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And then, there are times when you want a golden earring – no jewel tones, just metal, and not expensive – but looking rich. Hey, I sell glass jewels, and I love the sparkle – but sometimes I want a little quieter luxe. Like these:
Are those not a graceful, feminine shape? They’re a bit over 1″ long, large enough to have presence but still lightweight and comfy (yes I’m big on comfort). They’re perfect when you want something special – but you don’t want to shout 🙂
Affordable, comfortable, gorgeous: this is a win 🙂
Yes, I’m a closet geek – seamstress. Hey, when you love vintage, and are always looking for great value for your money, and you find a stash of vintage patterns? It’s kind of wonderful.
You can see what I mean. I’ve used Simplicity patterns, they generally have good clear instructions, and this dress would not be fussy to make. (Okay, not *super* fussy.) And yet! Think how you could rock this garment. Day, night, dressed down and simple for work, and when it’s time to party? Yowza!
I found this yummy pattern at Fripperie, a vintage pattern and sewing supplies boutique at Etsy. Suzanne, the owner, has some fabulous finds there – she organizes her patterns by decade. You will love the hunt!
Go see. You’ll find wonderful vintage patterns. You’ll create special and unique garments. You’ll thank me 🙂
I just love these cute little charms (or can we say, darling minimalist earrings?)
As you can see in the second pic, these little charms are hollow – so they’re very lightweight – perfect for comfy earrings. Also inexpensive. But they’re also beautifully formed – look at the detail! They’re made and plated in the US, and the manufacturer has been a leader in the brass (and brass stampings and jewelry findings) field for most of the 20th century.
These charms are the perfect touch when you want to add a little ornament to your jewelry design – or make a minimalist statement.
Win 🙂
Just for fun – with this easy ring base and cabochon combo:
You can see how easily it works. The ring base is lightweight and flexible – and adjustable, so it fits most fingers easily. You just find a graphic you like (the example was from an old magazine ad) – cut it into the oval shape inside the ring base (it should be approx. 25mm x 18mm, or 1″ x 3/4″). Slip it into the base. Add the clear glass cabochon, then gently squeeze the prongs closed. It’s that easy.
And you can make one to match every outfit. Or day of the week. Or, maybe, make a typeset graphic saying something you’re just dying to tell the world. “I’m getting married” or “Bite me” or whatever mood strikes you.
Easy, cute, inexpensive. We’re not talking the crown jewels here. We’re talking fun 🙂
Color is one of the most fun things to play with. And we sometimes forget to experiment and try new ideas. We always use blue with green, or red with black, or, well, just imagine the same-old-same-old combo you’ve been wearing forever.
Change the experiment. Break the rules. Or just play.
You see what I mean about playing with color – and shapes? Pull out your bead stash, or the glass jewels you’ve been saving. Spread a white cloth (or paper!) on your desktop or work surface, so the colors really show up. Combine shapes you don’t usually use.
Play. You’ll find combos you love. I promise.
I wanted to show you a few earring designs – just as examples – that you could make, with a pair of glass jewels and some ornaments. Simple ones, silver ones, inexpensive and easy to use.
The ornaments I’ve used here are available in my shop – or you may well have some at home that you can use. A feather, a flower, a silver leaf… you see the possibilities. Of course you can use more complex designs – and they can be wonderful. But even simple ideas have great style.
And you can do it 🙂
You know that aquamarine is the March birthstone, right? So I got to thinking about aqua, aqua blue, aquamarine, light turquoise…. all those color names for pretty aqua jewels. And since I had just found that totally darling aqua prom dress (see post here), I thought it could be fun to look at aqua earrings, too.
Let’s go understated, first.
These stud earring jewels are easy to use (just glue on earring posts – E6000 is a pretty reliable jewelry glue). They’re small(ish) but large enough to have a bit of impact, about 1/2″ long. They’d be great day or night – and kind of extra fun, when people *expect* you to wear long dangly earrings – and you’ve got on a pair of classy button earrings, instead.
Anyway. That’s a start. Don’t get me wrong, I like dangly earrings too – and I’m going to come back in a day or two and show off some designs I think you’ll like.
But meanwhile? Aquamarine blue. March birthstone. Make a birthday present for your BFF or your mom. Or you, of course 😉
And really this is what vintage is all about. Good vintage, anyway. First and most important, this is a terrific dress.
And: it’s vintage. Which means it’s probably better made than a lot of the new dresses you’ll find in shops these days. Also a better value (Yes!) And you’re not going to see ten of them at your prom, which is cool too.
And it’s girly and pretty – and that princess seaming? Uber flattering. And the lacing is a little bit sexy and fun. But not so racy they’ll kick you out of the prom.
I found this treasure at Ruffles and Daisies, a vintage boutique on Etsy. Kati, the curator and shop owner, has a great eye. She’s got some wonderful finds – and she shows them cleanly and clearly, with an eye for showing details – an all important skill for selling online.
Go peek. You’ll thank me!
(And by the way. Yes, this will be a great prom dress. But it’s one of those rare styles that could look super on somebody 16 – or 60. Like I said: a GOOD dress!)
Yes, I’m thinking Spring. I’m so looking forward to warm weather and sunshine and playing outside 😉
Aren’t those lovely? And think how pretty as a delicate pendant, on a simple gold chain. Or earrings that will look great with so many outfits. Easy, affordable, wearable.
And pretty. That just sounds good, right now!
I’ve had so many requests lately for amethyst beads and jewels – and pendants. I think partly because amethyst is known as the gemstone of love – and even glass jewels have that same mystique.
and – this part is not mysterious – they’re pretty, and affordable, and easy to use. Add a jump ring or bail, slip it on a chain, and your vintage style necklace is ready to wear.
Are we thinking Prom yet? (Yes!)
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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