Etsy Shop for BrigaBauble

Until I Find You Romantic Silver and Red Heart Bracelet -- FREE SHIPPING

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:12:06 -0500

$15.00
"Until I Find You..." can have several meanings. Is "you" someone you've loved, lost and hope to get back? Is "you" someone you haven't even met but hope one day to have that special eye-clicking moment with? Is "you" an ex who did you wrong and you vow to hunt him or her down for revenge? Does it even matter?

Whatever this stretchy bracelet's name means to you, it remains a shimmering, sparkling, eye-catching handmade bracelet that positively glitters when worn. This one-size-fits-most handmade bracelet is comprised of flying-saucer-shaped, textured sterling silver-plated hollow beads, a strikingly beautiful solid, flaming red glass heart bead and opalescent seed beads strung on extra strong stretchy cord.

Black and White Zebra Stripes Resin Ring

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:11:19 -0500

$12.00
A zebra's stripe pattern is as distinctive as human fingerprints -- no two are identical. This handcrafted Black and White Zebra Stripes Resin Ring is also distinctive and unique. Even if I recreate the process I used to make the oval-domed resin cabochon that I painted white with black "zebra stripes," I'll never produce an identical ring. And that, dear shopper, is the beauty of handmade!

I crafted this ring's domed cabochon (1.2" x 1.1") from resin -- a special form of plastic that cures to the appearance of glass but is incredibly strong. The resin itself is clear; I painted the bottom of the cabochon white and then splashed on black zebra-like stripes, sealing the paint with an acrylic varnish. The effect, as you can see in the photo above, is both funky and fun. I mounted this resin cabochon on a thick (.4" wide), silver-toned, adjustable ring band base that creates one beautiful, bold zebra-striped ring.

As you may have noticed, both the price and the size of this beauty make it the perfect small gift to yourself or someone else.

Tis the Season for Guinness Beer Earrings

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:56 -0500

$9.00
If it's always a good day for a Guinness, then it must always be a good day for a set of recycled Guinness bottle caps transformed into a pair of dangling (2.25" from the lobe) spunky earrings.

I dressed up the recycled Guinness bottle caps with semi-precious freshwater pearls--one above the cap and one below) and suspended them from gold-toned French hooks. Since there's no controlling the spin of dangling earrings, I placed semi-abstract images of cream and olive green colored grass leaves on black inside the bottle caps. This way, no matter which way the Guinness earrings turn, they'll always be putting their best foot forward.

Experience Heineken Beer Bottle Cap Earrings

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:56 -0500

$9.00
Ah, that familiar green bottle with the equally familiar green and white bottle cap featuring a bold red star in the center. Must be a Heiny! (Eh em, a Heineken that is.)

Voila. I offer you the perfect gift for the Heineken-drinking lady in your life (including you). Or, for the fabulously chic lady who loves to make a bold statement with her earrings.

I dressed up a set of recycled Heineken bottle caps with semi-precious freshwater pearls and Heineken-red bicone-cut glass beads in the shape of a diamond. I then suspended the each bottle cap and its set of beads from a silver-toned French hook using two silver-toned jump rings. Since there's no controlling the spin of dangling earrings, I placed semi-abstract nature images inside the bottle caps--ensuring that, regardless of which side of these Heineken earrings is showing, they'll always be eye-catchingly gorgeous!

DIET COKE Recycled Bottle Cap Earrings

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:56 -0500

$9.00
Ah, the refreshing pleasure of drinking ice cold Diet Coke from an old-fashioned, always-too-small glass bottle. Live that refreshment when wearing these handmade dangling earrings fashioned from a pair of recycled Diet Coke bottle caps. Or, of course, enjoy the simple pleasure of a pair of kitschy cute bottle cap earrings!

These Diet Coke bottle cap earrings hang about 2.25" from Sterling Silver-plated French Hooks and are accentuated by round, bright 8mm ruby-red glass beads that reflect red when the light hits them.

These earrings make the perfect small gift for any "Diet-Coke-head" or fun-and-funky-earring lover (including yourself!).

Love Story Romantic Bottlecap Bracelet

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:27 -0500

$17.00
This handcrafted "Love Story Romantic Bottlecap Bracelet" will tell you a story (if you're willing to listen)... the story of two young lovers in the early 1900s.

She, a hauntingly beautiful brunette with a regal nose and a penchant for golden-yellow. He, a soldier terrified of what he'll find when he leaves her arms and boards the boat to the other side of the world. (If you look carefully, you can see the couple of which I speak in the first picture of this elastic stretch, slip-on bracelet.)

The young lovers' story is told through the images and writing that haunt the slips of vintage postcards and letters that cover both the outside and inside of the recycled bottle caps that form this bracelet.

This one-of-a-kind bracelet should fit anyone who can comfortably wear an average 7" bracelet. Vintage postcard and letter images adorn both sides of the bottle caps as the caps are prone to flip from side-to-side. This way, you're always showing off your style.

