Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Revision Process

Periodically, I go through the collection of necklaces I have made and find one that doesn't feel "quite right." Sometimes I take it apart and start from scratch like an artist who paints over old canvasses. Sometimes, I hold on to the basic idea and change one part, like the chain used or one section of beads. Sometimes I take out some beads or shorten the chain sections and sometimes, I add something.

These lovely plastic beads drilled on the diagonal were popular in the 60s. Because they were strung together without eye pins or jump rings, the overall effect in the original necklaces was created by them overlapping each other. When I found a broken vintage necklace with several of these beads still in good shape I knew I wanted to use them in one of my designs. The first version included simply the beads separated by jump rings hung on a dark brass industrial type chain.
Recently, when I "found" it again, it seemed that part of the beauty of the beads was "lost" because they were still too close together. So I found some small round glass beads to insert in between each of the square beads to contrast their size and shape.
I haven't listed the necklace in my etsy shop or named it yet (any suggestions?). But I am definitely happier with it now. The process is as important (and interesting) as the product.



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Two New Necklaces in the Shop

Chunky, chunkier, chunkiest vintage metal and enamel chains!
I picture Glinda, the good witch, wearing this when she attends parties in Munchkin Land.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Inspiration - Song Titles

Since each of my jewelry pieces is unique, I try to come up with a different "name" for each of them. I  realized recently that very often when I look at the finished piece, whether it's because of the shape or colors of the beads or their arrangement, the first thing I am reminded of is a song. I only hope, since my taste in music is very eclectic, that other people "get" the references.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Inner Calm Dangle Earrings

These dangle earrings for pierced ears are made from recycled vintage glass hoop beads in pale grey and mint green - summery, chic and eco-friendly!


Friday, April 26, 2013

Plastic Fantastic Necklace


Plastic Fantastic Necklace
Recycled, retro and rose pink (and black)! A mix of vintage silvertone metal chain and snap link chain equals a unique, eco-friendly necaklce that is long, light and fun!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

April Enchantment

Pure Enchantment Necklace made from vintage silvertone rollo chain and plastic and glass beads in sapphire blue and frosty white - elegant, light and eco-friendly!



Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Kid in a Candy Shop Necklace

Recycled vintage "moonglow" beads in a summery mix of colors. This necklace has a clasp and is shorter than most of my slip-on pieces. Unique, chic & eco-friendly!




Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Sonata in Pale Pink Dangle Earrings

I combined vintage metal scrollwork beads with pink rhinestones and long, teardrop-shaped plastic pearls (also vintage) - unique, casual, classic and eco-friendly!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Babe in the Woods Necklace

Recycled vintage chain and clasp, vintage beads and a pouf of vintage lace in sweet shades of green and white - eco-friendly, chic and fun!



Sunday, February 10, 2013

Brick & Mortar Necklace


Brick & Mortar Necklace
Recycled vintage coppery brass bar chain and vintage beads in brick, brown, honey, tan and off-white - a unique, versatile, easy piece.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Bits & Pieces Sari Silk Ribbon Necklace

When I make my necklaces, I always have bits and pieces of vintage chain left over - bits and pieces that I can't bear to waste. So for this necklace, I put them all together, along with some vintage glass beads and silk ribbon made from recycled saris and voila! An eclectic, soft, light and eco-friendly one-of-a-kind piece.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Love Potion Dangle Earrings

Think pink for Valentine's Day! These lovely handmade dangle earrings are made from recycled vintage bezel-set plastic crystals and creamy white glass pearls. They are light, sweet and eco-friendly!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Winter Wonderland Necklace

Shiny vintage rollo chain and clear plastic beads in different finishes mixed with creamy vintage glass pearls - an elegant, chic, eco-friendly necklace!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Child's Play Necklace

Colorful vintage wood and plastic beads and delicate goldtone chain equal a fun, casual, unique and eco-friendly necklace!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Modern Romance Dangle Earrings

Vintage materials with a modern edge - these unique dangle earrings for pierced ears are made from recycled vintage glass baroque pearls in creamy white and unusual wrapped brass wire beads - fun, hip AND eco-friendly!

Saturday, December 8, 2012