Handmade Designer Jewelry by Toni McCarthy . . . Since 1995
BEADS & THREADS has been my business name since 2005. Before that I designed under the name of BEADWARES. No matter what the name, I have been designing handmade beaded jewelry since about 1995, and always my focus has been on What Women Buy for Themselves (although I have LOTS of customers who are men too!) All pieces are designed and made by me in my studio here in Camas, Washington. Czech glass in bold colors is my main "fabric." In addition, copper, brass, and silver wirework are mixed with metals, gemstones, pearls and found objects in one-of-a-kind designs.
The best way to contact me is through my email. We can chat about what you'd like. See my ordering and shipping information for the contact form.
Below are a few of my new collections. Check My Gallery page for more designs.
"Wild Heart" Glass Charm Bracelets
Each bracelet is made of new Czech glass with individually wired charms, but each bracelet has one Swarovski crystal "wild heart" somewhere in the design.
"Crimson"
Dark red Czech glass, brass beads and findings.
Extends from 7 to 8 1/4"
$110
"Chartreuse"
That lovely lime-y yellow, some orange, some teal and gold-plate findings.
Extends from 7 to 8 1/4"
$110
"Glow"
Kind of green, kind of taupe with brass findings.
Extends from 7 to 8 1/4"
$110
"Strawberry-Watermelon"
Red, reddish oranges, some green, some teal with brass findings.
Extends from 7 to 8 1/4"
$110
"Just a Little Bit Wild"
These are mostly MIXED MEDIA (just because it's so darn much fun to do): Tagua nut, lampwork glass, gemstones, bone, metals, found objects, vintage and new glass, pearls--whatever I can pull from my stash that just "goes." I road-test each one for wearability and balance.
Tagua nut slices, ceramic, and lamp work glass knotted on faux leather
$78
"Rose"
Tagua nut, clay, copper, and turquoise
Niobium earwires
$39
"Cappelletti"-- Little Hats (I'll have these in several styles this year)
These "little hats" have copper findings, but I have some in antique brass and antique silver-tone too.
The bead caps are enameled in lovely bright colors, and each rests over a Czech glass bead in something that just "goes." There is a crystal dangle at the bottom of each (sometimes Czech fire-polished glass), and where the chain connects to the ear wire there is another glass bobble to catch the light. Look for glass "hats" too and sometimes copper or silver.
I use niobium ear wires either in copper-tone, gray, or black, whichever fits the earring best. These wires are hypo-allergenic if metal bothers you.
$33
"Dragon Feathers"
Well, these dagger beads actually look like feathers to me. I have them in many colors and keep trying fresh combinations in new styles. I can make you something--let me know your colors.
BrickStone Ribbon Bracelet (lays flat around your wrist): Many Colors Available
These lovely dagger beads in shades of red are perfect with copper if you like that fiery look. They flip back and forth but lay nice and flat on your wrist.
The copper ring is off-center for interest and is embellished with more dangles. It's adjustable with a short chain.
$79
Tuxedo Ribbon Bracelet
More neutral with the black and silver, but there is some copper, lavender, red, yes, and a bit of orange.
$79
So BoHo Chic . . .
This necklace is 35" long and has dozens of individually wired daggers, other glass shapes, and brass charms attached to the decorative brass chain.
It can be doubled (there is a clasp), but if worn long on something black or taupe, it would be so... so chic.
$274
Dragon Feather Cluster Earrings
New this spring are these clusters of Dragon Feathers, AKA daggers. I have chandeliers, shoulder dusters, and rather small (for me) clusters of just a few.