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I wanted to point out a little concept that you’ve thought of lots of times – when you’re looking at your wardrobe. It’s true with jewelry too. Have one basic neutral, and you can add lots of different colors – no, not all at once! (well…. hmmmm….)
But not right now. Right now I wanted to show you a quick idea. A clear jewel – no color at all – just a bit of sparkle. Add a bit of color. Voila: new combo.
These are really pretty together. And would be great for the holidays – night or day. They’d complement your outfit, without shouting (you’ll try other combos, for that). And they’ll look good.
Buy, or scrounge, or thrift, or swap, so you’ve got a few neutral bases (like these clear teardrops) – then add fun little bits to them. Instant jewelry wardrobe for not much money or work.
This is a win 🙂
With school starting up, this is a great way to make some money at local craft shows. Make some earrings (or whatever floats your boat) in your team colors. I’m not suggesting infringing on any trademarks…. just that, if your son’s high school football team colors are blue and gold, well, it couldn’t hurt to offer some jewelry in those colors, when you’re selling at the local fundraiser.
No reason you can’t try a few ideas along those lines, yknow? No copyright infringement, please. Don’t claim that you’re offering official North Kansas City Hornets jewelry – you’re just selling earrings made with purple and gold. Other teams – say, the Dallas Cowboys – might get a little touchy if you say you’re selling their licensed jewelry – without the license. But selling earrings made in montana sapphire (navy blue) and white (crystal) – well those are just going to be pretty. And they certainly don’t need to be licensed.
You see what I mean. It be a great way for your neighbors to learn about your jewelry biz – and a cool way to raise money for the football team!
I had featured some fuschia pink bead “triples” several months back see post here – and just recently started playing with fuschia again. Sometimes that rich, bright color is just what you need!
Yes, I love to try new combinations – almost at random. The center design shows simple, small round glass beads hand wired (using inexpensive gold craft wire) to a teardrop bead. None of the colors match. And yet, isn’t it kind of interesting? I thought so. And of course, you could “randomly” choose colors that are just what you need for a special outfit…
That’s the fun of making your own jewelry (and having lots of bits and pieces from previous projects!) You can try stuff. You can create your own look. You don’t have to spend a lot of money.
That’s a win 🙂
I’ve talked about these adorable sparrow connectors before but I just wanted to take a moment to show you how pretty the golden (raw) brass birds are:
They really do make terrific earring links or dangles – or connectors for your necklace or bracelet. They’re versatile and work with so many styles.
But – small tip – you can also clip off one ring, file the ends gently, and use them “as is” for earrings. Pretty little golden birds, just a touch whimsical, and of course as earrings they go with practically everything. Plus, they’re lightweight and inexpensive. This really is a win!
This is a design I love – and my customers have been pretty happy with it too 🙂 These crystal (glass) octagons are pointed back cabochons, glass jewels that measure 14mm x 10mm (approx. 5/8″ x 3/8″). They’re well faceted, sparkly, and feminine.
And here’s the even-cooler part. Take this same basic design, and instead of adding silver(y) chain, attach a clasp.
And presto, you’ve got a gorgeous bracelet! Hint: try this. When you’re making the necklace, instead of adding the chain to the octagons with a jump ring – use spring rings instead. Made that way, you can attach the chain to the jump rings anytime you want to wear your necklace. Or you can leave the chain off, clasp the spring rings *to each other*, and wear your octagons as a bracelet! (I’ll do up a pic soon and add it here.)
Double sparkly goodness for your prom, your Saturday night date… or your wedding. Win!
I was playing with glass gems again, trying unusual color combinations to see how they’d look together. Sometimes that doesn’t work, of course – but sometimes we learn stuff and find very cool combos. I think this are kinda cool together 🙂
I think those jewels, linked with small jumprings or hand wired, would make fabulous dangling earrings. Or use them for one end of a lariat necklace!
Have fun with colors. Life is too short to always do the same old same old, yknow what I mean?
I recently found some smallish, adorable brass heart charms, both golden raw brass ones and deeply blackened hearts. I think the possibilities with these are endless!
Well, okay, maybe not endless. But varied, and interesting. I was thinking how cool these would look, paired with a vivid glass charm in red, or maybe a hand-wired white pearl dangle. I’m going to try a few ideas and will post them here later.
Heart charms are always in style, you know? They’re feminine and seasonless – and for easy, fun earrings? A win 🙂
These 13mm (1/2″) resin roses aren/t precious – they’re just pretty 🙂 And they combine beautifully with antiqued brass, with filigrees, with glass. I’ve purchased a few and I’m going to be trying out a few ideas.
I’ll be listing a few more colors – and playing with some roses / jewel combos. So stay tuned for a bit (or check a little later..)
(aren’t they cute?)
These brass sparrow two-ring connectors (in one incarnation or another) have been popular for a while now – they aren’t as trendy as foxes, or as last-season as owls: they’re a perennial favorite. And this particular batch is lightweight enough that they’re wonderful for earring dangles and connectors. They have a vintage patina (though are actually new brass) – the antiqued look is always in style.
They’re available in blackened brass (newly popular this year) or golden raw brass as well – and they add a fresh, pretty touch to your earrings. And of course they’re fabulous for links in your bracelets or necklaces.
Easy. Inexpensive. Fun. This is a win 🙂
Just another example of how contrasts make all your elements look better:
You see what I mean? Whether this filigree-style “ornament” or another, the drama of using black with clear jewels adds a little extra something. These clear glass ovals are nicely faceted – the light and sparkle add just enough pizzazz to this combo to make it extra fun for a necklace focal. These were on my worktable – if I was going to make a necklace, I’d use gunmetal chain – or silver – or copper.
Contrasts. Play with stuff. Don’t match all your elements – on purpose. It works!
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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