it’s finished version

As you can see, it takes a lot of tools and time to make a completed pendant! I put a lot of love and care into each of my pieces and I hope it shows when you receive it.

You can shop for these and other pendants HERE in the shop!

This Steampunk necklace features a vintage inspired Penny Farthing bicycle charm in brass, accented with watch gears, roses, butterfly charm and crystal on 18″ chain.

This piece starts with a large, decorative Penny Farthing bicycle pendant in brass (or antique, aged gold color) measuring 3″ at it’s widest and 2.5″ at it’s tallest.

I have then embellished it with several accents including a large aqua/turquoise blue rose on the front wheel, genuine watch gears on the smaller back wheel (including a genuine, precious ruby in the clock movement), and a tiny Swarovski crystal in the gears.

There is also a butterfly charm added to the front wheel and two chains dangling from the bottom. The chains are mixed metals; one is a textured brass chain, the other, a silvery black metallic. Small, matching flowers in aqua/turquoise and orange/peach hang from the chains.

The pendant is finished with a 3-in-1 bronze chain and spring ring clasp with a total length of chain plus pendant of approximately 22″

It’s fun, whimsical and has a nice Victorian/Vintage style and feel.

Available in the shop HERE

I had a customer contact me in regards to a pair of 14k Gold Vermeil and Peridot Bali-inspired earrings I had made and sold. She really loved them and wanted another pair just like them. In addition, she wanted a bold, matching necklace and bracelet. We discussed her vision and I showed her my ideas and off I went!

I recently finished the set and I think it’s stunning.

This is a big, beautiful, set featuring very high-end materials. Vermeil is pure gold over sterling silver, making it beautiful and wearable. The peridot is all micro-faceted and in a stunning, rich, Spring green color. Together, they are just exceptional. Every piece of gold, from ball-tipped head pins, the detailed spacers, to clasps to chain is real 14k vermeil gold or better. The giant focal pendant is 23k vermeil gold!

This amazing set is an example of a luxury custom request. The buyer wanted something truly special and I was excited by the chance to create something so lovely. If you’re interested in your own custom order – be it high-end like this, or something within a budget – please don’t hesitate to contact me. I love creating unique, personalized creations!

Highly detailed Bali style sterling silver plated beads are accented with several tones of blue and grey Swarovski crystal and crystal stars that dangle from silver chain.

I started with sterling silver plated Bali beads with a decorative pattern of flower petal like swirls and grape-like dots. These handcrafted beads are purposefully oxidized to bring out the depth of the pattern.

On top is an AB Swarovski crystal in Montana Sapphire; a blue-grey hue. Underneath, is a faceted round crystal, then three lengths of dainty sterling silver plated chain. A faceted blue-grey round, a small capri blue bicone and a clear crystal star dangle from each of the three chains. The earrings are finished with sterling plated leverback hooks.

The earrings are a total length of approximately 3″ long. They shimmer and sparkle because of the natural movement of the chain and the high refraction of the crystals. The Bali beads give it a look of a prayer bead to me. It has a mystical, Eastern feel and yet is also fun and whimsical.

Available HERE in the shop!

I’m only 11 sales shy of reaching 400 sales in my etsy shop! I would love to reach this milestone, so I would appreciate help in spreading the word. Perhaps you can share my shop link on facebook, or tweet it or pin a favorite item or two?

More items available in the shop. And, as always, custom orders are gladly accepted as well! Thank you for your support.

Stunning, semi-precious Rhodolite Garnet rondelles in a bright raspberry pink color are set in sterling silver wire to form a beautiful Tree of Life pendant.

The Tree of Life is a concept that’s been featured in myth, story and legend literally all around the world. Since ancient times, people have used variations on the theme. Connecting all things – the realms of the spirit, the physical, the Divine and the mundane – the roots of the Tree and the branches touch all things and bring them together in harmony.

This pendant is handmade using painstaking wire-wrapping techniques. Hand hammered sterling silver plated wire frames and encircles the pendant, and then sterling silver plated, non-tarnish wire is used as the roots, trunk and branches of the tree.

Rhodolite tends to be lighter in color than most other kinds of red garnet. Rhodolite comes from the Greek word “rhodon”, meaning rose. Many courageous discoverers and travelers wore garnets for protection, as they were considered popular talismans and protective stones. Garnet is a natural, semi-precious gemstone associated with the planet Mars, the zodiac sign of Aquarius and the birthstone of the month of January.

The Rhodolite Garnet rondelles used in this piece are tiny and beautiful. Each is approximately 2-2.5mm and a lovely raspberry color. In different lighting, the full range of colors shine and you can see a variety of redish purple hues.

Measuring approximately 1.5″ in diameter (not including bail), it’s a lovely size both for everyday and special occasion wear.

Available for purchase HERE.

My March Tree is hot right now! Featuring beautiful blue aquamarine gemstone chips (the birthstone of March), it’s the perfect item for a lady with a March birthday. It’s also a lovely gift for a Mother of a March child as well!

Each one is hand crafted from non-tarnish, sterling silver plated wire and made to order. Like a real tree, each is unique and beautiful.

Just this week, this pendant has been featured in SEVEN beautiful treasuries!

• Aqua for March
• March
• Aquamarine is for March
• March to the beat of a different drum
• March Madness
• Water and Earth … fra acqua e terra

The pendant is available for purchase HERE in the shop.

Gorgeous microfaceted mystic quartz rondelles in a beautiful pale mint color are stacked on .925 sterling silver pins and dangle from .925 ear wires.

Natural Gemstones are GREEN MYSTIC QUARTZ Micro-cut and faceted big rondelles. AA –Top Quality. Very pale, very delicate color. I made a pair for myself after seeing how lovely these stones were. They’re so simple but elegant.

The color is hard to describe as it changes depending on the light and what’s near it. They can look minty, or pale aqua or sometimes look smokey grey or icy silver. I find I wear them all the time and that because the color is so icy and delicate, they go with everything!

Earrings are a total length of approximately 1″ Rondelles are approximately 7-8mm with a slightly larger on bottom and slightly smaller on top. Ear wires are solid, stamped .925 sterling silver.

Earrings available HERE in the shop!

Someone I did a craft swap with wanted a miniature book necklace. I looked around for some tutorials and inspiration and found this so I decided to give it a try.

(Click any image for larger)

I think it turned out pretty cute!