Week #30 - "Joy of" Earrings

If you've been a fan of mine for a while, you probably have read somewhere that I lived in the DC area for 13+ years and during my last 2ish years there, I started learning how to make jewelry.  There were 2 local bead stores (LBS) within 6 miles of my place and 2 big box stores with about 3 miles.  So to say I was SPOILED is an UNDERSTATEMENT.  I had no idea!

One of those LBS, The Joy of Beading, is where I really learned and took off.  The owners were VERY encouraging in my jewelry.  I really loved learning and they loved teaching. =)  They had some of the most beautiful beads, I'd ever seen!  It was always something new and interesting.  The sweet store ended up closing, not long after I moved - which devastated me.  SO!  This pair of earrings is kind of an ode to them....

The head pins were hand crafted (by me!) and the large crystals are from their store.  They are SPECTACULAR in real life - a GORGEOUS montana, disco type, rondelle.  

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Week #29 - Ode to Bead Caps - Part Duex

As promised, this week's installment is also dealing with bead caps.  As I mentioned in my last post, I haven't really ever been comfortable using bead caps.  A gf asked me why and as I thought about it - I realized that sometimes bead caps tend to make a piece look more...... mature.  If that makes any sense?  So, part of my goal in figuring out this bead cap thing is to make sure that my designs don't look matronly.  Not that there is anything wrong with that - because there is a HUGE market for matronly pieces.....just not mine. =)

These gorgeous earrings feature Swarovski crystals (my fav!), antique silver and bright silver bead caps and GORGEOUS handmade lampwork beads by Matt Jordan of Boise Art Glass.

Interestingly enough - the bright silver bead caps I used in these earrings - are the same as last week's.  =)  *proud*

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Week #28 - Ode to Bead Caps

This week has been a little cray-cray for me.  Haven't really felt myself and really haven't felt the urge to make jewelry so this week's installment is a pair that I made a few weeks ago, but made some others I liked more - so these got pushed back a bit.  =)

After intentionally making 28 pairs of earrings, and looking all over for inspiration, something I noticed in other people's work - but not mine - was bead caps.  Those little things that can add a little pizzazz, when used right or can make you go "huh?" when used wrong.  I've been kinda scared of them, mostly because I felt like each time I used them.....it was "huh? that looks awful. remove"  In the interest of the Year project, I know that this is something I need to get comfortable with and stretch myself in to using.  As a friend said "bead caps can make pieces that are "pretty" in to "pretty AMAZING"" So, here's my first - intentional attempt at using bead caps.  (Yes, I used them in the gushers earrings - but that was more of a trial and error) 

Would love to hear your thoughts!  Cute little, hot pink glass rounds with bright silver bead caps on top and bottom - accented with silver daisies and a silver ball at the top.

Catch the next pair of earrings - as they too - will be using bead caps.  Mixed bright and antique silver - oooooooooo!


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Week #27 - Whoop it UP!

 This Year O Earrings project has really been a challenge for me.  I started it because I have known for quiet some time, that my earrings have REALLY needed some help.  IT's been so great to expand my earring line and to try new techniques as well as pushing myself outside of my comfortable box.  I've used silk, crystals, czech beads, copper wire, silver wire, wood beads, painted beads, resin beads, clay beads..... just really a smorgasbord of different things.  This week's new "thing" is using ribbon.

I kinda like the ribbon.  The earrings needed SOMETHING to whoop them up - and I think this ribbon fits the bill. =)   The ribbon has orange, red, purple, teal and yellow in it.  Just the perfect colors to pull out the earthy tones in the flowers AND make them a bit more versatile.   Hope you like them as much as I do!

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Week #26 - HALF WAY THERE!! An ode to the lagoon

 WOOHOOO!  We're half way there!  26 pairs of earrings MADE and 26 left to go!  I CAN do this! =)

This week's installment comes from being inspired by blues of the carribean waters.  My trip has really been at the front of my mind this last week and so I thought I'd see what I had to play with in the blue family.  This photo was taken on our trip to Bioluminescence Lagoon - the only one in the world.  When the water is moved, these special little plankton turn blue.  Isn't that AMAZING!?!  The photo was taken by the captain of the boat we took (if you go - TAKE A BOAT NOT
 a kayak!) is a Nikon trained pro photographer.....he took my camera and took this shot, while I played. =)  BUT it shows the GORGEOUSNESS of the sky and the water.  And that light - is light pollution from San Juan - which is nearly an hour away!

