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Faceted black pears – two sizes for a DIY jewelry set!

Okay, I’m not doing Christmas colors anymore. One, it’s a nice change from what we see a lot of right now. And two, there may or may not be time to get your jewelry supplies, make a jewelry gift (it’ll be gorgeous of course) – and then send it to your giftee. In theory that can totally happen: but the post office is way overburdened and sometimes things arrive more slowly than they should. So I’m not showing red and green jewels. I’m showing Black. (And of course you can find more shapes and sizes at my shop.)

Because: Black is always in style. Black jewelry, black outfits, black shoes, black accessories…are always going to be useful. When in doubt you can always wear black. The faceted black jewels shown here, just as examples, would make a fabulous pair of earrings and matching pendant. You’ll think of other ideas of course, with these and other black glass jewels.

Black always looks good.

Garnet glass gems – the birthstone color for January

I know, Christmas is almost here! I hope your Christmas shopping is all done – but, hey, if you need something quickly, please do check out my shop – if you decide that DIY jewelry works for the gifts you want to give, I can get your order out same day or the day after. There’s still time!

But once you can relax about Christmas – you might want to think about the January birthdays coming up. Your mom, your bestie, your daughter? (Or yourself!) Garnet is the birthstone for January. I have lots of gorgeous garnet glass gems in my shop… just saying!

It’s easy to shop, easy to buy, and I ship quickly – keep it in mind, yes?

White multi-stone glass gems for Christmas gift ideas!

I thought I would focus this time on some of the two-stone or multi-stone gem settings I have available in my shop right now! And especially the white glass gems because (1) they go with everything, and (2) Christmas is coming soon!




These are great DIY jewelry supplies for Christmas gifts. For one thing, they’re lovely. That’s important! They’re also affordable and easy to use – add earwires and you’re good to go! Of course you can use them in more complex designs as well. They can also be customized – with these “two jewel” settings, you pick the color of the tiny round stone. So you can choose your mom’s favorite color, or match the tiny stone to your daughter’s birthstone. Or, well, you get the idea – you choose!

Easy to make jewelry ideas that are customizeable and affordable. This is a *great* idea for Christmas – or other special occasions! And of course, white customized jewelry is perfect for wedding jewelry! (But you already thought of that!)

Sparkling DIY earring design idea

I love sparkly earrings and think these emerald green and crystal earrings are gorgeous! Of course you could adapt this idea using your own stones and jewels. And your favorite colors – or, your customer’s favorite colors when you make a special pair for her!

And because we all love special deals – from today through Sunday, December 8, 2024, when you buy any emerald glass jewels in my shop, you get a second pair free! Or if you prefer a 25mm pendant, you get another one free. Just until supplies last of course (but I just got in some more so we’re good) – all you have to do is mention this blog post, and tell me which freebie you want!

Red and White Earrings – new view on a model!

Okay, not a model – a mannequin. But she’s close to life size, so this gives you a good idea of the scale of these vintage glass stones, and how they actually look *as earrings*. (Yes both stones are vintage – the red 10x8mm ovals are from the 1960s, and the white 18x12mm teardrops were made in post-war Japan.)





I’ve said it before – and had several customers say it to me – why we love vintage so much. For one thing these are very pretty glass stones! And the (other) best part – there’s no additional carbon footprint. These are already made. Good for the planet – and great for DIY jewelry!

Refashioned upcycled fashion – so cute!

I just found the cutest top! Now if you ask me, this is fashion at its best. This top started out as an out of shape old too-big tee shirt. And now it’s cute and your teen might even wear it, unlike most of the stuff you try to pick out for her! (Or, who am I kidding, YOU will wear it!)

refashioned upcycled tee shirt top

Now this is not a radical fussy change. It’s just a great one. It’s probably not super difficult to do – I sew a lot, and I could probably figure it out. Maybe. The thing is, I don’t have to. You don’t have to 🙂

I found it at Twice Stitched on Etsy – and Vanessa, the designer/artist/shop owner has some of the most fun, original, interesting, adorable clothes! It’s just a (big) plus that they are also eco-friendly and upcycled. And did I mention? Major affordable!

You need to go shop there. You’ll thank me. The environment will thank you.

And you’ll look so good!

Upcycled dress. The best kind of fashion!

I saw this adorable dress on Etsy and loved the casual style. Then I noticed it’s made from upcycled components, and appreciate it even more. This is so smart!

boho upcycled dress from Revival boutique on Etsy

Isn’t it great? Casual – funky – and kind of sexy/fun. I found it at Revival boutique on Etsy. The designer said it beautifully: “What better way to be kind to the planet and create something unique, classic and timeless?”

So: kinder to the planet. Ecologically smart. Original stylish dress. One-of-a-kind, well-made, affordable garments you’re going to love.

This is what I call a win. Go shopping – you’ll thank me!

Fabulous vintage party dress

We’re talking va-voom here. This royal blue, vintage long dress is great-looking, it’s simple – the kind of “simple” that means well-designed and it’ll look good for 20 years instead of fussy and faddy. It’s classy but not boring. It’s *interesting* – in the good way:

vintage royal blue dress

You see what I mean. Those dress is fully lined, so those panels in the skirt are flirty but not too revealing. This is a totally year-round dress, bare in summer, and with a warm coat all winter. It will always look good – will make YOU look good.

I found this treasure at DressVintageattitude and the owner/curator (known as Adoration2013, love it!) says this on her About page: “Love shopping vintage dresses and skirts. I feel confident and happy when I rock my vintage dresses. They always satisfy my eagerness for clothes. They are divine!” And that kind of says it all.

Oh. Except. One more really important feature: this blue dress, this cobalt royal treasure that will make you look divine, costs $19.50 USD plus shipping. Yes. You read that correctly.

And now you’re already gone, because you are shopping at this wonderful boutique. You can thank me later 😉

Upcycled boho dress – eco friendly chic clothing

This is not only a terrific dress, it’s the very best kind:


upcycled boho dress from Lillie Nora Dry Goods...lillienoradrygoods...on etsy

So why do I say “the best kind”?

1. It’s cute.
2. It’s upcycled, which is always of the good.
3. It’s year round wearable – how fun and flattering in the springtime, just like she’s wearing it in the pic? And for fall and winter, add leggings. Maybe a cami underneath, for body-hugging warmth.
4. It’s affordable.
5. And did I mention, it’s cute?

Because it’s got to look great or you’re not going to wear it. But it does. So – like I said, the best!

PS It’s available at Lillie Nora Dry Goods on Etsy, one of my favorite Etsy shops – where Barb, the artist / designer, has many adorable upcycled garments. This girl is *good*!

Upcycled clothing at its finest

I absolutely had to share this top with you. It is a great-looking, unusual, fun, crazy piece of clothing.

upcycled boho gypsy top available at Primitive Fringe boutique

Just imagine how much FUN it would be to wear this top? It’s made from vintage fabric and recycled tee shirts, so you know it’s comfy and feels good. I mean – fabulous and unusual. Affordable. And upcycled! This is just what I want to find when I go shopping.

I found it at Primitive Fringe at Etsy. Deanna, the artist and owner, has truly done some scrumptious work there. And – after I found this shirt, and more yummy upcycled clothing, I discovered that she has also done colorful, terrific jewelry too.

This place is such a find!