Japanese Cloisonne Teapot Earrings

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:12 -0500

$8.00
When I was in high school and nearly impossible to wake up, my mom would make me a teapot of Earl Grey before she left for work. It was the perfect incentive to convince me to roll out of bed Monday through Friday. Some 15 years later, it still takes a fairly large amount of Earl Grey (with milk, never lemon or cream) to get me going in the morning.

So, when I saw these adorable white Japanese Cloisonne teapot charms that feature a blooming pink flower with green garland, I just knew that I needed to use them to make earrings for my fellow tea addicts. Suspended from gold-toned French hooks, these earrings hang 1.5 inches from the lobe.

Widmer Brothers PORTLAND Bottlecap Earrings

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:12 -0500

$9.00
Ya gotta love a beer brewing company with a sense of humor. Well perhaps you don't, but I sure do! And the Widmer Brothers Brewing Co., based in Portland, Ore., definitely has a sense of humor--and a delightfully fun bottlecap in black, red, yellow and white.

Why do I think the Widmer Brothers have a sense of humor? The inside of their caps offer a "toast" to the drinker. Well, technically a "Prost," which is German for "Cheers" or "a Toast to." The two bottlecaps that I used to make these unique earrings, which feature round black cat's eye glass beads and ruby-red glass beads, offer the following toasts:
"A Prost: Your Dog Riding Shotgun!" and...
"A Prost: To Drunken Sing-a-Longs!"

I suspended these Widmer Brothers Brewing Company bottlecaps and the chosen, aforementioned glass beads, from gold-toned French hooks so that the earrings reach a total dangle of 2.5 inches from the lobe.

Earth-Friendly Wine Cork Keychains--Set of 5

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:12 -0500

$12.00
What do you do with the cork when you polish off a bottle of wine? (Assuming, of course, that you're a wine drinker.) Me? I save it for future crafting projects. I try not to throw away anything that I think I could recycle for another use. (And yes, I am a bit of a pack rat as a result.)

Well, whether you drink wine or just know people who do, this set of 5 handmade, Earth-Friendly Wine Cork Keychains may be just the thing for you. They make awesome party favors, small gifts, stocking stuffers, holders of the office bathroom key that you don't feel like adding to your main keychain and, of course, cool holders of all keys.

To protect the wine corks from mildew and mold (ewwww), I sealed them in clear resin -- a form of plastic that, when dried, takes on the strength and appearance of glass. (Actually, it's stronger than glass.) I embedded a silver-toned pin in each cork (also sealed in by resin) and attached a medium-sized key ring to each pin. These keychains are built to sustain some wear and tear but, should be considered somewhat fragile in terms of the pin placement. (Basically, don't spend your time trying to pull the pin out because, eventually, you will succeed.)

NOTE: The $12 price is for the full set of 5 keychains. Should you prefer only one, just convo me and I will create a custom listing for you for 1 key chain priced at $3.00 with a $2.00 shipping cost ($3.00 if you live outside of the U.S. or Canada).

A Narrow Street in Vienna, Austria 5x7-inch Print

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:11 -0500

$10.00
I discovered this narrow, winding street in the heart of Vienna (Wien) during one of my Austrian cousin Peter's fabulous history tours of the city. An amateur historian with an incredible knowledge of Vienna, Peter--who's fluent in English--relishes showing others his city. As he explained on the tour during which I took this photo, the old greyish "humps" on the sides of the walls were originally built there as a form of bumpers for the horse-drawn carriages that delivered beer and other goods to area Gasthauses.

Not far from this particular street is a restaurant with "signature walls" that, if you're really quite and the lighting is just right, you can see the signatures of such luminaries as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the slats of the wooden shutters. Or, I suppose, if you have the money, you can actually pay to eat there :)

This listing is for a 5x7-inch print of "A Narrow Street in Vienna, Austria" on your choice of glossy or matte paper.

ON SALE Happy Feet Penguin Earrings

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:56:29 -0500

$8.00
These earrings are made for all penguin lovers. The very small penguin charms are Tibetan Silver and the posts from which they hang (and the backs) are made from Sterling Silver. So, no worries for those of you with sensitive ears/allergies!

Long Live France Neon Green Resin Pendant

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:55:04 -0500

$8.00
I handcrafted this one-of-a-kind 1.5-inch by 1-inch "Long Live France" pendant from resin, which dries into a hard, clear plastic that looks like glass. Embedded inside the resin is a small, pre-Euro French coin and a few specks of glitter.

The side of the coin showing through the resin features a woman in a flowing dress that appears to be mid-stride. Circling around her are the words "Republique Francais."

I painted the back of the pendant using neon green acrylic paint. While I have sealed the paint with a spray acrylic sealant, I wouldn't recommend wearing this pendant in wile rainstorms, the ocean or the shower. After all, ya never know!

This pendant can be purchased as destash or as a necklace (with the black leather cord seen in the picture).