I pulled out some of my FAVORITE (so far) wood components and paired them with some of my ALL TIME FAVORITE czech beads - satin blue rounds.  The gorgeousness of these beads can HARDLY be captured by photo.  But I tried. =)

So, here's this week's installment....ode to the lagoon

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Week #25 - Playing with Wire

Hello Hello!  Week 25 - I can't believe I've stuck with it this long. LOL! =)  I've been REALLY trying to push myself and not making wimpy little designs that I've always made.  I took this challenge on, to really push myself and grow....which I think I am.  

This week's installment is courtesy of me playing with wire, again.  Just some simple circles (hahahaha - simple? hardly!) and some GORGEOUS color-changing Alexandrite Champagne Swarovski crystals on top.  Alexandrite Champagne changes based on the light..... you can see kinda a smokey blue on top and the bottom is more purple....I LOVE these color changers....ESPECIALLY with copper.  The champagne color REALLY looks beautiful with the copper.  SO - here we are....week 25!

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Week #22 - Beach theme continued....

What an AMAZING trip!  Puerto Rico was divine!  We had SUCH an amazing time!  I can't wait to write down all the details and share them with you!

In the mean  time, though, I'll just share week 22's earrings.  They feature BEAUTIFUL hand made, glass rounds on top and adorable little star fish charms on the bottom.  Just looks like a beach on a headpin. =)  *sigh*

I miss you, Mr. Ocean!

Saturday's View from the Beach - *swoon*

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Week #20 - Curly - Girly

Week 20!!!  Holy Canoli!

This week brought me to a bead store that is closing.  I'm SO SAD!  Since I've lived in MN, at least 3 bead stores have closed, that I *know* of - that doesn't include the ones I don't know.  It's KILLING ME!  Thankfully, this one is closing for retirement, but still - it's crushing to lose ANOTHER place that I could learn and see things in person before purchasing.  SO awful. 

As part of their closing - of course they are selling things at rock bottom prices.  I picked up some new wire gauges (to me), some new hammers and a block for pounding.  I also picked up a new set of Tronex round nose pliers, so here's a little pair I made with the new pliers. 

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Week #18 - Sweet, Simple Copper and Teal Butterflies

 Week 18 is the week of reveals for the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop, so I'm gonna keep it short. 

These sweeties feature copper firepolish beads, copper butterfly filigrees and wood dangles.  Sweet, simple and adorable!  Classic, too!

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #17 - Dreams of Seas

This week, we have a mixed metal selection - I used some beautiful bright silver spacers with the pink/yellow roundelles. The gold starfish help pull the yellow out of the beads.

 I'm so tired this week, and have a big week upcoming as well. So, hopefully next week I'll have a more exciting pair - but for now - pink, gold and silver it is!  Sometimes ya just want sweet and simple.

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Week #15 - Sweet Simplicity

A few weeks ago, I had this wild idea that I wanted to see if I could make my own components for some of my Year O Earrings.

I reached out to some folks to see if anyone might have some scraps left over and while there was plenty of excitement, it just didn't pan out.  So instead of using the metal scraps, as I'd hoped....I reevaluated my design idea.

I decided to stick with copper and made my own little frames, then wrapped my sweet new 3mm Swarovskis around it.  So cute!

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #14 - Hippos a la Swarovski

 Several years ago, we were getting ready to open Christmas presents and a family member, who was quite young at the time, pipes up and wants to play a song for us.  So, we all kinda went along with it and the song was.... "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peavey.  Somehow, that song became kinda an anthem for me.  Since then, my family has often given me different hippo items for Christmas - so while I was searching for some interesting focals for my Bead Peeps Swap N Hop partners, I found these ADORABLE little hippos. So, you KNOW I had to have them.  =)

When they came, I about spit out my drink with how FREAKIN' CUTE they are!  I wasn't sure what to do with them, so I kinda let them simmer for a while.  Last week, it hit me..... I should put them in a hoop! Brilliant!  I dug out my beading hoops and whaddya know?  They were nearly a PERFECT fit!  Nearly.  The bottoms were a little.....barren.  I quickly realized that I ordered some new Swarovski crystal mixes and fantastically enough - they were PERFECTION! 

I present to you.....Hippos a la Swarovski:

I'm pretty proud of these little guys and I can't WAIT to wear them! 

Wish YOU had a pair?  Contact me (linda at cherryOnTopDesign dot co - not .com) - I might be willing to make another pair, similar to these. =)




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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #13 - Too many to pick!

 This week, I went a little crazy with the earrings. I made so many that I can't decide which to make #13!  SO - I'll go with..... ones I made for folks with metal allergies.  

One of the things, I've learned over the years of doing shows is that there are WHOLE LOTTA FOLKS who are allergic to metal of some sort.  I started making "metal free" pieces a few years ago and found that there aren't a whole lotta options out there for folks who can't do a metal.  I did, however, find plastic posts.  Genius!  So, these little sweets have them and make them perfect for those awful allergies! 

