|
A friend of mine recently asked for some ideas for golden topaz glass earrings – and she knows I usually have several jewel styles and shapes in my shop. I showed her these (plus a few others in that section):

Seriously she had trouble making up her mind! She surprised me – she went for the small(ish) round gems shown in the upper right pic, a little more conservative than I expected from her. But she said they were perfect: they had enough color and presence to really show, without being large or heavy.
I’m going to surprise her next week with another pair or two, just to show her some variety. I’ll post some here. But you know that’s the great thing about DIY jewelry – you get to make what you want!
I recently made a pair of earrings as a gift for a friend of mine, using the sheer garnet teardrops shown here in the lower right of the pic below. They were very simple (and of course easy to make) – with no embellishment except for the golden brass prong settings. She loves the earrings!

Now I was prompted to make this particular pair after I saw a new dress she’d bought. But we all have our own spark – something that makes us think hmm, I would love to find (buy)(make) something in this-or-that color. It might be a gift you want to make, it might be something for you.
That’s what’s so great about DIY jewelry – you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. And you can make great jewelry!
Yesterday’s post shows some of the faceted glass 10mm x 8mm octagons I have available right now (and on sale!) I thought it would be helpful to show you the scale of these small glass gems. The mannequin head in this pic is close to life size – so you can see that these octagons, while small, definitely work as earring jewels!

Of course they work wonderfully when you combine them with more glass gems, charms, and other elements. But on their own they are terrific. These small-but-pretty earrings would look good day or night, with jeans or cocktail dress.
And remember, through August 13, 2023, they’re on BOGO sale!
This simple, fun earring design has two main components: silver plated leaf charms that are a bit under 1″ long, and 10mm rivoli faceted, emerald green glass stones, linked to hang from a large ring. The elements complement each other beautifully!

Of course you can choose any color glass jewel that you love (or that you have on your work table!) I do think the 10mm round stones are a pretty contrast to the slightly longer silver leaf charms. But as always, you’ll adapt this idea using your favorite stones and shapes.
Will love to see what designs you come up with!
The golden brass flower connector in this pendant is one of my favorite charms. It’s so pretty – and useful. I’ve used it in necklace designs as shown, and it works for earrings too. Add a small jewel dangle and you’ve got your new favorite pair of earrings!

I have a few more colors of that faceted oval pendant – if you don’t see the color you need, send me a note – I might have some stashed!
It’s fun to have sales! Fun for me to reach new customers (and to give an even better deal to my current customers) – and of course it’s fun to buy something you really love and get it at a sale price!

So my deal this week, from today through midnight on Monday, August 7, 2023, is when you buy a pair of sapphire blue glass stones in my shop (or a sapphire blue pendant jewel) you get a second pair for free! All you have to do is make your purchase and then email or convo me (on Etsy) mentioning this blog post, and then let me know what freebie you want.
Buy one pendant? Get a second for free. Buy a pendant and three pairs of earring jewels? Get four freebies. Only while supplies last, but I’ve got a good stash. Such a deal!
Here’s another example of a pair of earrings that’s easy to make, uses classic shapes in a new combination, is very flattering to wear, and can be adapted to use your own favorite colors and shapes – of course. It’s the idea of interesting combinations that’s really highlighted here!

One of the things I like best about these earrings (well besides the fact that they’re easy to make and don’t cost a lot!) is the combination of sparkling diamond shapes with the opaque red teardrops. An unexpected contrast like that adds a little extra dimension, yknow?
So as always, the goal is (1) low cost, (2) easy to create (and you’ll add your own spin to that of course) and (3) gorgeous earrings. Like I said before – this is a win!
I love pretty jewelry. You probably figured that out. I love affordable jewelry (ditto). And I specially love pretty, affordable jewelry that is easy to make!

The pic here shows just a few of the faceted glass pear or teardrop pendants I have available right now. The sheer jewels just have a delicacy, a prettiness, that I appreciate (and my customers seem to agree). Of course if there’s a color you’re looking for and you don’t see it, click on the pic and message me – the link’s at upper right. Can’t hurt to ask (and no I won’t spam you, really truly!)
We have enough challenges and stresses in this world – isn’t it nice to have something, to create something, that’s pretty and will be a much-loved gift – and you don’t have to work hard to make it?
In this earring design idea, I combined a simple glass gem with large jump rings – easy to find (or you could use any metal drops or rings). Combining glass gems with metal elements, especially in different shapes or sizes, adds a bit of surprise and a fun contrast.

The fun part of course is using your own elements and combining them in new ways. Yesterday I mentioned pulling stones that might be scattered on your workbench, and adding surprises – like metal jumps. Maybe use two or three rings, to create a longer earring and a bit of extra movement. Maybe use six of them. These wil be do-it-yourself earrings in *your* style – play with the idea and make it your own!
This DIY earring design idea came about because I had some jewels on my worktable and I was playing around. Isn’t that the way a lot of designs are born? I love using color, and the peridot green and sheer sapphire blue shown here are a classic combination. Which doesn’t matter at all – the only combination that matters is one that you like!

I think these really work well together though 🙂 You know you wear blue and green together a lot – well I do and I don’t think I’m weird (not about that anyway). The colors are complementary and they work! And these two shapes are a good combo too.
Do what I did – pull out some stones, gems and beads on your worktable, and try new combinations. You’ll find some that you love!
|
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
|