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White bridal jewels – and a free gift with purchase

Okay, these are two good things: a pretty earring design idea using white bridal jewels. And, a free gift with purchase. What’s not to love?

The bridal jewels are traditional – with a twist. They are classic modern shapes (that are also pretty, and flattering) – but the white teardrops shown here were made in post-war Japan! That’s post World War II Japan – we’re going back a ways! And they’re in wonderful shape. The “white opal” glass octagons shown here aren’t quite as old – they’re from the late 1950s. So – “something old” here – but so fresh and pretty!

white vintage glass jewels for a DIY bridal earrings design

And! The “free gift with purchase” thing? Buy these components for your wedding jewels (or for a bride you know, or a bridal customer) – and you get a free gift of another pair of white glass jewels, your choice (subject to availiability). This is a limited time offer (till May 1, 2018) so you probably won’t want to wait too long!

Bridal jewels that are gorgeous – and affordable. And a free gift. Like I said – what’s not to love?

DIY Earring Design Idea (and an extra gift!)

I’m just loving the combo of delicate colors with crystal rhinestone jewels – they look like Spring to me, and they’re so easy to wear – flattering and girly. See what you think of this DIY earring design idea!

DIY earring design idea with crystal rivoli rhinestones and sheer light amethyst teardrops

The jewels are small(ish), so this combo is lightweight and comfortable. I sketched it with golden settings but of course silver (silver plated brass settings, made in the USA, and they’re real quality) would work too. I’m just liking the golden brass color for Springtime….

Light amethyst purple, sparkling crystal, and a touch of golden brass. Doesn’t that sound like a pretty combo? Take the idea and run with it – make it your own – that’s what DIY is all about 🙂

(And mention this blog post if you go to buy these components – you’ll get an extra gift!)

How to open a ball chain

This is something I take for granted – I use (and wear) a lot of ball chains, the simple chains that are used in the military to hold dog tags – and out in the jewelry world, to also hold dog tag pendants. Plus a lot of other necklaces and pendants.

They’re easy to open and close – once you know how. But if you aren’t used to them, they’re probably maddening! They don’t have a typical clasp. Instead, they have a connector as shown in the sketch below.

sketch showing how to open a ball chain

I think that shows it pretty well – basically, you find the little connector, hold it securely with your thumb and forefinger – and with the other hand, snap the little round balls out of the connector. Or slip the little ball back into the slot, to re-connect the chain. it’s easy – once you get used to it. And if it’s still difficult, drop me a note – we’ll figure it out!

DIY necklace design – classic octagon necklace

This really is a classic design – adapted for the gorgeous colors and strong shapes of these rhinestone octagon jewels. You don’t need a lot of fuss – you do need components that will carry your design beautifully.

vivid sapphire blue and emerald green octagons necklace design idea

Like these! The style is simple – strong faceted glass gems, in a repeated design. But the color and size of these jewels make it much more than “minimalist”. And of course you can take this idea and run with it.

That’s what DIY jewelry is all about – your own creative design, affordable components, personalized colors and style. And making exactly what you want!

DIY earring design – brass filigree with colorful beads

This is one of my favorite ideas when I make jewelry for myself (or for customers): use a lot of color. Play with new combinations, shapes, and materials. Don’t spend a fortune. Have FUN with these DIY jewelry designs!

DIY earring design with colorful glass beads

The link is to the rhinestone beads and jewels in my shop, because these affordable faceted glass gems are the cornerstone of a lot of beautiful jewelry designs. I’ve got a lot of colors and shapes – and if there’s something you’re looking for and can’t find, please drop me a note. I might have some stashed (or know where you can find some)!

I’m going to be trying a lot of fun new designs – and I’ll show them here, to maybe spark an idea or three among you all. If you think of a fun new combo, maybe you could send a pic and share?

That’s half the fun right there! Saving money, fun new designs and colors – and sharing 🙂

Peach Glass Beads – spring color for DIY jewelry!

It’s a gray February day and I’m so looking forward to springtime! So these pretty peach diamond-shape rhinestones are looking extra special right now.

peach faceted diamond shape rhinestones

They’re great used “as is” for earring drops or small pendants. Or you can use them in two-ring settings as fabulous glass connectors. They’re lovely in either golden brass or silver settings, and the color is flattering for almost everybody. And they’re affordable. And did I mention pretty? (but you can see that for yourself.)

Easy to use and affordable DIY glass jewels. That’s what it’s about right now, yknow?