New Earrings in My Etsy Shop -- Finally!

Now that the Great Flooring Installation of 2011 is complete, I'm finally back to work in my studio.  There's nothing like a little renovation to get me motivated again.  My studio was completely empty for several days as the floor was installed, so I took the opportunity to sort through stuff, clean and rearrange a bit.  While it looks the same (to the untrained eye), it feels very different to me.  In a very good way.

Without any further delay, I'll share with you two new pairs of earrings in my etsy shop.

Midnight Blue Pearls

Concave Cut Green Amethyst

Stay tuned -- I have more earrings to come.  The photos need to be edited, blah, blah blah.  As usual, click on the photos to go directly to the listings in my etsy shop.

New Necklace : White on White

I suppose being surrounded by the white stuff inspired me to make a very white necklace.  The focal point is a beautiful moonstone briolette.  Part of the chain consists of white freshwater pearls securely wired together.  The remainder is oval rolo style chain (my favorite, but generally more expensive that regular cable link chain).  Click on the photo to go directly to the listing.

Ever since I've started using the "auto" feature on my too-complicated-for-me digital camera, my results have improved dramatically.  Imagine that.  I decided that I didn't have anything to prove, so I calmly switched to auto and I felt an immediate sense of relief.  Apparently, my camera is smarter than I am.  And I'm ok with that.

Simple White Pearls

I wear earrings every day, even if I know that I'll be home all day.  It helps me feel more "put together".  Some days, I don't want to think too much about which ones to wear.  That's when I reach for earrings like these.

You can't go wrong with pearls and they go well with everything.  Click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop.  I also have a similar pair listed in gold filled.  These are a bit more elaborate, with a couple of accent beads added above the pearl.

Coppery Pearls

These earrings are brand new and feature freeform wire elements that look like smashed bird nests.  To me, anyway.  They started life as round beads that I bought in Tucson.  I didn't like the way they looked when suspended from a pair of earwires.  So what did I do?  I put them on my bench block and hit them with my hammer.  I like them much better now.  Actually, they are far more interesting and they look better as earring components.  Smashing stuff is fun.

Click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop. 


Thanks to all of you for your warm thoughts and condolences on the passing of my Xena.  It means a lot to me.

New in the Shop! Whiskey Quartz and Freshwater Pearls

Remember this post?  This new necklace is one that I did after I completed that post, but it is the same style.  I started with a large whiskey quartz briolette and used a combination of copper freshwater pearls and chain to complete the necklace.

I think it turned out beautiful and it was difficult to simply NOT keep it for myself!  I love these warm colors. Click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop.

Matte Finish Chalcedony

I must admit that I don't really understand these beads, but I knew I had to have them as soon as I saw them.  They are honey colored chalcedony with a matte finish.  I have no idea how they do that and I didn't think to ask at the time of purchase.

While making these earrings, I was about to attach the drop to the earwire, when I thought "booooring".  Then I had a stroke of brilliance -- it happens so rarely.  I added that beautiful vermeil spacer to the mix.  Wow, I thought, that looks great!  It adds to the warmth of the chalcedony and golden pearl and provides a nice contrast to the oxidized silver.

Just when you think you've run out of new ideas ......

In the Studio

I woke up with a new-ish idea for some necklaces.  What if I used some of my larger gemstone briolettes as  pendants and then instead of suspending them from chain like I usually do, did a little pearl linking, then finishing with chain?  While I recognize that this isn't an earth shatteringly new design idea, it is an interesting variation on two existing lines of mine.  I gave it a try today.

From left to right: labradorite with silvery and peacock pearls, green hydro quartz with pale pink pearls, pink opal with rose colored pearls.  The chain is beautiful oval rolo chain.  I got a smoking deal on that in Tucson.

I have not yet priced these necklaces, but I think they will be quite reasonable.

I have plans for a few more like these, with large briolettes.  Then I think I may do a few with smaller pink tourmaline briolettes with small white pearls.  That one will be very elegant!

