Andrea Turini Blog

Adventures in Beading

[andreaturini]

My wonderful friend commissioned me to make a pair of statement earrings for this dress she's wearing to a wedding. I worked a pair of Swarovski teardrop crystals into a soutache design. It's big, bold, sparkly and lightweight. Thanks for the fun project, Rachel!

[andreaturini]

I’m calling it done 😄 After asking everyone to see what fringe design to do, I got lazy and wore my necklace to work. I really like it as it is! It’s more versatile without adding fringe and I think the fringe would take the focus away from the detail of the piece 💁‍♀️ On a separate note, how do people do selfies?!? It will forever feel unnatural to me 👻 . . . #selfi #selfies #jewelryoftheday #jewellery #jewellery #bohemian #statementnecklace #blingbling #boldjewelry #gemstonejewelry #hautejewelry #silverjewelry #contemporaryjewelry #wearableart #art #beadednecklace #beadembroidery #beadweaving #jewelrygram #jewelryaddict #handcraftedjewelry #raku #instajewelry #chunkyjewelry #purple #druzyjewelry #fringe (at Manhattan, New York)

[andreaturini]

My last class at the retreat was this 3D cuff by Kinga Nichols. I’ve taken a class with Kinga before and love her projects. This one was exceptional - layering a mabe pearl focal with more pearls and embellishments on top of a beautiful textured silk. Unfortunately, we used a 💩ton of industrial strength super glue for the focal in a poorly ventilated room which meant that by lunch, I was dizzy and had a headache. And I kept thinking about my lady bits shriveling as this glue is super carcinogenic (you’re supposed to use gloves and wear a mask...we did neither!) Ah well, at least I’ll have great jewelry when I die young 🤣 . . . #mabepearl #pearl #cuff #beadweaving #beadwoven #beadwork #beadembroidery #wip #workinprogress #inprogress #artjewelry #wearableart #dimensional #silk #fabricart #fabric #statementaccessories #bracelet #stunning #fashionaccesories #moda2018 #modafeminina #seedbead #bohostyle #glitz (at The Beachmere Inn)

[andreaturini]

I’ve been waiting over two years to take a class with Amee Sweet-McNamara and FINALLY had that chance at the retreat! It was a very quick class where we learned to make these earrings using shibori ribbon. The ribbon is hand-dyed and pleated, and you have to stitch it down so it puffs up to show the pleats and then embellish the edges to avoid fraying. I’ve never worked with shibori ribbon but it seems fairly easy. These will make some glitzy statement earrings once I’m done! 💃🏻 I also asked Amee to critique my soutache work since she’s a leading designer and teacher in this technique. I’m looking forward to incorporating her feedback, which mostly was to stop strangling my cord 😬 . . . #showmethemoda #shibori #handdyed #localart #fabric #earrings #statementearrings #wip #workinprogress #beading #beadwork #beadembroidery #exquisite #jewelryoftheday #jewellery #crystals #textileart #textilejewelry #fabricearrings #jewelrydesigner (at The Beachmere Inn)

[andreaturini]

My next class at the retreat was this intricate pendant and beaded chain by Beki Haley. All the class projects come as a kit with at least four color choices. It was so hard to choose which one to make but I really like the black and silver 🤩 The soft spikes on this pendant give it a really nice dimension and feel that I’m looking forward to finishing! . . . #handmade #etsy #beadsupplies #jewels #jewelry #inprogress #wip #beadingdaily #retail #gemstonebeads #findings #diy #beadedjewelry #fanpost #accessorize #swarovski #armcandy #accessories #stones #cavo #blacknecklace #beadedmeditation #handbeaded #greatesthits #jewelryoftheday #maine #blackandsilver #pendant #beadweaving (at The Beachmere Inn)

[andreaturini]

My first class of the retreat was with Melissa Grakowsky Shippee making this sparkly and intricate necklace in ice blue with a rose amethyst focal. It was a good thing I had experience with the technique, prismatic right angle weave, so I could cruise through making the components. Most people only made one small round piece during the class 😳 . . . #beadweaving #beadwoven #handmade #madebyme #jewelery #jewelryoftheday #wip #workinprogress #iceblue #beadednecklace #swarovski #statementnecklace #bridaljewelry #statementjewelry #class #learning #masterclass #inprogress (at The Beachmere Inn)

[andreaturini]

I’m so excited for this bead retreat in Maine 🙌 I’ll be making four new sparkly projects from different instructors and spending time with my mom when not in class 🤗 I made these #southwest inspired #soutache earrings for the earring exchange - I like the pop of color and simplicity of them. Plus you should be proud that I didn’t use any Swarovski crystals 🤣🤩 #ihaveaproblem #allsparklesallthetime . . . #earrings #marron #colorsofsummer #summerinsardinia #sardegna #costasmeralda #chooseyourstyle #beglamorous #beunique #instajewelry #handmadejewelry #tecnicasoutache #quality #estateinsardegna #bebrilliant #jewellery #sunjewelry #sun #picofday #yellow #fluffy #silver #boholuxe #fiberart #bohogirl #bohemian (at The Beachmere Inn)

[andreaturini]

I had the pleasure of collaborating on another custom piece! My client was gifted a jade Pikorua pendant from her daughter, which was strung on a simple chain of gemstones and silver spacers (3rd pic). Like all my custom work, I start by putting together bead and color palettes to get a sense of my clients’ style and color preferences (4th pic). After we narrow down palettes, I’ll present different design options which will be the starting point of the jewelry creation. The result is a truly unique and personal piece of jewelry! This type of custom work is a niche that I greatly enjoy. If you have an idea whether it’s reworking a sentimental piece or creating something unique and original, keep me in mind!