The beads are wood, coated with resin on front and back, so the posts should not ever come off, and because they are wood - they are SUPER lightweight!  The charcoal and turquoise are PERFECT for spring!  Enjoy!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228054030/gray-turquoise-metal-free-wood-earrings

To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!

So...what'd he say?

Today...... after a horrific weekend filled with pain, like I've never known and honestly, wasn't sure I'd make it through the night on Friday.  While that may sound dramatic..... it's truth.  I had so much *pain*.  It was RELENTLESS.  After Friday night, I drove an hour+ to the Twin Cities (my dentist was in Chicago) to an emergency dentist who promptly told me that I had an infected tooth and that it would be a cool $3k for them to fix it.

I don't have $3k.  I cried. Alot.  I'm on social security and am disabled.  I'm not able to work.....I don't have the luxury of picking up a few extra hours to make some extra cash.... my body won't let me.  Imagine the freak out.

Look at that smile! Help me save it!

So, this morning, I went to my own dentist, who agreed that YES I need a root canal.  However, he felt pretty certain, that a crown may not be needed immediately.  More importantly, the cost for the root canal and filling, will be right at $1k - which is MUCH more manageable than $3k, but still frightening because I don't have that kind of money.  I've spent the last several months being VERY disciplined and exercising HUGE self control to save around $600 - which is OUTSTANDING - but the thought of losing all that cash to a tooth and having NOTHING again is absolutely sickening.   (I know, I'm very THANKFUL that I have this savings.... I just HATE spending it!)

I'm asking for help.  I have to.

I have started a gofundme page, which you can find here: http://www.gofundme.com/pnvu2c  It also explains more of my story and why this probably happened..... and I will be doing a destash again in my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LindasDestash/.  Please share with your friends - I want to raise as much as I possibly can so that I can keep SOME sort of savings. 

If you'd rather purchase jewelry - you can find it here: http://cherryOnTopDesign.co and I do custom pieces, as well! 

THANK YOU for your friendship and if you would like to help, I'd be forever grateful (as would my mouth)!

Swap N Hop Partner 2 has received her package!

 Jessica received her GOODIES!! YAY!

Here's what I sent her:

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

I went with a tree theme for 2 reasons - first is that we're both Christians and the Bible talks about God being the vine and we are the branches.  The second is that trees remind me of family and seeing that Jessica just had baby #6, I thought it was fitting to carry that through to her goodies.  I included 6 little star czech beads, one for each child. =)  Awww......

Just waiting for her to send her goodies to me now...... been waiting by the mailbox with bated breath!

How Hops and Challenges Made Me a Better Jewelry Designer

Every now and then....something strikes me and I just need to write.  Today, right now, is one of those times.

I was sitting in my bead room working on some new projects and got to thinking about how I've changed since I started doing blog hops and challenges.  In my Facebook group, Bead Peeps, we've embarked on a HUGE task of asking designers to sign up, be paired with someone they probably don't know, swap beads and make a piece of jewelry with what they were sent.  I was thinking about my first swap n hop..... it was an adventure.  I didn't know what I really getting in to, but "the whole class was doing it" so I signed up, too.  =)

Examples of "What the....?!?!?!"

I received my package from a gal in Kentucky.  She sent all kinda stuff I'd never seen before or ever worked with.  She sent some clay beads she'd made, and some antique brass metal pieces - which were by FAR my biggest challenges.  I didn't know WHAT I was doing...but somewhere in the depths of my soul - something came out.  And frankly - to this day (2+ years later) - it's a piece I'm most proud of.  Is it perfect? NO.  It is my taste? Not really.  Is it something *I* would have picked for myself?  Not on your life.  BUT that package of beads GREW me.  It encouraged me to step past my obsession with bright silver and explore other metals....copper, gold, brass, stainless, gunmetal and even (gasp) antique silver.  Thanks to HER, I use other metals now.  CRAZY!  (Read the story here: http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2013/03/bead-soup-nom-nom.html)




My 2nd partner was a sweet gal from Indiana (Whoop whoop!).  She was so wonderful!  She sent me a package of beads that I nearly cried in excitement over.  She had sent this GORGEOUS clasp, the cutest owl bead I've ever seen and Czech beads.  *coughcoughWHAT?!coughcough*  I had NO BLASTED IDEA how to work with Czech beads...let alone ordering them, and frankly - learning a new language.  Words like "picasso" and "pressed" and "firepolished" meant 0 to me.  I just wanted ones like she had sent! So, I learned.....and read...and googled...and asked questions...and ordered. Alot. ;)   (Read the full story here: http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2014/05/bead-soup-reveal.html)

