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Woo hoo! I just got these sweet acorn charms in golden brass and needless to say, they are great for DIY earrings (okay, also dangles for bracelets and necklaces, absolutely!)
I featured these same style charms in silver (see my post here) – and people have been loving them! Small, cute, well-made charms are such a hit this spring. And these are made in the USA – quality all the way.
They’re quite sturdy but as you can see in the pic, they’re hollow back – which makes for super comfortable earrings. I don’t know about you, but I’ve pretty much had it with heavy earrings. I’m all for the comfort. And great style.
Affordable is nice too, if you know what I mean 😉 Who doesn’t like saving money! Which is one of the great things about DIY. You don’t have to have 10 years experience. You don’t need to invest big bucks. You can do this!
This was just a little exercise – I had requests for these two different styles of oval duos (the bottom jewels in this pic). And I had some “white opal” glass octagons nearby.
The lighting here was the same for both pics, and except for tiny variations it’s hard to avoid while processing, these ought to look very much the same except for the different colors on the larger ovals. And yet the eye sees a bit more difference. Maybe it’s the tiny aqua rhinestones – but the jewel combo “earring” on the left just seems brighter, even with the navy blue. And the amethyst combo on the right appears smokier, more antique.
I’ll be curious to see what other people think 🙂
(Yes, these are all available in my Etsy shop – separately anyway. If you don’t see them, just holler!)
It’s amazing how fresh this color looks for spring. Why haven’t we seen more navy blue, excuse me, montana sapphire, lately? I’ve had several people ask if I had some of these beads – probably because I really encourage my customers to ask me when they’re hunting for some rhinestones or glass jewels and just can’t find them. Sometimes I can’t either – but lots of times I can 🙂
See what I mean? Fresh and clean looking. The color doesn’t shout but it’s really good. And of course, it goes with almost everything.
Like I’ve said before: good looking, quality materials, easy to use, affordable. This is a win 🙂
Yes, I like to play with beads and jewels – they’re my medium, if you like. And I think it’s good to try things that we aren’t “supposed to do”. After I saw that yummy, fuschia pink silk dress (see my post here), I couldn’t resist playing with some fuschia pink jewels.
I deliberately grabbed beads and jewels that I wouldn’t usually pair with the fuschia pink jewels. In the example on the left, that big jump ring is aluminum – not a material you expect to see with a classic rhinestone teardrop. And the upper stone is navy blue.
In the middle design, those round(ish) beads are glass E beads – I probably wouldn’t choose those color combinations and those very..hmm…casual beads. But hey, why not try it?
The design on the right has a sapphire blue oval paired with the fuschia pear. And the settings aren’t even the same color. Well, we definitely wouldn’t do that.
But – why not? Okay, if it was me, I’d try to use three different settings, not two, so it looks deliberate. But that’s me. You ought to do – whatever feels right to you. Both gold and silver settings in the same earrings?
Why not?
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 🙂
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 🙂
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 🙂
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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