|
You know one of the design ideas that I embrace is using different shapes, different textures, different materials? Well I hate to be totally consistent (predictable) – so this time I’m advocating using multiple jewels of the exact same shape and size:
These earrings are long enough – and large enough – to be noticed, but they aren’t heavy at all. And of course can be customized with whatever oolors you like best – or your customer loves – maybe the birthstone colors of her kids. That sort of customization is fun and kind of wonderful. And that personalization makes these DIY earrings a great gift idea (just saying!)
And the jewels here are different colors, so they’re not all matchy-matchy. That counts, right?
It’s always good to remember that fussy, complex design is not the only way to create beauty. Yes, there are designs that require many hours to complete, and complicated elements to create. But sometimes you just need classic, beautiful elements.
Case in point: this necklace idea. Basic cable chain, faceted glass rondelles, and a classic pear shaped pendant combine to make a necklace that would be wonderful for prom, for date night, for work – and in sparkling crystal, wonderful for a bride.
Now is that a great idea or what? Make one to go with your favorite outfit. Or start making Christmas presents now and remember that New Year’s isn’t that far away. Even in this weird, troubled year, we will still find ways to share – and celebrate 🙂
We love lariat necklaces!
They always fit. When you want a special gift for your sweetie, you don’t have to worry about “will it fit”.
When you buy – or make! – one for yourself, you know you’ll be able to wear it with many different necklines. So versatile! And a wise way to spend your jewelry money.
And – I’m going to do more with this soon – you can use more than one color on the featured teardrops, or special jewels at the ends of your lariat. Red – and blue? Why not? Purple and green? Why not?
Or just focus on one gorgeous color, like this emerald-tipped lariat:
Now is that a great gift idea or what? A gift for your bestie, using her kids’ birthstone colors. Or for yourself, with your faves. Save money, make fabulous jewelry, this is a win!
Now these are truly “Statement Earrings” – bold and strong. I show them here in Black Diamond, a neutral that looks great year round – but of course you could use any color rhinestones. Or combination of colors, come to think of it – I may post more pics later just to show some examples!
The pear or teardrop shaped stones here are larger than I usually wear – but they make such an impact! And I don’t mean “weight” impact – they’re not that heavy. Paired with the faceted octagons, they’re just classy 🙂
And yes, if you’re thinking ahead, these would be fabulous Christmas prezzies for your bff or your mom. Or for you. Or for New Year’s Eve. Know what I mean, right?
P.S. Oh! The “sale” I mentioned – for the rest of July 2020, if you buy the black diamond 25×18 teardrops (if you want to make earrings you’ll need two, they’re listed onsite as singles) – send me a note and I’ll include the 10x8mm octagons for free. Limited time offer and all that – just mention this blog post (and remember, this is through July 31, 2020!)
Peridot is the birthstone (color) for August, so I was playing with jewelry design ideas featuring peridot crystal gems that I have. Once I pulled out these two elements – the peridot crystal pendant, and the golden brass flower connector link – the combination seemed irresistible 🙂
Use a golden chain, with or without a connecting jump ring – and you’ll have an easy-but-gorgeous necklace!
Hint: mom would love this. Or your bestie. Or maybe you should keep it, just to, you know, field test the design 🙂
It’s so easy to say “in these troubled times, take a few moments to make something pretty for a loved one – or yourself”. But I think it’s good advice. You don’t want to worry about anything complicated, or expensive. But it’s a treat to make something as a gift – you know how good that feels to give a gift 🙂
And it feels nice to have a pretty new trinket to wear, too. Even if it’s just for yourself, in quarantine.
Take care, and have a little fun!
You’ve probably noticed by now that I really believe in cute earrings that are also easy to make, and don’t cost a fortune. Nobody should have to work that hard to have pretty jewelry – and most of us get a little ‘lift’ from having new pretties. It doesn’t fix the world but it’s a tiny nice perk 🙂
Like this earring design idea:
It’s an easy idea to use – and adapt with your own components. Though of course I’d be happy to send you some 😉
These are specially nice because they have movement and color (you can choose the color of course!) – but they’re lightweight and not too big (sometimes we want delicate!) And I have similar charms in silver plated brass. So – golden or silver (color), you can do this!
Of course you know why I thought of Christmas when I made these earrings – hey, they’re red and green and sparkly. But honestly, they would look good anytime. And (also of course) you could use any color combination.
I am really fond of these. Partly because they have sparkly color that really shows up, but the jewels are small – so these would be really comfortable to wear all day long. And, the silver plated chains add such movement! That’s one of those classic design elements that I really love – with a minimum amount of work, the chains add a lot of style. It’s just a bit of extra fun, you know?
Really – take this idea and make it yours. And, or, maybe some Christmas earring gifts! Just because 🙂
My husband noticed that our new neighbors were working on their lawn and went over to offer his weed eater to them – just being friendly and maybe helpful. Yes, he was being careful – they didn’t shake hands, and he was wearing a double-folded, high-cotton Harley Davidson Bandanna mask, so he was covered. During the course of the casual conversation, New Neighbor happened to ask if we had any actual masks. Nope, we were using bandannas and scarves – and mostly just staying home and avoiding people!
Yard chores finished (for the moment), DH came home, said the new folks seemed like good people, and we went about our day.
Later on, out of the blue, a package with two masks appeared on our porch. Just a friendly gesture, yknow? A gift from our new neighbors. The masks are beautifully made, fitted onto the face as they should be, and created with tightly woven cotton, which is supposed to be the most effective fabric to use.
I wanted to show off the one I will be proudly wearing on those few errands to the outside world!
So now I have a handmade mask that’s pretty cool. And the neighbors?
Are very cool 🙂
P.S. Oh! I almost forgot to mention, my mask is reversible. Here’s the other side:
Aqua and aquamarine – you know they’re the birthstone color for March, right? It’s also worth noting that aqua is one of the most universally flattering colors. From light aqua to deeper turquoise, almost everyone can wear it. If you’re born under the zodiac sign Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 19, i think? correct me if I’m wrong!) – aqua is also your zodiac color.
So if you’re wanting to give (or make!) a gift for your favorite Pisces, or your bff, or your girlfriend, or your mom – or even you – aqua is a wonderful choice! And also, as you can see here, it’s beautiful!
And from today through March 1, 2020 (at midnight) they’re also on sale! Buy one pair and get the second pair (or pendant) free. The only catch is “equal or lesser value” – and while quantities last, so don’t wait too long.
Enjoy – make pretty gifts – or pamper yourself. It’s a sale after all!
|
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
|