NOTE: There is a small, barely noticeable air bubble on the left side of the coin.

White-Petal Daisy Flower Earrings

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:55:04 -0500

$8.00
I handcrafted these adorable White-Petal Daisy Flower Earrings, which hang 2" from the lobe on gold-toned French hooks, by re-purposing a set of hand-painted 3-D flower buttons.

The bright yellow centers and white petals on these specialty buttons just scream "spring!" and "summer!"

The buttons measure 1"x1." In order to ensure that when you wear these daisy earrings, they're looking equally stylish from the front and the back, I beaded the back of the daisies using a mixture of yellow, brown and orange glass beads. and gold-toned earring hooks.

There's something about this style that I adore. Will be making many more button earrings so I hope you like them as much as I do! :)

How to Be an Artist Black Velour Choker

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:55:04 -0500

$15.00
At the tender age of 16, I--with a lotta help from my friends--set out to accomplish every task listed on the rambling "How to Be an Artist" poster I'd been given as a present the year before. We hugged trees, wrote "love notes" (all they said was "love" over and over again), ventured to cover the walls of one friend's bedroom with Post-It notes that said "hi" and "hello," and so many other crazy things I can't remember.

The colorful, inspiring metal pendant that I altered to turn it into the focal point of this choker on black velour ribbon makes me think of that "How to Be an Artist" poster. I have this nagging superstition that if you wear this choker, you'll feel more creative and inspired in not only your artistic endeavors but life in general.

I will size the choker to fit your neck using silver-toned end clamps, lobster claw clasp and an extension change to hang about 1-2 inches down the back of your neck with a coordinating glass bead to top of the effect. All I need is the size you'd like me to make it. If you're giving it as a gift, no problem. The extension chain serves as an automatic extender for the choker so that it's guaranteed to fit.

Red-Petal Flower Earrings

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:55:03 -0500

$8.00
I handcrafted these lovely Red-Petal Flower Earrings, which hang approximately 2" from the lobe from gold-toned French hooks, using handpainted 3-D wooden 1" x 1" flower buttons.

To ensure that the front is as beautiful as the back on these earrings, I strung the back with small round yellow Czech glass beads and small round sparkling clear beads.

Not being a gardener (or someone who knows anything about flowers unless they're orchids), I would love to learn the name of the flower featured in these earrings.

Edelweiss Bangle-Style Bracelet

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:55:03 -0500

$14.00
As a shortie (5'.5" tall) with petite wrists, I rarely have the pleasure of finding bangle bracelets that fit--unless you count a bracelet that can easily travel from my wrist to the top of my elbow as fitting.

So, I am dedicating my silver-toned Edelweiss Bangle-Style Bracelet, which opens with a latch on one side, to my fellow petite-wristed women. The bracelet, about 2 3/8th inches at its widest when closed, is perfectly sized for an approximately 6-inch (or smaller) wrist.

I made the Edelweiss Bracelet, named after Austria's national flower, using vintage (made between 1967-1973), hand-painted (18x13mm) Japanese glass floral intaglio cabochons, which I embedded into the open, scallop-edged bezels atop the latch-end bracelet using resin, which dries to a glass-like appearance. The cabochons are a deep jet black color with hand-painted red- and white-petaled flowers on them.

Vintage Postcard Set Made in Israel--ideal for Mixed Media Art

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:54:30 -0500

$5.00
This set of 8 vintage postcards featuring images of the island of Caesarea were made in Israel and are perfect for collages, mixed media art, and any other projects you can think of. The specific images included in this pack (based on the descriptions described on the backs of the cards) are:

1. Ruins of a Byzantine public building with a Roman statuary
2. Ruins of old harbour
3. A view towards the bay and harbour
4. Old and new at Caesarea's beach
5. Roman statue of light coloured marble
6. The Roman theatre at a performance
7. Ancient Roman ampitheatre
8. Byzantine mosaic floor

(Note: British spelling is used on the postcards.)

Vintage Original Holly Hobbie Doll--Excellent Condition

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:54:30 -0500

$12.00
Does the name "Holly Hobbie" bring back fond childhood memories? If so, then this original, vintage 18-inch tall Holly Hobbie doll is for you. She's made for displaying or snuggling with a stiff form rather than a traditional rag doll form, for example.

Holly's in excellent condition--a little thread is hanging from the seam under her feet and there's a barely noticeable light tan-colored stain in the white space around her knees.

Feel free to convo me with any questions about this listing. Thanks

Colors of Autumn Copper-Toned Bling Ring

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:53:30 -0500

$15.00
Once I started making these so-called "bling rings," I couldn't stop. They are just too much fun to make and to wear. (I couldn't help making myself a few.)

For my adjustable, copper-toned bling ring pictured above I combined a variety of shapes and sizes of glass beads in beautiful autumn colors, including shades of orange, yellow, gold, brown, green...

This ring is too much fun to pass up. Hope you'll agree.

