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This is something I take for granted – I use (and wear) a lot of ball chains, the simple chains that are used in the military to hold dog tags – and out in the jewelry world, to also hold dog tag pendants. Plus a lot of other necklaces and pendants.
They’re easy to open and close – once you know how. But if you aren’t used to them, they’re probably maddening! They don’t have a typical clasp. Instead, they have a connector as shown in the sketch below.
I think that shows it pretty well – basically, you find the little connector, hold it securely with your thumb and forefinger – and with the other hand, snap the little round balls out of the connector. Or slip the little ball back into the slot, to re-connect the chain. it’s easy – once you get used to it. And if it’s still difficult, drop me a note – we’ll figure it out!
This really is a classic design – adapted for the gorgeous colors and strong shapes of these rhinestone octagon jewels. You don’t need a lot of fuss – you do need components that will carry your design beautifully.
Like these! The style is simple – strong faceted glass gems, in a repeated design. But the color and size of these jewels make it much more than “minimalist”. And of course you can take this idea and run with it.
That’s what DIY jewelry is all about – your own creative design, affordable components, personalized colors and style. And making exactly what you want!
This is one of my favorite ideas when I make jewelry for myself (or for customers): use a lot of color. Play with new combinations, shapes, and materials. Don’t spend a fortune. Have FUN with these DIY jewelry designs!
The link is to the rhinestone beads and jewels in my shop, because these affordable faceted glass gems are the cornerstone of a lot of beautiful jewelry designs. I’ve got a lot of colors and shapes – and if there’s something you’re looking for and can’t find, please drop me a note. I might have some stashed (or know where you can find some)!
I’m going to be trying a lot of fun new designs – and I’ll show them here, to maybe spark an idea or three among you all. If you think of a fun new combo, maybe you could send a pic and share?
That’s half the fun right there! Saving money, fun new designs and colors – and sharing 🙂
It’s a gray February day and I’m so looking forward to springtime! So these pretty peach diamond-shape rhinestones are looking extra special right now.
They’re great used “as is” for earring drops or small pendants. Or you can use them in two-ring settings as fabulous glass connectors. They’re lovely in either golden brass or silver settings, and the color is flattering for almost everybody. And they’re affordable. And did I mention pretty? (but you can see that for yourself.)
Easy to use and affordable DIY glass jewels. That’s what it’s about right now, yknow?
And this is just a peek at some of the amethyst purple glass and rhinestone jewels I have available in my shop right now. Using birthstone colors is one of the easiest ways to customize your jewelry items. Just, you know, mentioning that 🙂
I’ll be posting a few DIY jewelry design ideas – and some special Deals of the Day – with amethyst in mind. Stay tuned!
(And if you’re in a hurry, send me a note and ask about my Buy One Get One Free offer for next week!)(Seriously!)
This pair of rhinestone jewels is one of my absolute favorite choices for prom jewelry. They’re not just clear crystal (which is just a little too bridal). But they’re still light-color, girly, and sparkly. They’re large enough to have great presence but not so big that they’re uncomfortable. And the “light colorado topaz” teardrops are often called “champagne” color 🙂
And champagne strikes me as very prom-ish. Just saying!
(Do it yourself prom jewelry? Why not? You’ll look great, and you’ll save money, which means you’ll have more money for That. Gorgeous. Dress!)
And if you have a birthday girl in January, you might want to know that you can get lovely, affordable, rhinestone garnet jewels for fabulous earrings – just for example, like these:
Of course there are lots of different styles – and color combinations – you could invent (and I know you’re thinking of some of them already!) This design idea is just a starting place 🙂
Garnet rhinestones for January birthday gifts – a great DIY earring design idea to spark your creative juices – this is a great way to start the year!
Let’s face it, we need it. There is so much to worry about, and most of us are just trying to do the best we can, love our families, pay our bills, and have a little fun along the way. Simple, human goals, and sometimes it seems like the Powers That Be are conspiring to make all that impossible.
So I figure we should do our best to make it possible. Love each other as best we can, appreciate our friends and our neighbors, get involved in our communities, and try to be kind. All things to aspire to, yes?
And have a few little pretties along the way, to share with friends, loved ones, and treat ourselves. That’s where I’m at this year.
And hey, here’s a glimpse few of the DIY glass pretties I hope you can enjoy 🙂
Happy new year!
Vivid red rhinestone glass gems are perfect for Christmas – and actually, you could get them in time (but it’d be close). But you know, red is also the color for Valentine’s Day. And if you’re thinking of making some gifts – or creating some jewelry for sale – Valentine’s Day isn’t very far off!
So – maybe we can put our thinking cap on and start thinking of the new year. And Valentine’s Day. And DIY Valentine’s Day jewelry for those we love 🙂
The glass jewels shown in this DIY earring design idea are all vintage glass: the cherry red ovals were made in post-war Japan, and the black rhinestone teardrops are West German, from the early 1960s I believe. I’m relying on the original packaging for that guesstimate – they were originally sold by the half gross, and wrapped in paper. That paper had the importer’s business name, address, and telephone number printed on it. The phone number had no area code – the phone number was something like, RIVERSIDE 8635. (I’m going on memory here, don’t have the paper anymore.)
Now that’s vintage 🙂
These are very handsome jewels, in great shape, and the opaque colors are bold and strong when you’re not in the mood for sparkly and delicate.
(They’d be great for Christmas, too. Just, you know, in case.)
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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