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I could go on and on about the benefits of doing it yourself. It’s fun to create things – it’s cool to be able to get exactly what you want – it’s wonderful to be able to give a gift that you made yourself, with love. And all that is entirely true. But really? Here’s the bottom line:   Cost to make each of these pairs of pretty earrings? About $5.00. You see my point 🙂 I get a kick out of reading the “color trends” for each season. They’re fun to read, and if you’re in retail, they can be handy indicators of what colors you’re going to want in your store. But it’s a con game, too. Pantone is generally regarded as the most reputable trend-projector. Here’s a link to their Color Trends for Fall 2012. The colors include “French Roast” (brown); “Honey Gold” (which is, well, gold), “Tangerine Tango” (orange), “Pink Flambe” (deep pink), “Ultramarine Green” (deep teal-ish green), “Olympian Blue” (rich deep blue), and “Titanium” (gray). And as a comparison, here’s the report for Pantone’s Color Trends for Fall 2011. The colors include “Coffee Liqueur” (brown); “Bamboo” (gold), “Emberglow” (dusty orange-y coral), “Honeysuckle” (deep pink), “Deep Teal” (deep teal!), and “Quarry” (bluish-gray). And, in Fall 2010: Color Trends for Fall 2010. For that season, the colors included “Chocolate Truffle” (brown); “Golden Glow” (gold), “Living Coral” (dusty coral), “Lagoon” (turquoise-ish teal!), and “Oyxter Gray” (gray). I haven’t mentioned each color for each season – just some examples. You’re probably noticing a trend. The professionals are projecting that these will be among the really hot colors for the upcoming Fall 2012 Retail Season: Well, duh. They’ve said that each year for like, every season you’ve probably been alive. Or as long as Pantone’s been listened to. And of course brown and gray and deep green or blue are going to be popular for Fall. My point? 1. It’s not the colors that are “new” – it’s the NAMES of the colors. So stop worrying about it. Go with what looks good to YOU. Somebody will have a name for it that IS the “color of the season”. And hey, you tell me. Are these pear jewels “Ultramarine Green” or are they not? Am I on trend, or what?  Yeah, like I said 🙂 And in this little foray into “how could you wear this” dress (see prevous post), of course I had to mention that a strong, beautiful pair of earrings would enhance this outfit beautifully. These jewels, for example, would be wonderful with “our” lovely vintage dress:  Yes, they’re a more vivid sapphire blue than the dress. Think how lovely they’d be as earrings, peeking through tousled waves like the model’s ‘do. Or a casual updo? Perfect. And glam. And of course, if you do it yourself? Major affordable. Yes, the jewels are available in my vintage jewelry supplies shop on Etsy 🙂 And especially with the holidays coming up – oh not quite yet, but still headed our way – my goodness, why not do it yourself and save? Because, well, heart jewels are always of the good. Hearts mean love. Hearts are always in style. If you make jewelry to sell, hearts are a pretty good bet – boyfriends and husbands want to make their sweeties happy. Hearts do that and the guys know it. And did I mention that hearts = love? This is a win-win idea! Such as these pretty vintage rhinestone heart jewels I currently have in stock:   and  Sometimes I have other colors too… peridot, light sapphire, siam…. stop by and check (or send me a note and ask!) Because vintage heart jewels are always of the good 🙂 I just think it’s interesting, the different colors that have gotten one name in the jewelry biz over the past few decades. Like the title says – these are all “rose pink”:  Rose Pink Vintage Glass Jewels And these are not even all the examples I have of that color name – only the pics I had with white backgrounds. All the shades are lovely. They’re just not the same. No wonder people get confused sometimes when they’re ordering a certain color! All are available at Weekendjewelry1 on Etsy (yes, it’s my shop). And all are available in patina brass, golden brass, or shining silver plated settings. If you don’t see one of the listings, just send me a note! Even after a mild winter like this one, it’s wonderful to see people breaking out their spring pretties – and that includes lots of color. Of course accessories – and yes jewelry – can be a great way to add color and variety and versatility. So we’re talking color here:  Vintage Glass Jewels in Spring Colors All are available at Weekendjewelry1 on Etsy (yes, it’s my shop). And all are available in patina brass, golden brass, or shining silver plated settings. If you don’t see one of the listings, just send me a note! Color. Gotta love it 🙂 Of course I’m already thinking about spring – I’m not a winter person! And Valentine’s Day is coming up fast…. These vintage rhinestone (glass) hearts are clear – they go with everything. And they add a pretty little sparkle for everyday 🙂 They’re available in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop>: 
They’re available in your choice of silver plated settings (shown here), or patina brass settings, or golden brass. Make yourself a pair of pretty earrings – with vintage jewels. Eco friendly and pretty! P.S. And of course if you make jewelry to sell – heart jewels are hot! I just thought I’d give a peek at some of the goodies I have in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. I love these little sparklies – and I hope you will too 🙂 Of course they make wonderful holiday jewelry – for yourself, or maybe even more, to make some lovely gifts without having to spend a lot of time – or money. PS Do you know someone who’s getting married soon? What a wonderful gift, to make bridal jewelry for your BFF! I love the color of these vintage rhinestone heart jewels:  I just added them to my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. I’m always looking for rhinestone hearts – they tend to get grabbed up quickly so I was very happy to find these. Rich and romantic and they’d make gorgeous earrings and necklace focals. If you’re in the mood for hearts, you might want to go peek! One of the fun things about making jewelry is the different styles you can design – even with (mostly) the same components. It doesn’t have to be difficult. This is not rocket science – it’s about making pretties to wear or give or sell, and having a good time while you’re at it! Here’s an example of some earrings I made recently:  Montana Sapphire Vintage Rhinestone Jewel Earrings – Variations on a Theme The main components are vintage rhinestone (glass) jewels – and yes, they are available here, in my Etsy shop. Of course you can use any jewels (or beads) – these are pretty ones that I had on hand. The other components? some earwires, and golden chain, and another vintage glass jewel in a similar but not identical shape, and a complementary color. None of these was difficult to execute – and they are pretty and flattering to wear. Play around with what you’ve got – try different styles – have some fun! P.S. As always – the designs here are not State Secrets – if they spur a creative idea for you, go for it! |
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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