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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.