Dangles

Sometimes we want a little something for ourselves as a pick-me-up, or to go with that new outfit! Other times, we want to give someone a gift that is unique--something we know that she does not have, and cannot find at her local store. Perhaps we want to thank someone for something kind that she's done with us, and would like to tuck a little something into her thank you note. And we don't want to spend a fortune. My earrings are just that ticket!

This photo shows a few pairs of earrings I've made. Of course, I can make custom earrings; all you need to do is to ask me, "I like the green ones, but I really need them in blue," etc. And, since I aim to please, I will do my best to satisfy your request! We can get creative with this! Perhaps your friend took you to lunch, and you'd like to thank her. She had on the most gorgeous blue sweater, and was wearing go-with-anything-silver earrings. You might want me to make you a pair of blue earrings in order for you to tuck them into your thank you note, and tell her that these earrings remind you of the lovely sweater she was wearing!

The french wire earrings above (the ones with the earhooks) are $15. All components are sterling silver, with glass beads as dangles.

The ear threads are delicate sterling silver chain, with a little sterling silver leader on them. You can see some of these leaders in the photo; they're at the end of the chain, and look like silver threads, however they are actually extremely fine gauge silver wire. They thread through your earlobes, and feel very light, dangly, and sensuous. (Let's keep this G-rated, Donna!) Those earrings are $20 per pair. The ear threads are sterling silver, and have genuine freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. These are also available in other color options, and will make perfect stocking stuffers for that lovely lady on your list!

As always, they come with a gift box and organza bag to make an elegant presentation! Please contact me for pricing information!

Findlay Skye

Findlay mornings during cool weather. Much to school children's anticipation, they sometimes awake to a mystical fog that is sweeping across the land. You can see through the fog a bit, and perhaps can see a glimpse of the sky--but the fog pervades, and the children are thrilled on such mornings as school is delayed! However, to Mom's delight, more and more of the blue sky eventually returns--the fog dissipates; and classes begin.

My Findlay Skye bracelet is reminiscent of these mornings. The fog-like beads are called Givre beads, and are vintage beads that were imported from Germany. They have a frosty quality to them, with slight blue swirls within.

I crafted handmade sterling silver links to attach these beads to one another. Each link is graced with bead "charms" which sway to and fro. These charms contain glass beads, sterling silver beads, and even a few gemstones (Fluorite) tucked in for good measure. I also handcrafted the little love-knots (which look like sets of intertwined links/rings). It is completed with a sterling silver rose, and a sterling silver toggle clasp.


You do not need to live in Findlay to enjoy this bracelet! However, if you do, I know what piece you'll be wearing on our misty days! And, wouldn't this make a nice gift for a daughter who's on the cusp of leaving home in order to go to college? Even if she's far away, she can take a piece of Findlay with her, and remember our radio broadcasts that announced, "There will be a two-hour delay due to fog in the outlying areas..."

As always, my pieces come with a gift box and delicate organza gift bag for perfect gift presentation. And I will be happy to adjust the size of the bracelet so it will perfectly fit the wearer!

Please contact me for pricing information on this set.

Edited to add: This piece has sold to a Findlay resident who is also mystified by Findlay's foggy skies!

(Many of you know that I positively adore plays-on-words. I did not misspell the title of this bracelet. Skye is an area in Scotland that is known for its foggy weather [a nod to my husband and photographer ;) ], and of course the bracelet also depicts our Findlay Sky.)

Swarovski licensing! Tumbling blocks

Most of you have heard of the Swarovski company. They make lovely faceted crystal animals and decorations, and many fine gift stores carry their $$$ products, displaying them within glass curio cabinets. The crystal is made in Austria, and many feel that Swarovski sets the standard for crystal. It is reputeddly the best crystal that can be used in jewelry making.

Many jewelry makers will list Swarovski as a component in their pieces, however in order to legally do so, the jewelry artist must submit an application to Swarovski. The written application must be accompanied by several pieces that the jewelry artist submits, and the Vice President of the company either approves you or does not. Their standards are strict, as they do not want inferior jewelry with poor workmanship to carry their name. I'm pleased to share with you that I applied for official licensure from the Swarovski company and was approved by them! I am now (officially) able to say that my pieces contain Swarovski crystal!

This piece was one of my submissions for licensure. It is an original design that I'm calling, "Tumbling blocks". It is made from glass seed beads, and adorned with Royal Blue Swarovski crystals. The tumbling blocks are Swarovski crystals, and actually look like large diamonds! Yes, this piece sparkles and shines! It is made to fit snugly around the wrist, and would look great peeking out from the cuff of a blouse or sweater.

The clasp is sterling silver. The coordinating earrings containg glass and sterling silver beads. I can make this in other colors, as well, in order to coordinate with any outfit you have! I'll include a gift-box with your purchase, as well as a beautiful organza drawstring bag, so this item will be all ready for gift giving--for yourself, or for a loved one! Please contact me for pricing information.

Sugar-plum Watch

Several people have asked me to post more of my jewelry, because they are interested in seeing my work, and perhaps buying something for themselves or for gifts. Here you go!

This piece is a favorite of mine, and was so much fun to make! The watch face is a lovely purple shade, and has a marcasite, stainless-steel casing.

The bracelet portion of the watch is quite different from many pieces that are available on the market today. Most bracelets are strung on special beading cord, and that is perfectly fine! This bracelet however is made in sections of sterling silver. That means that the portions that hold the beads are pieces of sterling silver wire, with hand formed loops on each end. Those loops hold the little dangles, and attach one section to another.

This type of contstruction is more time consuming than stringing beads on beading wire. It also gives the bracelet a more substantial feel and increased value due to a higher percentage of silver. These types of bracelets are more expensive than strung bracelets due to these factors.

The larger beads on the bracelet are glass lampwork beads, hand-made by a different artist. The dangles are glass beads on sterling silver wire. There are also sterling silver beads tucked in here and there! The bracelet makes a slight swishing sound, and I must admit, it is kind of fun to look at the different dangles and fiddle with them, especially when waiting in line in a store or listening to a speech that has gone on too long.

The earrings are also sterling silver, with glass bead bows.

Even though I titled this piece Sugar-Plum watch, it is appropriate to wear all year long! I'll include a gift-box with your purchase, as well as a beautiful organza drawstring bag, so this item will be all ready for gift giving--for yourself, or for a loved one! Please contact me for pricing information.