A New Pearl Mix Necklace

I love making these pearl-mix necklaces.  I spend lots of quality time selecting just the right combination of pearls for each necklace.  Me and my pearls -- a match made in heaven.  Hehe.

For this necklace, I selected peach irregular rounds, green coins and green pyramid-like pearls.  Next came a creamy beige roundish pearl followed by a cocoa brown square pearl.  Once the selection of 5 different pearls (yes, it's always 5) is made, I play with the arrangement.  The pattern I select will continue all around the necklace.  In this case, it goes on for 16 inches.

Click the photo to go to the listing in my etsy shop to see the whole necklace.

More Spring Inspired Jewelry

The rest of my package of goodies from Artbeads was a bunch of Hill Tribe Silver Beadcaps.  I've used these before and I'm in love with them for the way they dress up any old bead.  The ones I chose have a floral motif engraved on them -- so perfect for spring.

I made this bracelet (yes, I'm keeping it for myself!) using white and peachy-pink freshwater pearls.  These beadcaps don't make a tight fit on the pearls I chose, but that's ok.  It gives the bracelet a more casual look.

If you are a regular blog reader, you already know that I like asymmetrical designs.  This bracelet embraces that.  I have included a small section of chain, from which I dangled a bunch of smaller white freshwater pearls.  I think the effect is lovely.

And here's a photo of the entire bracelet, which I finished with a simple toggle clasp.

Disclosure: Artbeads invited me to join their blogging community. I receive these products free of charge in return for honest reviews. I have not been paid for doing this.

Artbeads.com - Silver

Once again, I was invited by Artbeads to sample some of their amazing bead selection, this time from their silver collection. In exchange for these free samples, I have agreed to blog about them here.

Those of you that read my blog regularly know that I favor simple designs. The Thai silver beadcaps that I chose from Artbeads are perfect for my designs. Here's a photo of the 4 different items I selected: 3 different styles of stamped beadcaps and some multi purpose Bali silver spacers, which one can never have too many of.



So far, I've made two pairs of earrings with these silver products. These spacers are so perfect for larger beads. Here's the link to all of the Bali silver offerings at the Artbeads website. I selected some decent sized pink quartz cubes and pink freshwater pearls, separated by the Bali spacers. They add just the right accent.



Next, I selected the beadcaps with the leaf design, which can be found at the Artbeads website under Hill Tribe silver beads and components. I used beautifully plump garnet rondelles to sit below the beadcaps. They fit perfectly under the beadcaps. I then added a small Bali spacer and a 4mm garnet bead. Sweet and simple!

Pink and Black . Necklace

Recently listed in my etsy shop, this necklace features a classic color combination, with a twist. The briolette of pink opal has some black and caramel inclusions -- caramel being the "twist". I think this must make it a less than perfect specimen, but I think the colors add quite a bit of interest.


The cluster on top is composed of faceted black onyx, pink freshwater pearls, rhodochrosite and camel colored agate. Click on the photo to go directly to the listing.

Pink Pearl Earrings

Newly listed in my etsy shop, these pearl earrings are the kind of earrings I would wear every day. The pink is soft and I can't think of an outfit that they wouldn't complement. I fused and textured the circles from fine silver before adding the pearls.


These earrings are for sale in my etsy shop, where free worldwide shipping continues through December 31!

A New Pearl Mix Necklace

I actually made this a few months ago. It's one of the few that did not sell at my shows, probably because I never actually had it out on display. Silly, huh? We know what that means -- it gets listed in my etsy shop.

This one is warm and earthy, with all shades of copper, bronze, brown, cinnamon and even a bit of orange. It comes with matching earrings.

Click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop.

Asymmetry Rules

These necklaces were quite a hit at my shows this fall. It was a new design for me this season and it appealed to customers with an eclectic sensibility. The design is a bit out of the ordinary and more rustic than most of my pieces.

