Beaded Keys
All my friends know I'm an American Idol fanatic and this year (for the first time ever) I decided to send in a gift to a contestant. I've never claimed to be a beadmaker but a few months ago I decided to give making beads on a antique skeleton key a try. I bugged a close friend to explain the process of making a beaded key and then set out to create my first key. I added some charms and sent the gift in as a present not only from myself but the whole fan forum I belong to. I really didn't expect him to wear it (but had my fingers crossed any way) and when he DID wear it I was so mesmerized watching the performance that I missed seeing he was wearing my gift! Someone pointed it out the next day. DUH!
Since then I've been having a great time creating these necklaces. I enjoy creating all the charms and in some cases creating a whole "theme" around the focal bead. Below are some I've been working on recently.
Be sure to click on the pictures to enlarge.
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My very first beaded key
I blurred out the name of the fan forum for privacy reasons. I also added a closeup picture of the charms I created below.
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Charms
A close up of the brass charm I created to go with the key as well as some lampworked beads and gears.
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My ONLY claim to fame. haha
But I'm thrilled with just this once. ;o)
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Loyal Minion Key
I created this key for a raffle to raise money for the fan forum I belong to. It was meant to be sort of dark and sexy. There is a story behind the "Loyal Minion" saying I created on the brass charm ... but I won't bore you with that. haha
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Charms
Here is the same key as above but spread out so you can see the charms.
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Starlight Key
I'm currently working on this custom key.
The "theme" around this key is the song Starlight. The bead was created to have a "starry" effect and the long charm represents "shooting stars." This key was created mainly with fine silver and just a few elements of sterling. There are a number of Swarovski crystals in this piece, including clear and indigo hearts.
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Same key but spread out. The sterling silver charm has "Starlight" and "Never fade away."
Click on image to enlarge.
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Charm
Here is a closeup of the "shooting stars" charm I mentioned above.
I did fix the crooked top after taking this pic. haha
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