 The pieces I made from THAT group of goodies is by far....some of my most proud pieces.  I am still COMPLETELY obsessed by them and get compliments EVERY time I wear them.  I learned a new language, I learned about a different type of bead and I expanded my skillz by making a wire flower to mimic the clasp she'd sent, using some basic wire working techniques to make my owl into a pendant and made my OWN headpins AND earwires (my first EVER).....and I fully blame her... with all kinds of thanks to her, I now own.....THIS....(all Czech glass). =)

Another example....some have heard references to my "favorite color of gemstone" "baby food orange".... red aventurine.  ugh. (and every time I say "red aventurine" "ugh" is immediately followed).  I signed up for a blog hop where I would be sent a "mystery" package of beads and metal parts (again...antique brass).  Now, for those unaware - I HATED IT!  I'm not sure hate is even a strong enough word for my feelings toward this stone.  =)  After a loooong while of sitting and stewing....the deadline was looming and I had to get my rear in gear if I was going to finish....long story longer..... I pulled out a color wheel and went to town.  And guess what? They are AWESOME! Different, cohesive, not too cray-cray....and I'm pretty proud of those pieces, too.   (Read the full story here: http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2014/07/gems-and-metals-hop.html)

Moral of the Story

So, I want to encourage you that if you opened your package and went "what the....?!", sit with it...work with it....look at it in a different light....this is an INCREDIBLE chance to learn and streeeeeeeetch yourself.

Week #11 - OooOo Sexy Lady!

This week, I decided to go the more.....sassy sexy route.  I've seen other earrings similar to this and couldn't figure out how on EARTH they connected the chain to the earring.  Well, I KNOW how they did it, but not sure which method is the best.  SO - I did it 2 ways.

 Aren't they HOT?!  Also - AWESOME for brides and bridesmaids.....don'tchya think?

The first..... featuring Powder Rose Swarovski Pearls:

The 2nd...featuring Jade Swarovski Pearls:

These earrings are also a lesson in recycling - the pink ones, I used an old necklace that had broken (thus the fear of breakage), but already had the connections attached.  I didn't have anymore appropriate size or color of those connectors, so I used the crimp cups.  =)  

The consensus was that the 1st pair were preferred over the 2nd...... I'm not sure which I like more - to be honest.  I like them both.... the 2nd set, in my mind, is more secure, but who knows.  I wore both of them to see if one might break - and thankfully - no such luck. 

Another week....another "What do YOU think?"

1 package received - 1 to go!

USPS came through for me! WOOHOO! =) My package to Malta has been RECEIVED!  SO! Time for the big reveal! Here's what *I* sent to Marica.....

 

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Here's what Marica sent ME.  There are more of the beads, just pulled a few for the sampling =)

 

And THESE little beauties!!! EEEEEKKK!

Part of her "Top Kapi" collection
You can find some like this here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/beadlovelies

Bead Peeps Swap N Hop - Partner #1 - teaser

So, my partner Marica, had already sent her package....and I was waiting....waiting....waiting for one last thing to come before I could send. Well...the other day, I found both the last piece for her and her package in my mailbox! EEK! SO - here's a teaser of what went out today - on the way to Malta. (Thankful for home pickups - been a rough, rough week)

I didn't want to be influenced by what she sent, so I haven't opened her package yet.... do you know how HARD it is to have an envelope full of goodness sitting there....staring at you?

I'm hoping to get Jessica's package out in the next day or 2. Thankfully, hers doesn't have to go around the world. =)  I also realized that I need to find a flat rate box for her...so looks like a PO trip is in my future..ugh.

Week #9 - Tutti Fruitti!

Seed bead example - itty bitties!

This week, my Swap N Hop partner, Marica, inspired my earrings.  When we first began getting to know each other, I was sure to ask about allergies or if there are things that she'd prefer not to work with.  She let me know that, indeed, she has a SEVERE allergy...to seed beads (itty-bitty little beads).
She breaks out in hives, gets out her epi....she's terribly allergic.  When she was little, she had to sit at the "no seed bead" lunch table.  It was an awful thing to have to deal with at such a young age.  Thankfully, that allergy has only made her stronger.  She avoids seed beads...and life is great. =)

SO, in her honor, I made these earrings...with SEED BEADS!  =)

I was inspired by an inspiration piece at Artbeads.com - instead of using round SEED BEADS, I used rectangles.  I, also, changed up the way that I attach them to my ear wires...but the shape idea came from Artbeads.   I really like these little guys.  They're adorable, fun and sweet as can be - much like myself. =)

AND - they're for sale!  You can find them here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/224755350/multi-color-earrings-tutti-fruitti-pink?ref=shop_home_active_1