Don't You Step on My Red Clay Shoes Earrings

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:53:30 -0500

$6.00
"Don't you step on my red clay shoes...You can do anything but step on my red clay shoes...don't, don't step on my red clay shoes..."

I handcrafted these earrings using the most adorable red clay shoe beads (as you can see). The detail on these shoes is incredible: there's white piping on the heel and the pointy toe and three sets of straight laces. I don't know about you but, personally, I'd totally wear these shoes if they were, in fact, shoes.

The earrings dangle to approximately 1.25 inches below the lobe (I measured them from the top of the French Hook; did NOT put them in my ears.)

I used silver-plated French Hooks but, you can upgrade to Sterling Silver hooks for a mere $1.50 more. (Just include this in the seller notes and adjust the balance you're paying to $1.50 more. Or, convo me.)

And remember..."Don't you step on my red clay shoes!" Hee hee

Sterling Silver, Rose Quartz Catholic ROSARY, CUSTOM MADE

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:53:29 -0500

$90.00
I make all of my 5-decade Catholic rosaries with Sterling Silver and genuine semi-precious gemstones. This listing is for one such rosary made with rose quartz beads. YOU CHOOSE the CRUCIFIX. You can convo me before ordering for pictures of your options or, when you order, ask me for the pictures.

Specifically, the eye pins, chain, ornate crucifix and rosary centerpiece are genuine (925) STERLING SILVER. The crucifix in this picture is beautifully detailed as you can see in the photos and about 1" tall.

The "Hail Mary" beads are 8mm round semi-precious ROSE QUARTZ beads in a beautiful, delicate light pink. The "Lord's Prayer" beads are also ROSE QUARTZ but are 10mm nuggets--ensuring that your hand will feel the difference to signify the change in prayer.

All of my rosaries come with a LIFETIME GUARANTEE!

DO MY ROSARY PRICES SEEM HIGH?
If so, it's probably because the majority of other rosaries that you've looked at were not made with pure sterling silver components, which makes a big difference in terms of the quality and yes, the price. I use all sterling silver components because a rosary is an heirloom.

NOTE: I can make a rosary using your choice of components as a special order, please convo me for details.

Orange-A-Go-Go Dangle Earrings

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:43:45 -0500

$6.00
My 2-inches-from-the-lobe "Orange-A-Go-Go Dangle Earrings" (yes, I'm hyphen happy!) are my first pair of earrings that I've made with chain. In this case, as you can see from the picture, with each earring the gold-toned chain hangs from a gold-toned French hook and connects to a string of three beads: one gorgeous canary-yellow Czech glass bead, a fabulous clear, dice-shaped glass bead with swirls of orange dancing around inside, and another of the canary yellow Czech glass beads.

These earrings are fun, spunky and a little bit funky. Dress 'em up or dress 'em down--you really can't go wrong!

ON SALE Brown Shell and Pearl Earrings

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:43:45 -0500

$5.00
I handcrafted these Brown Shell and Pearl Earrings using fabulous, luminescent, natural brown shell nuggets and glowing freshwater pearls hung from earring hooks (dangling approximately 2 inches from the lobe).

They're the perfect accessory for any woman who loves warm tones with hints of brightness. Closed with a gold-toned lobster claw clasp to ensure that you can put it on and take it off without assistance.

Plus, I have a matching necklace and bracelet for sale! If you'd like to make it a set, please convo me for details.

Tears of a Brazilian Carnelian Necklace

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:16:21 -0500

$15.00
SIZE: 2.25" x 1" (6 cm x 3 cm) teardrop-shaped Brazilian Carnelian focal pendant; 20" (52 cm) leather cord

MATERIALS: Brazilian Carnelian pendant, genuine brown leather cord, gold-toned barrel clasp and ends

You may be asking yourself, "Tears of a Brazilian Carnelian? Isn't Brazilian Carnelian a stone?" Why yes, yes it is--and a beautiful one at that! And it just seemed like a fitting name for this simple, natural, earthy necklace.

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and, hopefully, you'll agree that the pictures of the 20-inch simply elegant "Tears of a Brazilian Carnelian" are worth at least a thousand words.

Glow-In-The-Dark Xtra Large Dangling Hoops

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:16:21 -0500

$8.00
Do you, or someone you know, share my childish love of glow-in-the-dark fun? If so, you gotta check out my handmade Glow-In-The-Dark Xtra Large Dangling Hoops, which hang a whopping 3 inches from the lobe and--no lie--glow brightly in the dark.

My 5-year-old nephew tested them in his laundry room and then proceeded to drag in each family member individually to show off how brightly these hoops glow.

I made them from resin (a form of liquid plastic that dries to a glasslike substance). I then painted the hoops with glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint and varnish. Once appropriately glowing, I wrapped the hoops in gold-toned wire, which I also used to suspend them from gold-toned French hooks.

And voila! Hoops just made to live in the clubs were born.