[andreaturini]

It’s finally attached! All that’s left is to add the fringe. Which fringe design do you like best - no. 1, 2, 3 or 4?

[andreaturini]

Remember that #rosegold custom bracelet I made in December? This was my second choice design and I LOVE how it turned out! It’s so sparkly and feminine - it looks and feels like fine jewelry! Available for sale on my shop - link in the bio! —— #petitefashion #petitejewelry #Jewelry #lovethislook #instajewelry #jewelryforsale #musthave #style #handmadejewelry #Bracelet #stylish50s💋 #over40style #Beads #accessories #fashionover40 #design #bracelet #handmade #jewelrygram #bling #boutiques #beadedjewelry #Silver #newyorkfashion #etsyhandmade #delicatejewelry #fashionjewelry #overfiftyfashion #jewelrystore (at Upper East Side)

[andreaturini]

I can finally show this gorgeous lariat I made my sister for Christmas 😀 She liked the rose gold one I had already created but wanted it in grey. I incorporated other contrasting colors in the lariat to give it texture but still keep the piece neutral. I styled it with a grey sweater and my big soutche earrings for a dinner date (yes, you can wear bold jewelry with a sweatshirt!!). The rose gold is for sale on my site, link in bio! . . . #over40style #over50 #over50style #sophisticated #beadedjewelry #grey #gray #rosegold #longnecklace #fashion #datenight #whatiwore #photooftheday #custommade #customjewelry #dailydoseofpretty #moda #modafeminina #plus40fabulous #buisnesswoman #buisnesscasual #bosslady #jeans #dressdown #instafashion #fashiondaily #fierce50 #whattowear #handmadejewelry

[andreaturini]

I finished a custom beaded bracelet for a client today! She liked the #rosegold beads I used in another design and asked for a bracelet using those beads. I put together several color palettes and designs incorporating that bead and got her feedback before testing the design. The next day, I showed her different design options and got her feedback before finishing. When I do custom work, I collaborate with the client in the creation and design of the piece so it’s truly a unique and personal creation! I think this turned out so pretty, don’t you? 😀 —— #petitefashion #petitejewelry #Jewelry #jewelryjunkie #instajewelry #jewelryforsale #musthave #style #handmadejewelry #Bracelet #custommade #over40style #Beads #accessories #selfmade #design #bracelet #handmade #jewelrygram #bling #boutiques #beadedjewelry #Silver #etsy #etsyhandmade #delicatejewelry #fashionjewelry #overfiftyfashion #jewelrystore

[andreaturini]

Yezzzz finally finished the side pieces!!! It took FOREVER to decide how I wanted to fill that space in a way that both gave texture and interest but also didn’t detract from the main focal. And then(!!) making both sides match, which I sorta had to let go of exact symmetry. Now to back the side pieces, connect everything and add fringe. Maybe I’ll be done by next Christmas 🤣 . . . #workinprogress #jewelrydesigner #boldandbeautiful #big #statementnecklace #rockandroll #fringe #bohostyle #purple #over40style #over50 #designjewelry #beadedjewelry #aerosmith #nightoutfit #gemstonejewelry #beadembroidery #etsyseller #nycjewelry #nyc #rockstyle

[andreaturini]

I’ve been figuring out my camera settings to get new pieces up on the shop. This is a very difficult part of my hobby but Jill Powell Photography is making it much easier. She’s able to articulate critiques of photos and suggest adjustments that actually work! I almost have it down and can run through the 75+ pieces that need to be photographed 🤦‍♀️ . . . #jewelryphotography #brandphotography #etsyphotography #productphotography #handmadephotography #uniquejewelry #handmadejewelry #green #pinwheel #diyphoto #fiftyandfabulous #fortyandfabulous #classicjewelry #olderwomen #nycjeweler #nyc #greenjewelry (at New York, New York)

[andreaturini]

Druzies 🤩😍🤩 ... #druzy #stones #rainbow #sopretty #ijustwanttoplay #jewelrysupplies (at Beads by Blanche)

[andreaturini]

I finished another beautiful design by Betty Stephan that mixes purples, greens and golds to accent a gorgeous dragonfly button. At Betty’s suggestion, I made a beaded extender so this necklace can be worn closer to the neck with an button down shirt, or longer as a focal with a sweater. I love having options with statement jewelry to be able to wear them all year long and with different types of necklines and outfits. This will be another great class taught by the entertaining Betty! Look for it in the spring!

[andreaturini]

I'm planning my next move. My bead embroidery design is constantly evolving so a white fabric pen along with pinning the piece to a bust is helpful to visualize how I want the edges to finish. On the left, the neckpiece tapers then squares off while on the right, half circles in decreasing size would end the piece. I like the left better because it mirrors the shape of the gemstone focal. Only a little bit left to cover on the left, then I match the stitching and design to the right, finish the back and add fringe! Yeah, it's actually a lot more work left to do... 😐