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I just wanted to share this new combo with you all – we’re still in the middle of winter, and a little rich color just looks good, yknow?  It’s a striking combo – and just a reminder, that trying new colors and shapes is an easy, simple way to play with ideas. Green and purple? Why not? These pretty beads are a great example of easy – affordable – pretty DIY jewelry suppoies:  Easy? Just add earwires or jump ring and chain: your earrings or necklace will be ready to wear. Affordable? $3.49 for a pair in silver or brass settings. Pretty? Like I said 🙂 People don’t talk about the Challenger anymore – it’s not part of most people’s conscious lives. But it’s part of mine. On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded a couple minutes after takeoff. I’m not sure anymore of the exact number of seconds, though I’m thinking it was 80-some. We’ve found out why (a faulty O-ring, and an attitude of “it has to succeed, so shut up and cross your fingers”). And in the big picture, it’s one hiccup on the trail of human exploration. But it’s personal to me, and it was a tragedy, and there were 7 wonderful people on board that shuttle. A divorced Jewish woman astronaut! A black guy! A Hawaiian oriental guy! It was a mixed-race, mixed-gender, wonderful crew – representatives of the real human race. They were beautiful, and heroic, and they died because we – their caretakers – were stupid. And the world goes on. But today, I thank these people for their heroism and their lives and their sacrifices. I haven’t forgotten. Michael Smith Ronald McNair Ellison Onizuka Gregory Jarvis Judith Resnick Christa McAuliffe Bless you all. Thank you. May you rest in peace. You are remembered. I’m just showoing off these pretty glass beads 🙂  I recently got in the smallest size shown here, the 8mm round beads. They’re darling used alone if you want tiny bright earrings. And any of these glass gems can be used alone, as is, of course. But the combo is fun, isn’t it? They’d make dangly, vivid, sparkly earrings. Sometimes you want to be noticed. Hot pink? Yeah, that works 🙂 If you don’t feel like being all Valentine-y or just don’t like to wear red, why not go in a totally other direction? For example, these black enamel filigree charms are great with jewels, pearls, or beads added as a dangle – but they’re also terrific used As Is.  Slip on an earwire, and these are ready to wear. Or fit a jump ring into one of those little openings around the edge of the charm, put the jump ring on a chain, and: black enamel necklace. Wear it anytime, anywhere. Fine jewelry can be exquisitely detailed, intricately crafted, and expensive. “Fashion” jewelry – and hey, what’s wrong with fashion? – can be fun and affordable. Life is complicated enough already, you know? This is not rocket science. These black filigrees are $1.00 a pair. Make it easy on yourself – DO it yourself. These look good, they’re cheap, they’re fun. Sometimes it really is that simple 🙂 I was revisiting one of my favorite vintage boutiques on Etsy, Joules Jewels Vintage – oh my I love that shop! And among all the new goodies I found, Jillian is offering these adorable shoes:  And why do I love this shop, you’re asking? (Actually you already halfway know, because you are seeing these shoes.) Well! Her pics are clear and contain the info you need to shop wisely, her prices are fair, her reviews are terrific, and honestly, it’s just FUN to shop there! And. Those shoes. Really that’s all I need to say. I haven’t even mentioned yet, the tan leather boots she’s got that oh I wish were my size, and the adorable piggy bank, and the actual Givenchy dress that you just have to see! This is why vintage is so much fun. This is why we love it. This is not a revolutionary idea – but this year I’m going to point out occasionally, how making your own jewelry for gifts, for yourself, or to sell, can save – or make – you money. First idea: “buy the set and save”.  These particular glass beads would cost $4.79 if purchased separately from my shop – the set here costs $3.99. Already you’re saving a bit of money. Of course there are many talented jewelry artists who can provide you with beautiful necklace and earring sets – but if you’re looking to save money, it can be such a smart move to do it yourself. These earring jewels come in one-ring, two-ring, or No-ring styles, so you can make dangle earrings or stud earrings with only the addition of post earring backs, or earwires. The teardrop jewel can be turned into a classicly simple, lovely necklace by adding a jump ring and chain. Easy, low-cost, and pretty! This is a good way to start the new year 🙂 I love this bright orange color, these smooth gorgeous glass jewels. They’re fun, they’re flirty, they’re just a great way to greet the new year. They’re vintage, from the late 1950s I believe (the company that made them has been out of business for quite a while…)  I don’t know about you, but I don’t always want to be Serious. Orange? These smooth, buff cabochon jewels are just made for fun 🙂 Now this is the best example in the world for why we love vintage. It’s snowing outside, it’s cold, it’s going to be Red Alert Winter for a while, you know? We want to be warm, and safe (non-skid boots!) – but we also want to look great. And we want our stuff to be special, and a little bit unique if possible, and fun. Fun is important. So! Look at these fabulous boots.  Are those not wonderful? And they are only $35.00 plus shipping! Trust me, if they were my size, I would be showing you a different item, because these would be already sold. I found them at LesSoeursVintage, a wonderful vintage boutique on Etsy. You really and truly want to go shopping there. Even after Christmas. You deserve a little goodie for yourself. Like the vintage floor length black dress, or the vintage 1950s Bestform lace-up corset, I’m serious, you have to see it! Do you get the idea that this could become your favorite vintage shop? Yes. You’re welcome. And a merry Christmas to you, too 😉 Hearts and flowers – okay, just hearts. Vintage glass red heart jewels – as shown here, paired with red oval earring jewels – or worn as a pretty, romantic pendant. Mention “red heart” when you place an order at my online jewelry supply shop and you get a free pair of red glass jewels. You get to choose the style 😉  Of course they’re wonderful for Christmas. And, you know, Valentine’s Day is coming. Just saying 🙂 Deal of the Day for December 18, 2016 – good till tomorrow night! |
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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