My newest additions to the DUCHESSE collection I designed to feature more of the colorful textures of the fibers. Here's just a couple in an array of colors.

All are light to wear, some easily adjustable in length and fit right over your head and others have a handmade toggle clasp.

One of my latest creations

This woven pendant I created on the loom Randall designed and made for me while visiting friends in Montana this past summer. My cruising friend Virgina who now lives in Tucson taught me how to use a loom and create square pendants with beads and fiber while in the Caribbean cruising and again this past summer at her home.

I decided to play around with the weaving and try some of my own designs hoping to feature more of the fibers and less of the beads in the actual pendant itself. Here's just one of my new creations.

Completely adjustable, the necklace measures about 16 inches in the closed position.

Completely open, the necklace measures about 25 inches.

Weaving details close up...

Just pull to open it. Throw it over your head and pull to close to the right length for your outfit. The brown waxed nylon fiber makes it easily adjustable.

Denim blues mixed with a coppery like color is the theme made with African turquoise, glass and bone.
Perfect piece to add class to your favorite jean outfit. Wear it with denim blues, copper, browns or white.

If I know you and you know me and because I'm across the border, I can try and ship this home with one of my friends here to anyone in the states before Christmas. Just contact me privately to work out the details.

Price: $55 plus shipping

Would love to know what you think? Leave a comment! :)

Beading group in Puerto Vallarta

One of the wonderful things about traveling is the new connections you can make with people with diverse backgrounds and dynamic personalities. I was lucky to be connected by a former cruising friend to this wonderful group of women who have a passion for beading. Meeting weekly, sharing idea's, creating unique pieces of art to wear, laughing and sharing information on what's going on in Puerto Vallarta in terms of movies, art walks, fashion and such is what they do. I'm now happy to be a part of the weekly gathering. Next week we hit the yacht club! And yes some of these lady's are cruisers or former cruisers like myself.

This weeks meeting was hosted by Maureen who's son ironically instructed my daughter with some guitar lessons last spring. It truly seems like a small world sometimes!

Everyone brings a project to work on. I've been on a weaving kick the last couple of weeks so decided to bring my loom that Randall made while we were in Montana this past summer. Here you can see the loom strung with a pendant in the making.

Maureen, our hostess, tempted us with scrumptious chicken salad sandwiches and the richest tasting gooey fudge brownies I think I have ever had, yum! Our napkins read as follows:

I'm hoping by next week the 14 woven necklaces I've been weaving in a vibrant array of colors will be completed with photographs for me to post here. So, stay connected. They are coming shortly!

Back to Beads and Fibers...

Well I was thinking I'd be able to have more design and creation time while in Montana this summer but, I was wrong. The climate is right however, the allure of the outdoors has been compelling. Yesterday, I finally said "no more" and declined on the camping trip to an island on Flathead Lake and took the quiet time alone to get quiet a bit of things done. Here's one example using the concept of a pouch like the Huichol Indians from Mexico:

Yesterday I was able to complete this one, that I had started weeks ago, along with 7 others in several different shapes and sizes. Some are made to adjust in length. Others have a home made clasp. Some fit right over your head. This one in particular is my favorite in shape because it stashes a credit card, drivers license, and some cash just perfect!

Now to name them. I was thinking Neck Purse-onalities or neck purses? Hum, not quite sure. Idea's are welcome!

My discoveries in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

I've been on a mission. I discovered these absolutely adorable little "neckpurses" while shopping in town one day.

What's a "neckpurse"? Well that's my name for it. They actually have a front and a back with beading on both sides forming a little pouch. Well what could you put in them? A couple of coins, a $100 bill, pills, a key or your shopping list. Dress it up or dress it down, either way it will be the conversation piece!

Huichol Indians who are descendants of the Aztecs that thrive up in the Sierra Madre Mountains make these stunning pieces. Everywhere I go I inquire about the Huichol made tiny little "neck purses" seeking the best quality and color variety's. They are all quite different. Now I have found 2 Huichol street vendors and a store that feature the best! What do you think? Like them? They can be worn long or tied to shorten. The length is around 20 inches plus the purse or pendant is about 3 to 4 inches long.

Let me know what you think. Place a comment below. I'm taking orders via email. So if you are on my jewelry group email list or on facebook, you'll receive the opportunity to buy one from me. The price is perfect. So affordable. Perfect conversation piece! Be on the look out for the email!