Colorful Flowers in Bloom 4-Magnet Set

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:16:21 -0500

$10.00
With this gorgeous, colorful set of 4 "flowers in bloom" handmade resin magnets, your fridge, locker or magnet board will always be bright and cheerful. Even on the coldest, rainiest of days, you'll have yellow, purple, blue and pink flowers in bloom!

I handmade these fantastical flower magnets using resin (a clear liquid form of plastic that hardens to a glass-like material). I mixed flakes of shiny, multi-colored metallic-style glitter into the resin to boost the beauty of the flowers, painted the backs so that the chosen color would shine through the the clear resin and tint each flower, and secured circular magnets to the backs.

These "flowers in bloom" magnets are are approximately 2.75 inches from top to bottom, 1.25 inches across and .75 inches thick. And, as with all of my magnets, they make a wonderful, inexpensive gift for yourself or someone else. :)

Can't Spare a Square Adjustable Sky Blue Resin Ring

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:09:04 -0500

$8.00
"I'm sorry, I can't spare a square. I don't have a square to spare." Not a quote from a Dr. Seuss book but from...

If you buy this lovely adjustable handmade sky blue square resin ring and, in the notes to seller, you give me the proper source for the above quote, I'll give you a code to save 25% off your next BrigaBauble purchase (excludes shipping and vintage items)!

Now, on to the ring...Mounted on an ajustable silver-toned ring base is a gorgeous, ephemeral sky blue square of resin (a type of super-duty plastic that cures to a glass-like appearance). I embedded tiny cornflower blue, deep purple, clear and hot pink glass seed beads inside of this this 3/4 x 3/4-inch and 1/4-inch thick square.

The beads appear to be calmly floating through the square sky. The ephemeral appeal of this ring comes from a combination of the floating seed beads, the sky-blue-dyed resin and the sealed coat of white acrylic paint I used on the bottom of the square to provide a backdrop against the blue.

Did I mention that, with this ring being the perfect size and shape for a small gift (such as a stocking stuffer) and being adjustable, you really can't go wrong buying it for yourself or as a gift?

Choose Your Color Resin Googly Eyes Post Earrings, FREE SHIPPING, Price for 1 PAIR

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:57:28 -0500

$7.00
Jeepers, Creepers, Where'd you get those [googly] peepers? Tell me, where'd you get those earrings? OK, Mel Torme I'm not. But good ol' Mel was never singing about these fabulously fun and funky handmade square and rectangular resin earrings that feature those delightful "googly eyes."

I crafted each pair of earrings using resin (a special form of durable plastic that dries to look like glass) and painted the back of each earring with acrylic paint to create a uniquely colored pupil. Inside each earring is a colored googly eye placed anywhere but in the center. Each earring is mounted on surgical stainless steel posts and is so light that you'll forget you're wearing them -- until people start asking you where you got those googly-eyed peepers.

Currently, I have three pairs of these unique post earrings for you to choose from: a pair of square, ghostly white "pupils" with forest green googly eyes ( 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch); a pair of little square bright apple green pupils with midnight blue googly eyes (.6-inch by .6-inch); and a pair of rectangular bright blue sky pupils with cotton-candy pink googly eyes (3/45-inch by 1/2-inch)

The LISTED PRICE IS FOR ONE PAIR of earrings (please indicate your color choice at checkout). If you'd like to purchase all three pairs, please convo me and I will adjust the listing accordingly (with a discount).

Floating Flowers and Glowing Gold Resin Paperweight, FREE SHIPPING

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:19:56 -0500

$11.00
I suppose that paperweights were invented in a windy area before such climate controlling devices as air conditioning and fans. Office workers must have constantly struggled to keep their various reams of paper safe and secure on their desk; not blowing in the wind like so many answers (my friend). Alas, our relative control of the wind through windows that both open and close, floor fans that we can simply reposition, ceiling fans we can turn down and, of course, air conditioning have seemingly rendered the old paperweight about as useful as an appendix or spleen.

Or have they?

While you may not gift a paperweight to yourself or someone else because it is an office necessity, you may do so because said paperweight's appearance is sure to brighten anybody's day. Because that paperweight, with its embedded burnt orange-colored flowers floating amidst golden glitter and a gleaming golden background are so much nicer to look at than a computer screen. Because that paperweight, handmade with resin (a strong and durable form of plastic that dries to the appearance of glass), reminds its owner that there is more to life than offices and cubicles and meetings -- that there's an entire natural world awaiting them when that 5 o'clock bell rings in their mind.

This handcrafted rectangular-shaped resin paperweight with a glowing gold origami paper bottom measures approximately 2.5 inches by 3.25 inches, weighs virtually nothing and is about 1/2-inch thick.

Blue Glass Flowers Anklet with Hot Pink Jade

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:44:29 -0500

$10.00
Each day seems to signify the the rapid pace at which summer is passing me by. Perhaps that's the reason why I've gone on an anklet- and bracelet-making craze of late. These two pieces of jewelry are the ideal summer wear--no long sleeves, pants or stockings to cover them up. They're light and breezy in look and feel and can turn a slightly boring outfit into one that is truly fabulous. At least, that's what I think as I handmake my anklets and bracelets.

