Copy Me Results

I was thrilled to find out that I was one of the chosen ones to participate in the Copy Me challenge over at Gaea's blog Gaea Ceramic Bead and Art Studio Blog.
I was sent 3 of her amazing mermaid beads and a photo of this bracelet to be inspired by:

 I used this as an opportunity to challenge myself and to try a few new techniques.
I knew I wanted to create my own focal and that I wanted to create my own clasp.
I wanted to showcase the beads font and center too. I went back and forth between bracelet designs and necklace designs but in the end I made a necklace. -I love necklaces-

I made the etched copper chandelier focal and stamped the word shine on it. It will serve as a reminder to shine in any situation because I a shiny, sparkly person who deserves wonderful people around me.

Then I soldered copper jump rings that I made to resemble the ones in the inspiration bracelet. I made the clasp, a hook echoing Gaea's clasp, I wire wrapping it for a different look.
Then I made "dog" bones from copper wire that I heated with a torch and placed them in between the mermaid beads .

I finished up with faceted rainbow moonstone rondelles, they have flashes of blue, purple and pink in the light that I though complimented the beads really well without overpowering them.

I had a ton of fun with this challenge and was super excited that my name was picked to participate. Thanks so much for looking and I hope you like it.
Here are the other winners so you can check out their results:
 Michelle
Erin
For My Sweet Daughter-that's me!
SueBeads
Spirited Earth
Lorelei Eurto
A big thank you to Gaea for sending me these beads, they are beautiful!