Can't wait to make a Cindy Neckpurse! I have so many idea's. Need the cooler weather preferably. So it won't happen until we get to Montana I'm afraid. I think I can handle sketching my thoughts for now.

Huichol Native Indians beading...

I haven't forgotten.  There just aren't enough hours in my day nor days in my week!  To find out what I've been up to the last several months, you can check out our family blog: www.beyondourborder.blogspot.com  Now you'll see why.

During our recent travels to Mexico by car, I have come up with several design ideas which have been brewing in my mind.  I'm truly looking forward to the moments of beading again soon.  I will explore more with the raw silks from Argentina along with some wax threads from Venezuela.  Randall and I may take a trip(Guadalajara) looking for some new fibers and beads from Mexico.  My thoughts are to do my own hand weaving and knotting incorporating various beads, turquoise, glass to create a unique pendant - one that you may put a little something in like some money or a  credit card...  So many idea's and so many possibilities are all just in storage for now!

While in Mexico I have witnessed the Huichol native Indians  creating such tedious sculptures of art.  It is amazing how much time and patience it must take to work with these tiny little seed beads of vibrant colors placed so strategically. Creating all kinds of pieces from jewelry to clothing, these natives who speak no English and very little Spanish are quite intriguing to watch.  

To learn more about the Huichol check out this link.

A few of my latest creations...

Shiny raw silk mixed with the luster of pearls and the brilliance of Swarovski crystals

African turquioise combined with brilliant colorful( blue, purple, green) Swarovski crystals!Playful glass pendant hand made in Java, Indonesia and surrounded with lampwork glass, coral, bone all on an adjustable waxed fiber!

Ornate cast brass leaf medallion, batik bone, sleeping beauty turquoise, purple spiny oyster shell join together with a pewter toggle clasp.


Contact me for more information. cindylesher@aol.com

Girl Friends Night Out - Laugh, Dine and Shop!!

The EVENT is CANCELLED---sorry for any inconvenience!!!

Through the mighty power of the grapevine, I was cordially invited to be a vendor at this event called "girl friends night out". Realize all of these events that have been listed to date are a "first" for me. It's exciting discovering what really works for the DUCHESSE collection. Hope to see you. Here are the details:


"BUBBLES & BAUBLES"
GIRLFRIENDS’ NIGHT OUT!!

When: December 4th 7:00 pm

Where: Prudhomme’s On Fourth-50 N. 4th St., Columbia, Pa.

Why: Laugh, Dine, and Shop with the girls!

Who: Ladies only! Get the gals together-check it out!

What: 8 fantastic ladies with "notions, lotions, potions, jewelry, housewares, health products & more!

Cost: $15.00 includes a lite fare buffet, bloody mary’s, mimosas & spritzers

FOR RESERVATIONS & INFO rsvp 684-1706 Prudhommes On Fourth

Holiday Craft Show of Lebanon

The DUCHESSE collection is coming to Lebanon! Find the details for the show below the pictures. Here's a hint of what you will discover at the show.

Here are the details:

What: Holiday Craft Show of Lebanon

Where: Lebanon Valley Exposition Center, 80 Rockerty Road in Lebanon

When: 2 day show!!

Saturday November 22 from 9am - 5pm and

Sunday November 23 from 10am - 4pm

Admission: $4

I've been to the show years ago and it was HUGE and very well ORGANIZED. You don't want to miss this one!

If you need directions or have any questions, just post me a message below! Click on comments.

I'm busy working on lots of COOL earrings in VARIOUS lengths, colors, and designs. They will make great "STOCKING STUFFERS"!! Every purchase comes with a wonderful gift bag! I made them myself. I need to take some pictures and post them soon. If you're in to different style "bags", I know you'll love them!

Visit the John Wright Warehouse Restaurant and Gift Shop to see the DUCHESSE collection

Some of the DUCHESSE collection is now for sale at the John Wright Warehouse down by the river in Wrightsville. Find a sampling of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Easy to find:

North Front Street, Wrightsville, PA 17368.

John Wright Warehouse is nestled in the town of Wrightsville right across the river off of route 30 in York, PA. It's a wonderful restaurant with fine food and a fabulous gift shop. One of the best views of the Susquehanna while you dine outdoors in summertime or in side during the winter months. Check out their website for more information: John Wright Warehouse