My "Blue Glass Flower Anklet with Hot Pink Jade" measures about 9.75 inches, allowing it to fit the majority of ankles. To make the anklet I combined slightly translucent royalish blue flower beads with specks of gold glitter inside with 4mm round genuine semi-precious hot pink jade beads. The contrast between the darker blue flower beads and the hot pink jade beads makes this anklet quite the attention-getter. The anklet closes with a medium-sized silver-toned lobster claw clasp.

Garnet Glass Flowers Anklet with Golden Seed Beads

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:44:29 -0500

$10.00
Anklets are the perfect summertime accessory -- light and breezy in look and feel, an anklet can turn a slightly boring outfit into a truly fabulous outfit. At least, that's my goal when I make anklets such as my new "Garnet Glass Flowers Anklet with Golden Seed Beads," which measures 10.25 inches in length.

To make this gorgeous anklet, I combined garnet-red glass flower beads with specks of gold glitter in them with teeny-tiny golden colored glass seed beads. The contrast between the darker red flower beads and the golden seed beads makes this anklet quite the attention-getter. The anklet closes with a small, gold-toned lobster claw clasp.

Japanese Cloisonne Purple ZEBRA Earrings

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:44:29 -0500

$8.00
Meet Neigh and Yay, the purple cloisonne ZEBRA twins. Both Neigh and Yay like to feel pretty, like so many horses. So, in turning them into dangling earrings, I accented Neigh and Yay with 2mm genuine semi-precious amethyst beads to highlight their purple stripes. Dangling from gold-toned French hooks, the Neigh and Yay Purple ZEBRA Cloisonne Earrings hang a total of 1.75 inches from the lobe.

Suspended Purple Motion on White Resin Ring

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:10:02 -0500

$8.00
Imagine being trapped in a time/space continuum. Or, perhaps more accurately, having Hiro go and freeze time on your without any warning. You'd be suspended in time, much like the pale lilac to deep purple seed beads that I embedded into this adjustable resin ring.

Thanks to resin's glass-like appearance (though it's technically a super strong plastic), teeny-tiny seed beads in multiple shades of purple appear to be hanging inside the approximately 1/4-inch thick oval dome I created from resin.

To further enhance the allure (and in keeping with the season), I painted (and sealed) the bottom of the resin dome in white before affixing it to an adjustable, silver-toned ring band. This way the beads appear to be like itsy-bitsy purple snowflakes frozen in the air before falling gently onto the field of snow.

Twilight BREAKING DAWN Replica Necklace CUSTOM MADE, PRICE VARIES

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:04:16 -0500

$100.00
As any devoted "Twilight" fan who has finished reading "Breaking Dawn" will know, this necklace is an interpreted recreation of Aro's gift to Bella for her wedding. A golf-ball-sized diamond is, of course, out of the question (unless, of course, you are filthy rich and willing to squander tens or hundreds of thousands on such a thing).

So, I used a 40mm round sparkling crystal instead. (As this necklace must be custom-ordered, you can certainly choose a smaller crystal that retains the ball shape). The customer for whom I designed this particular necklace wanted it to be as realistic as possible--down to the chain having a snakelike experience. This too is customizable.

The crystal shown in the pictures, which has a slight teardrop shape to it and sparkles/reflects light rays in the sun, is the size of a golf ball. The chain that I used for the piece is 14K gold plated over (925) Sterling Silver. In order to ensure that the chain will not break from the weight of the crystal, I suspended the crystal from gold-toned craft wire, which I weaved into the back of the chain--unseen.

If you would like your own Twilight "Breaking Dawn," replica necklace, please convo me as the actual price will depend on your choice of chain. (I will work with you to find the chain that fits the image in your mind.)

ON SALE Luxurious Shell and Pearl Necklace

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:24:32 -0500

$15.00
My approximately 19.5" (from clasp to clasp) "Luxurious Shell and Pearl Necklace" features these fabulous, luminescent, natural brown shell nuggets and glowing freshwater pearls.

It's the perfect accessory for any woman who loves warm tones with hints of brightness. Closed with a gold-toned toggle clasp to ensure that the owner can put it on and take it off without assistance.

Plus, I have a matching pair of earrings and bracelet for sale! If you'd like to make it a set, please convo me for details.

International Currency Choker (Made to Order)

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:24:32 -0500

$17.00
Please note: The black velour international currency choker pictured above is my own person choker, which I made to fit my neck. If you order an International Currency Choker, I will custom make yours to fit your neck and you may choose between only silver- or gold/copper-toned coins, or a mixture of both as I used for mine.

