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The Butterfly Effect

by Leslie, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

Nothing signals the beginning of springtime quite like the butterfly. On silent wings, this vibrant flutterer is stealing the fashion show year after year. Butterflies symbolize renewal, transition and celebration--a perfect fit to be the emblem for returning to warmer temperatures after winter’s chilly days. A timeless icon, the butterfly can be worn by all ages as a sign of femininity and beauty.

Let designs take flight with Crystal Passions® crystal faceted butterfly beads, large individual focals or group together multiple winged charms in an array of materials and finishes. Adorn jewelry lines with delicate details of butterfly embellishments, links and clasps. Try lightweight hambabalud wood focals in three-piece sets to create matching butterfly wing necklaces and earrings so alive with color they look ready to fly off of jewelry. Can’t find the perfect piece to finish your designs?

Try ''Making a Butterfly Cane'' out of Kato Polyclay™ for customized butterfly wings to add to any project. Easy to follow, illustrated instructions will have your heart aflutter with all the possibilities this technique provides. There are tens of thousands of butterfly types, so there is never a chance of running out of inspiration. Create any of these natural beauties or design with your own color palette and wing shape for whimsical and personalized accessories sure to delight. Incorporating color is key; whether color schemes are bold with jewel tones or soft with pastels, create designs as diverse as butterflies themselves.

All manner of jewelry is embracing the butterfly this season, from necklaces to bracelets, earrings and even the re-emerging accessory, the brooch. Designers are layering and clustering butterflies in multitudes for flocks of on-trend style. Even a single butterfly accent equates to the perfect fashion accessory. Shop finished butterfly designs for quick resale items or to supplement current lines.

''Just as the bird sings or the butterfly soars, because it is his natural characteristic, so the artist works.''

- Alma Gluck

Design with ...

• Crystal Passions® crystal butterfly beads and components
• Winged charms
• Butterfly focals
• Hambabalud wood focals
• Kato Polyclay
• Finished butterfly designs
• Butterfly components

Additional Resources ...

• View butterfly design inspirations in the Gallery of Designs
• ''Making a Butterfly Cane'' illustrated instructions
• ''The Meaning of Butterflies'' article

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