A Profusion of Pearls! A Profusion of PLASTIC Pearls!

You know how I love vintage beads...especially pearls (even when they're plastic!). They epitomize romance and glamor (my father thought they were bad luck for some reason but my mother didn't!). I find broken pearl necklaces at estate, yard, garage, stoop and barn sales. I salvage the beads that are in good condition and I make necklaces. But not like the usual (think Barbara Bush) pearl necklaces . I don't match the beads and I don't place them in size order (called graduated) and I never, ever create multi-strand necklaces.

When I'm done with the necklaces, I sometimes have just two or three magnificent vintage pearls left...so I make earrings...like the new ones above. I think they're perfect for people who wear costume jewelry, don't like heavy earrings and want something unique and affordable. They'll be listed in my etsy shop soon.

Inspiration ~ NOT Barbara Bush

No offense intended! Barbara Bush is the admired matriarch of an admired political family. She radiates "warmth," "charmth," traditional style and common sense, like June Cleaver and Donna Reed and other 50's moms. Several of the vintage beads I have acquired over the years are "plastic" pearls in various sizes, shapes and colors that came from broken vintage pieces. I decided to create a trademark "pearl" necklace with a quirkier design for the modern mom (or non-mom or teen!). The beads aren't graduated or symmetrical...hey, they don't even match! And that's exactly why I like the way it turned out...it's unpredictable, it's casual and it's fun. I decided to use recycled cotton T shirt yarn (a modern material that fits my overall creative mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat) to anchor the beads instead of vintage metal chain!

For the rest of July, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on the "Not Barbara Bush's Pearl Necklace" and everything else in my etsy shop!

MindyG Jewelry Boutique ~ ETT Shop of the Week

The ETT featured shop this week is the MindyG Jewelry Boutique. Mindy Greenville, who designs and makes all the jewelry in the shop says that her jewelry line "has been created by blending beautiful gemstones, freshwater pearls and fabulous findings with vibrant colors and textures." I love the way she combines materials and a sense of both the "old and new" in her pieces.

For the Week of June 14 MindyG is offering one free surprise gift with each purchase.

Enter "etsytwitter" in the message to seller box when checking out.

Learn more about Mindy and her work by following her on Twitter and Facebook.

I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Plastics. (The Graduate 1967)

Yes, plastics. When they were invented in the 1930's the multitude of uses to which they could be put was immediately apparent...especially in costume jewlery. Vintage plastic beads are one of my favorite materials. I like hunting for them, finding them even more and recycling them into my necklaces and earrings. They imitate glass and shell without the fragility, stone without the weight and pearls and other gems without the expense.

I am a plastic fantastic lover!

South Paw Studios ~ New ETT SOTW

South Paw Studios, which offers handcrafted jewelry created by Ohio artist Katy Mims, is this week's ETT SOTW. The shop carries necklaces, bracelets and earrings and a unique bridal line. Katy's work incorporates faceted gems, Venetian glass, pearls and precious metal. As Katy puts it, "Jewelry shouldn’t be complicated, it should be enjoyable." Her pieces are functional, affordable and can be worn with both casual and formal attire.

This week, Katy is offering a special ETT SOTW discount!

15% off all regularly priced items, now thru May 2nd.

Enter code “Etsytwitter15” in message to seller during checkout.

Discount will be refunded via Paypal.

You can also follow Katy on Twitter and Facebook, read her blog and check out her website!

Mindy G's Jewelry Boutique ~ ETT Shop of the Week

Visiting Mindy G's Jewelry Boutique is like getting a glimpse into Aladdin's treasure cave! Glowing freshwater pearls, colorful gemstones, gold, and sterling silver are all hallmarks of this shop's exquisitely designed jewelry.

Owner Mindy Greenville finds inspiration for her work in nature, fashion, music, and traveling with her family. "Its a great outlet for my creative side," she says." In addition to her online boutique, Mindy also designs custom bridal/bridesmaids jewelry locally in the San Diego area.

Mindy happily offers flat rate domestic and international shipping as well as custom designs.

You can follow Mindy on Twitter and her blog.

Special Offer 10/ 12 through 10/18: A free “surprise gift" with each purchase” At checkout please type “ETT Gift” in the message to seller notes.