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

Winter Art and Craft Show at the Hershey High School

Adjustable waxed fiber necklaces are made with roundish seeds from South America died vibrant colors, millifore flower glass, and tiny hand crafted glass beads from Java, Indonesia. I've made many in several different color schemes with NO two exactly alike that are all adjustable in length.

Shimmering strands of raw SILK from Argentina combined with a denim lapis lazuli from Chili. Looks classy with blue jeans! Several to choose from and no two are exactly alike.

What: Winter Art and Craft Show

When: November 1, 2008 Saturday

Time: 9am - 3pm

Where: Hershey High School - Indoors!!

Address: Hershey High School,(click on Hershey for a map) 550 Homestead Rd, Hershey, PA


Come visit the DUCHESSE collection of handmade jewelry with tons of new and exciting designs with vibrant colors!

Rained OUT...

The Chamber's Hill Elementary Craft Show day unfortunately was a RAIN OUT. The RAIN DATE however, has changed. The Rain Date for the Chamber's Hill Elementary School is now OCTOBER 11. However, I will be unable to attend. I am working on the possibility of other local events in NOVEMBER. I'll keep them posted right here. Check back soon.

Chambers Hill Elementary School's 1st Annual Craft Fair

The DUCHESSE collection will be on display at this fund raising event:

• 1st Annual Craft Fair
  


• Chambers Hill Elementary school
  


• Student Activity Fund Raiser
  


• September 27th 8:00am - 1:00pm
  


• Rain Date - Saturday, October 4th, 2008
  


• PHONE: (717)561-1655
  


• LOCATION: 6450 Chambers Hill Road Harrisburg, PA 17111 Click on the address. This will take you to mapquest which will show you a map of the area and the star is the school's location.