I currently have 2 of them listed in my etsy shop. This first one is the longer of the 2, at 19 1/2". It features iridescent green freshwater pearls.


This second necklace is shorter. It is about 17 1/2" long and has peacock colored pearls -- a mix of purple, gray and a bit of blue.



Click on either of the photos to go directly to the listings and find out a little more about these pieces.

Faceted Pearls

It's no secret that I love pearls. Faceted pearls have become a bit difficult to find. I think they may have gone out of fashion in the world of beads, but that never bothers me. I still crave them.

This pair of earrings features faceted pearls in a deep teal color. I fused the circles from fine silver wire and textured them with a riveting hammer.

The earwires are handmade by me. I oxidized all of the silver and selectively hand sanded it to highlight the high spots.

These earrings are for sale in my etsy shop.


*Note - I will be at a 2 day craft show this weekend in Wasilla. Yes, that Wasilla. I'll be back to posting here on Sunday or Monday!

Great Everyday Earrings

I don't know about you, but I wear earrings every day. I usually try to match what I'm wearing, but some days I just don't want to think about it that much. These earrings are perfect for days like that. They will go with any clothing you might wear and they are appropriate for any occasion.

Two different shapes of creamy white freshwater pearls are separated by a romantic little lacy beadcap featuring a scrolled heart motif.

Sometimes, simple designs are the most satisfying to
create and to wear. 

Click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop.

Pale Green Pearls

As you may have guessed, I create jewelry year round. During the first half of the year, I experiment with new designs and develop new techniques. I always make plenty of pieces with these new designs then too. It's only after having the designs "out there" that I actually know which ones will be popular, good sellers.

Now that I've had a few shows behind me this season, I know that this style of earwire will continue to be intriguing to my local customers. They are always interested when I tell them that I form them myself from sterling silver wire.

The design is simple, yet quite eye catching. For this particular pair, I chose some pale green freshwater pearls as the single adornment.

If you look through my etsy shop, you will see several pairs using this style of earwire.

The plan for today is to make a pile of these earwires in both sterling and gold filled in preparation for my next two shows!

Double Blue Earrings

You've seen these plump gray-blue quartz briolettes before -- in various pairs of earrings. This time, I've paired them with medium blue freshwater pearls.

The circle that they hang from is fused from fine silver wire and the sterling silver earwires are handmade, by me.

I don't know about you, but I wear jeans nearly every day. These earrings are perfect for jeans!

They are for sale in my etsy shop. Click on the photo to go directly to the listing and see these earrings from some different angles.

Freshwater Pearls and Andalusite ...

... a creamy and delicious combination!

I started with a circle that I fused from 16ga fine silver. I hammered and textured it and dangled a creamy beige coin pearl from the bottom. Emerging from the top are lengths of sterling silver rolo chain followed by a series of beads. I chose champagne colored pearls and flanked them with andalusite rondelles. Then there is more chain and a sterling lobster clasp.

About andalusite:

Andalusite varies in color from pale yellow-brown to dark green. It can also be a greenish red. The color may look different when viewed from different angles. These particular beads seem to be an orange-cream-green combination!

This necklace is for sale in my etsy shop.

Pearl Mixes

Yesterday was a very productive day for me (imagine that!). Last weekend, I was in Fairbanks for the Bad Girls of the North craft show. When I finish a show, I take a look at my sales and remaining inventory to help determine where I should focus my efforts. I sold 4 of my pearl mix necklaces in Fairbanks. That tells me that that particular style continues to be a perennial favorite with my customers. Today, I replenished that stock for my next show by making 3 more. My plan was to make 4, but I ran out of time.

Clockwise from top left: copper/beige/cream mix, shades of green mix, shades of blue mix. these monotone colorways seem to be quite popular. I also make these in more varied color mixes.


In my etsy shop, I have 3 of these necklaces available for sale:

Pearl Necklace . A Study in Blue

The Elegance of Mixed Pearls . Necklace

Winter White . Pearl Necklace