SWAROVSKI Crystal FERIDO Treasure Box by Melissa Player

I wanted to use up some of the shells in our collection box so I went in search of a little wooden treasure box which I finally found on ebay! Anyhow...I have finally covered this cute box in sparkly Swarovski Crystals & Pearls, Sterling Silver Sea Creatures & lovely seaside shells that my boys have collected over the years when we go on family holidays. Using Ferido in Aquamarine I went about hand setting all the Swarovski flatbacks, pearls, coral twigs and the beautiful big AB Seashell. The colours are just beautiful and the contrast of the organic shells against the glistening crystals makes for a wonderful effect.

So...I give you Treasured Seaside Memories which was made for the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition

SAFARI by Melissa Player

Many thanks to Australia's Creative Beading Magazine for featuring me as the profiled designer in your recent edition (Vol6 No2). I had no idea how much work goes into writing an article for a magazine, getting the photographs right, getting the copy right etc,etc. I really have a whole new level of respect for such processes.

Pictured: SAFARI - Hand crystallised Leather Corset, 2009 - 3rd Place Creative Beading Swarovski Crystal Competition

VOLCANIC ERUPTION by Melissa Player

For the last few years Creative Beading - an Australian based magazine has been running a fabulous competition with Swarovski being the major prize sponsor. This year they have added a cool new category where you have to design and make an item using only Swarovski crystal bicones in any size.
A couple of years ago when I was visiting Kristallwelten (Crystal World in Wattens, Austria) I couldn't resist buying a few rings blanks. Up until recently they have been sitting in boxes awaiting inspiration. So, whilst lying on my couch a few months ago starring at one of my favourite prints called Pele's Whisper by the world renowned landscape photograper Peter Lik I was struck with inspiration!!
Many hours of colour matching & wire twisting later my Volcanic Eruption was born - so thanks Peter Lik (an Aussie lad) for not only providing amazing photographs to adorn my walls but for also providing the inspiration for this unique wireworked ring.