I love to travel and I grew up lucky. My Oma and Opa (Austrian grandparents) would save all year to pay for me and my big sister to fly to Vienna and stay with them in their tiny village about 30 minutes from the city limits for about 2 months each summer. I considered the Austrian shilling as much my native currency as the American dollar. And, to this day, I catch myself asking people how many Schillings (rather than Euros) something costs.

Living two years in Prague I often thought about how much I will miss the Kronen when the Czech Republic switches to the Euro in a few years.

So, when I was lucky enough to acquire a stash of international currency (bills and coins), most of which has been replaced or will soon be replaced by the Euro, I knew that I wanted to recycle it for jewelry and art projects.

My custom-made Black Velour International Currency Choker is one of these projects. Wear it and you'll be singing "I'm in the Money!" long into the night. While I can't guarantee that I can meet your requests for currency by country to use on your choker, I will certainly do my best.

If you'd like more information before purchasing, feel free to convo me. :)

Thanks!

VINTAGE Fenton Hobnail Opalescent Ruffled Glass Vase

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:47:59 -0500

$15.00
This vintage Fenton-Hobnail 4 1/2-inch opalescent glass double-crimped (or ruffled) vase practically sparkles in natural or faux lighting. The central part of the vase, including the lovely double crimping reminiscent of a homemade pie crust, is in excellent shape. There is an imperfection, however, there is a 2 1/4-inch chip on the underside of the vase's foot. I did my best to capture this imperfection in the photos. The foot is made of a thick glass so that there's only actually a tiny hole/chip. Regardless, this bumpy elegant vintage vase is a real beaut.

Sparkling Blue Green Resin Teardrop Ring

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:21:09 -0500

$8.00
The only good teardrops are those of joy and those that don't fall from eyes. The handmade sparkling blue-green resin teardrop attached to an adjustable silver-toned band to form a truly unique ring is one of those good, faux teardrops. If it brings any real tears to your eyes, I promise they will be tears of joy.

I made this particular teardrop, which is .75 inches in length, .5 inches at its widest point (the base) and .25 inches thick from resin -- a liquid form of plastic that hardens to a glass-like appearance with incredible strength -- that I tinted a deep sky blue. Inside the blue resin teardrop I embedded silver glitter (hence the "sparkling" and some tiny deep purple seed beads. To enhance the beauty of the teardrop even more, I painted the bottom a sea-life green before mounting it on the adjustable silver-toned ring band.

As a result, when viewed from the side you have a deep sky blue color and, when viewed from the top, you have a lovely green.

This ring is the perfect size and price for a small holiday gift!

French and Czech Reversible Decoupage Bracelet

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:54:47 -0500

$10.00
Parlez-vous français? Mluvíte česky? Of course, you don't need to speak French or Czech to enjoy the fabulous kitschiness of this handmade French & Czech Reversible Decoupage Bracelet. The varied collection of words, which I cut from a French magazine for the outside of the bracelet and from a Czech magazine for the inside of the bracelet, are a mixture of font types and sizes, colors and meanings.

The bracelet base is composed of square wooden tiles painted a bright brilliant gold color and sprayed with lacquer to protect the paint. The wooden tiles are connected with stretchy white thread. I then proceeded to decoupage the outside tiles on the bracelet (the ones that you see when wearing the bracelet right-side-out) with a spattering of French. To make the bracelet reversible, I turned the tiles inside out and decoupaged Czech words on the inside. So it's like getting two bracelets for the price of one.

This handmade French & Czech Reversible Decoupage Bracelet is ideally priced and sized for a wonderful stocking stuffer or other small gift.

Schoenbrunn Palace, Austria, from a Distance 5x7 print

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:44:28 -0500

$10.00
I have always loved visiting the grounds of Schoenbrunn Palace (Schloß Schönbrunn), one of the gorgeous former residences of the Hapsburgs (think rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire--until World War I that is). And yet, my photos from Schoenbrunn are rare. However, during one of my favorite activities -- showing a friend around Vienna -- I stopped at the top of the hill that both faces the palace and contains a ridiculously overpriced cafe, and I took the time to take this postcard-style shot of the palace.

If you ever make it to Vienna, Schoenbrunn Palace is but one of the many delights that await you.

This listing is for an unframed 5x7 print of "Schoenbrunn Palace, Austria, from a Distance" on your choice of glossy or matte paper. If you're interested in a different size, please convo me.

Schoenbrunn Palace, Austria, The Gardens 5x7 Print

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:44:28 -0500

$10.00
I have always loved visiting the grounds of Schoenbrunn Palace (Schloß Schönbrunn), one of the gorgeous former residences of the Hapsburgs (think rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire--until World War I that is). The landscaping at Schoenbrunn is legendary--you need only look at the picture above to see why.

If you ever make it to Vienna, Schoenbrunn Palace is but one of the many delights that await you.

This listing is for an unframed 5x7 print of "Schoenbrunn Palace, Austria, The Gardens" on your choice of glossy or matte paper. If you're interested in a different size, please convo me.

