A Chance of Bling

Chartruese Glass Pearl and Crystal Necklace for Donation to the Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

Matching Earrings by KJ's Beadacious Beads

The Prom Project is a local event in which girls are given the opportunity to pick out dresses and accessories, such as shoes, bags, and jewelry.  I told Beadaholics, the local meet up group of beaders, that I would be collecting donations of jewelry for the Prom Project and encouraged them to give.   The generosity of the community has been overwhelming.  Local beaders made 73 pieces of jewelry valued at $1,935.00 and collected another 56 pieces of jewelry valued at $517.00 for a total value of $2,452.00.

Earrings with Hand Hammered Silver Plate Ear Wires to match Ivory and Gold Luster Pearl Necklace by KJ's Beadacious Beads

Ivory and Gold Luster Pearl and Crystal Woven Necklace for Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

In addition to benefiting the girls, this has been a real benefit for the local beading community.  Local stores have donated time, space, and raw materials, a gift that is much appreciated and will be remembered.  A local jeweler donated 41 pairs of earrings and 8 rings- an unexpected boost.  Friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances have offered jewelry they no longer wear, gently worn dresses that they no longer have occasion to wear, and money in support of the Prom Project. 

Pink Glass Pearl and Crystal Necklace joined with simple loops for Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

Pink Glass Pearl and Crystal with Hand Hammered Ear Wires to match donation for the Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

There is no doubt the girls attending the Prom Project will benefit, but so does the beading community.  I had a few friends over for a trunk show- the theme was Bling in Progress.  During the trunk show we made jewelry with plenty of bling for the prom project and displayed our usual line for visitors.

Blue Glass Pearl and Crystal Necklace with bead woven focal for
donation to the Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

Hand Hammered Hoops with Blue Glass Pearls and Crystals
to match the Prom Project Necklace donation by KJ's Beadacious Beads

This was also a great opportunity for local beaders to network.  The project gave us a lead-in to talk about our artistry and then show it off.  We also met local retailers who we might some day approach for sales of our jewelry.  The organizers of the Prom Project are well placed members of the community and this was an opportunity to demonstrate our talent.  Finally, this was an occasion for local beaders to do something that might be a bit different than their usual line or work with different materials.

Purple Glass Pearl and Purple Crystal woven focals necklace for
donation to the Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

Hand Hammered hoops with Purple Glass Pearls and Crystals to match necklace
donation for the Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

The Prom Project was a Win-Win for everyone.

Gray Glass Pearl and Crystal focal with pearl and crystal strands for
donation to the Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads

I have pictured in this post most of the donations I made for the Prom Project.  Most because it seems I accidentally deleted some photos of matching earrings for a few pieces.  Please go to We Make Pretty Things for pictures of some of the pieces made by my friends.

Soft Red Glass Pearl and Crystal woven necklace  for donation to the Prom Project by KJ's Beadacious Beads