Treasures of the Ocean Jewelry Set

Hey, friends!  You know how much I love the beach, and as much as I thoroughly enjoyed our recent vacation, I'm kind of bummed that it's already over for this year.  So, when I saw these gorgeous green shell beads that remind me of the ocean, I thought I'd make myself a jewelry set that will make me think of my favorite place all summer long, even when I'm not there.

Here's how I did it:

Materials:
- 3 20 mm x 15 mm Oval Green Shell Beads {mine are provided by Wholeport.com}
- 6 silver head pins
- small pearl
- 2 small crystals {I chose turqouise and clear}
- silver chain
- 2 silver earwires
- 3 silver jump rings and a silver lobster clasp
- jewelry tools: wire cutters, needlenose pliers

To make the earrings, all I did was place each bead on a head pin and form a wire wrapped loop.  If you're not comfortable with wire wrapping, you can make a simple wire loop instead.  Then, I attached them to the ear wires.  You could always embellish with other beads, but I thought these were so gorgeous that they make a really striking pair of statement earrings all on their own.

I wanted the necklace to have a little something extra, so I searched my bead box for other things that would be consistent with the beach/ocean vibe of the shell bead itself.  I found a small pearl and two small crystals that I think compliment it perfectly.  I prepared the shell bead just like the earrings by placing it on a head pin and forming a wire wrapped loop.  Then, I set it aside and placed each of the other three beads on their own head pins and making wire loops at the top.  I attached those three beads to a single jump ring and attached that jump ring to the shell bead.  To finish it off, I added it to a silver chain.

I'm thrilled with this set; I absolutely love the gorgeous shade of green and it reminds me of my favorite place, the beach, every time I see it!

What do you think?  What would you do with shell beads?

Hugs & Glitter,

Disclosure: I was provided with free beads from Wholeport.com.  All opinions in this post are 100% my own.