a Shimmering Star: jewelry

Showing posts with label jewelry. Show all posts

02 August 2013

Bead Night Out

Yesterday Suzanne invited me to make a necklace at Beads to Live By. I couldn't say no to playing with beads!

I am really happy with how the necklace turned out. I'm going to give it to my mom for her birthday. Purple is her favorite color, and the purples, grays, and shimmery pinks make it very feminine.

Cassandra, the owner of Beads to Live By is a great teacher. I learned some new techniques, and I am excited to take more of her classes to learn new beading skills.

22 February 2013

She's Making Jewelry Now

While I was drinking coffee and reading blogs this morning I found a humorous clip from Portlandia:

Ah, the creative lifestyle.

I love Portlandia.

25 January 2013

Back in Stock

After my Etsy shop reopening announcement last week I decided to relisted two popular bracelets in my etsy, With Eyes Lifted.

Cobalt Bracelet

Verde Bracelet

And here is a sneak preview of my current project, a crochet necklace.

Make sure to visit a Shimmering Star and With Eyes Lifted for updates and new listings!

19 April 2012

The Fleur-de-lis (or Fleur-de-lys) is a decorative lily or iris symbol associated with French history and politics.

From classic to industrial, these simple yet elegant fleur-de-lis adornments from Etsy embody the timelessness of the symbol.

Little Fleur de Lis Necklace by Vintage Musings

Rigid Fleur de Lis Pendant by Rigid Design

Fleur-de-Lis Pin by Carrier Pigeon Jewelry

Simple Fleur de Lis Earrings by Tan Butterfly Jewels

Fleur de Lis Pet Tag by yabettasupadont

Très chic!

15 November 2011

Thrifty Finds: Garnet Beads

Last week I spent my lunch at a consignment store. My crafty senses started tingling. At the jewelry counter I saw an 18" garnet necklace. As I examined the necklace I got excited at the $6 price sticker.

A strand of garnet beads can cost $5 and up. Over all the necklace featured 788 4mm, 56 5mm and 28 diamond shaped beads. That's 872 beads costing less than a penny each!

With a snip I deconstructed the necklace into a wealth of beads.

Tips for Bead Thrifting:

1. Look for unique beads, findings and pendants.
2. Not all beads are created equal. Choose quality jewelry.
3. Always be mindful of the price. To determine the cost per bead, divide the product price by the approximate quantity of beads.
4. Look in antique, consignment, flea markets, secondhand and thrift shops. Even retail stores can have nice beads on clearance.

21 June 2011

Crochet Necklace

When I woke up this morning I was in the mood to wear new jewelry. I have been daydreaming about a crochet design so I gathered beads and linen to make a necklace.

I love the textural contrast of the glass beads with the rough linen. After I fine-tune my prototype I am going to sell the necklace in my etsy shop, With Eyes Lifted.

12 May 2011

Etsy Finds: Coal Miner's Daughter Necklace

I am in love with PoleStar's jewelry on Etsy. I am drawn to the Coal Miner's Daughter Necklace's simple elegance. The herkimer diamond pendant and oxidized sterling silver give the necklace a vintage appeal. It would be stunning with a solid color tank top or dress.

Coal Miner's Daughter Necklace by PoleStar

10 February 2011

Etsy Finds: Bangles

I am partial to accessorizing with bracelets, rings and earrings. Although I prefer silver-tones I like the softness of the matted gold of these bangles. The organic hammered detail of the Reed Thin Bangles by BrooklynArts is the perfect bohemian accessory.