Laurel's Bead Box- Dreaming of Mermaids

Who doesn't love a curated box of beads where all you have to do is pretty much assemble the beads?! I certainly do because it takes the guess work out of it, makes things a bit quicker,  and easier!

Meet my friend Laurel of Laurel Moon Jewelry. She's the mastermind behind the Laurel's Bead Box- be sure to follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurelsBeadBox/

Laurel was kind enough to let me try a box- and she sent me the current blue green Dreaming of Mermaids themed box.  I agreed to review this box because I have been a long time fan of Laurel's etched copper pieces, and you may have seen them pop up in my designs in the past year. I kind of figured whatever it was she had up her sleeve was going to be great, and I was right.

First of all. Get a load of this- it comes in this awesome reusable round box. I LOVE that!

But the magic, is INSIDE!

Taken from the ETSY listing:
This is the special edition "Dreaming of Mermaids" debut box! It contains:

*a handmade ceramic wave pendant by Melanie Brooks from Earthenwood Studios

*a handmade ceramic "Dream" pendant by Diane Hawkey

*a handmade pewter mermaid bead by Green Girl Studios

*a handmade etched copper mermaid pendant featuring an amazing design by Cynthia Thornton from Green Girl Studios and etched by me - Laurel Moon Copper

*an assortment of freshwater pearls

*an assortment of apatite, cooperite, and amazonite semiprecious stone beads

*an assortment of faceted Czech glass rondelles

*an assortment of shell pendants

*an antiqued copper beadcap

*an assortment of vintage German glass beads

*a thread tassel

That's an exceptional collection of components that all coordinate together for the Mermaid theme! I love a good ocean theme, especially in the dead of winter when all I can think about is having sun on my face. This box retails for $40. You could also check out the rest of the Etsy shop to get any other additional beads and components to go with this collection- Laurel has a large inventory of premium beads!

It didn't take me long to get creating with this set, and I sat down and created two pieces so far. I haven't used all of the components yet. I still have a few more things to work with but have set them aside so I could hurry up and get this blog post up. 

I made this necklace first- using the Pewter mermaid pendant, pearls, stones, etched copper pendant, and large shell pendant. I brought in some other freshwater pearls and clasp from my stash to finish the piece off.

This awesome Curlique hook and eye clasp is from Stinky Dog Beads- and I pulled it out and wondered how the heck I was supposed to use it. I think it could be used with leather and some glue. But I decided to use some brass wire and created attachments with wire wraps.

The second piece I created was a bracelet, using the Diane Hawkey Dream charm, and thread tassel. I pulled in some glass drop seed beads, and some glow-y matte sea glass beads from Stinky Dog Beads. The vintage shell shaped button pulls it all together! I really love both of these pieces!

All in all a really fun collection to work with. If you are looking for a bead kit with EVERYTHING you need to finish a piece of jewelry, this isn't it. This is a collection of focals and beads that can be used with other beads and components such as findings and wire- from your own collection- finish a piece(s) of jewelry. But, most of us have this stuff on hand, right?? I think it's a fun way to challenge yourself, and get thinking a little bit outside the box. I probably could have tried using all of the components together in one piece, but instead decided to make several pieces instead. 

There are kits available in Laurel's Etsy shop now ! Snag yours now and be sure to tag your finished pieces on social media #laurelsbeadbox so that we can see all the different interpretations!