New Stuff

It's been a busy, albeit wet and rainy, couple first weeks of Summer break.  I trick myself into hoping that the schedule will be slower because the kids are out of school, but in reality it means working double time getting my regular things done in addition to figuring out what to do with boys that possess unlimited amounts of energy and who are stuck indoors when it rains.  Who knew you couldn't swim indoors at the Y when it rained with thunder and lightening because I sure didn't?  We've used up a lot of glue and Popsicle sticks and read tons of books-and I'm not too hip on the video games- so I'm running out of ideas.  Apparently making jewelry doesn't count because, as I have been informed by certain members of my household weighing less than 50 lbs., that is soooo not a boy thing to do.  Whatever.

I like to think I'm a glass-is-half-full kind of girl, so I say a "yippee" when it's raining because that's when I get the best photos for the jewelry.  God's best is always best, and that would include his lighting.  I finally snapped pictures of my Salvaged Chandelier Crystal necklaces that I really enjoyed making and wearing.  Each one features a vintage lead crystal chandelier, a strand of aged brass Swarovski crystal rhinestone chain, a vintage religious medal, and a pearl.  I added all the goodies in such a way that they twist and turn to catch the light with each movement.  And boy does the rhinestone catch the light!  I've listed them in the Etsy shop HERE, so they're ready to go.  Each is one of a kind which I absolutely love;  it's nice knowing no one will come stand next to you wearing the same piece.

Here's a sample:

File under "Edgy and Eclectic" and "Looks Good With Lace." 

Sara

Au Naturale

I mentioned in a previous post how I love to change and experiment with the different elements I work with pretty regularly to keep things fresh and interesting.  More and more often I find that I am drawn to stones and beads made not from machines or man, but by God Himself.  Recently I came across some natural stone beauties which will soon show up in various combinations in the Etsy Shop.  Of course man cut, polished, and carved these lovelies, but God created them and gave man the inspiration, the vision, and the skills to finish them off.  I love how each one is different, each one has its own fingerprint, but they look so awesome together. 

  

These black rough cut stones have already made their way into a bracelet in the shop.  They remind me of lava stones, but are polished and not as porous.

  

   

Boy 2 discovered these wonderful amber shell discs.  I might have passed them over if it weren't for him.  I take help where I can get it!

  

The translucence of these agates are stunning;  they are like large chunks of labradorite.

And finally, my most favorite lot and a major coup at that.  I found these for a song and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them in a bunch together, with that lovely red clearance tag we've all come to know and love.  How had these been passed up?!  It's destiny:  they were meant for me.  Especially that bottom front one there.  You know, the one in my very favorite color in the whole, wide world:  mustard yellow.  I just may have to keep that to myself! 

Jesus said even “...the stones will cry out...” in praise of him.  This here's the proof.

Sara

Be an Instant Jewelry Designer

I made some charm clusters using vintage religious medals in combination with other vintage elements.  They were a huge hit at the Art Fest this Spring.  People had so much fun choosing which cluster they were going to add onto a chain they already had or one of the vintage brass snake chains that were available separately.  Most ended up leaving with more than one cluster!

Here's a sampling: 

  

You could use a cluster to freshen up a drab set of keys with something vintage!  I have them listed in the Etsy Shop, so click your way over HERE to make a one-of-a-kind, new-old necklace. 

Sara