Yellow Buttercup Flowers and Pearl Choker

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:44:28 -0500

$20.00
My 16.5-inch "Yellow Buttercup Flowers and Pearls Choker" is strung on memory wire so that it will conform to fit the neck of the bearer. I created this delightful concoction from delicate yellow Czech glass flower beads and freshwater pearls with a brown shell nugget to close off each end. The gold-toned lobster-claw clasp is large enough to ensure that you can put on and take off this beauty all by your lonesome.

God Save the Queen Canadian Money Choker

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:47:55 -0500

$15.00
The handcrafted heart-shaped resin pendant, which hangs from a thick, scalloped silver-toned 17-inch choker frame, has a Canadian coin bearing the image of Queen Victoria embedded inside of it. Through layering the resin (a liquid form of plastic that dries to a glass-like finish but is much more durable), the coin appears to be suspended in air. I used acrylic paint to turn the back of the pendant hot pink, giving the necklace some extra spunk and funk. A tiny air bubble over the coin (within the pendant) does not detract from this necklace's chicness.

The "God Save the Queen" heart-shaped hot pink pendant is set off on the choker with two bicone-cut diamond-shaped sparkling clear glass beads.

Not for the faint of heart, my 17-inch "God Save the Queen Canadian Money Choker" is for those ladies who prefer their jewelry to be bold, daring and funky!

Oval Shaped Dinosaur Cuff Links for Men

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:28:34 -0500

$15.00
Little boys love dinosaurs, especially the mighty and ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex (or T-Rex). It stands to reason that men love dinosaurs as well -- whether they admit it or not. These handmade, olive green T-Rex dinosaur cuff links are the perfect gift for the dinosaur lover/paleontologist or man with a sense of humor in your life.

The base of each oval cuff link is silver-toned and feature a raised, scalloped edge. The links open and close with a small piece of silver-toned metal that locks into place when folded vertically or horizontally. The inside of the scalloped oval setting where the mighty and ferocious olive green T-Rex lives measures 11x15mm.

I handmade these unusual, kitschy T-Rex cuff links by re-purposing two plastic dinosaur buttons (removed the bottom part) and embedding one button in each link using clear, transparent resin--a form of liquid plastic that dries to the appearance of glass but is much more resilient.

Jingling Yellow Elephant Keychain Kawaii Style

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:13:15 -0500

$6.00
This handmade Kawaii-style keychain is the perfect gift for elementary school teachers, girls who just wanna have fun, or anyone who loves cute + kitsch. Dangling 4.5 inches from a large key ring are a combination of shiny, creamy white semiprecious freshwater pearls and bright, shiny hot-pink-dyed shell beads.

At the end of this delightful string of beads lies the pot of gold: an adorable, kitschy, Kawaii-style jingling yellow painted elephant charm. It's easy to miss that this little cutie is, indeed an elephant. After all, her tiny trunk is tucked right under her head--where one would normally find a neck. But, a bright canary yellow elephant with cotton candy pink cheeks she is--all .75 inches of her. And, she's hiding a jingling bell inside her tummy!

Striped Fat Cat Dangle Earrings

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:32:34 -0500

$7.00
My silver-toned Striped Fat Cat Dangle Earrings are sweet simplicity. Basic to the bone, yet utterly perfect for the lover of fat cats. Hanging from silver-toned French hooks, these fat cat charms, which have a slightly raised face and cool stripes cut into the metal, will dangle about 1.25" inches from the lobe. They're light and delicate and go with just about everything.

And, they are dedicated to my rather fat cat Milos (Czech--pronounced in English like me-low-sh, though some of my friends have attempted to nickname him "meatloaf," which he finds quite offensive. Milos is rumored to be part Maine Coon, the breed known as the "gentle giants" and, as far as he's concerned, 'nuff said.

NOTE: My adorable cat in the photo is, of course not for sale. No cats--fat or otherwise--were harmed in the creation of this listing or in the making of the earrings.

Lady Luck Red and Orange Dice Keychain

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:50:23 -0500

$5.50
If you want luck to be a lady tonight, today, tomorrow, or any time in between, then this red and orange dice keychain is for you! After all, how much luckier can you get than always having extra pairs of dice AND your keys on you? (Not that I recommend ruining the keychain to get to the brightly colored apple red and Florida-fresh navel orange dice!

I handmade this keychain, which has a ring large enough to serve as your main keyholder or as a spare ring, using shockingly bright, translucent red and orange dice beads (which I believe are made of resin--form of plastic that has appearance of glass and can be colored), all natural brown cotton cord and a large keyring.

"Luck be a lady tonight!"

Guardian Angel Dangle Earrings

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:55:53 -0500

$6.00
I handcrafted these adorable purply guardian angel earrings, which hang 1.5" from the lobe on silver-toned French hooks, from re-purposed, handpainted buttons. To enhance the purple in the coat of the guardian angel, I included a small round lilac-colored Czech glass bead underneath each "angel."

Handmade Freshwater Pearl ANGLICAN PRAYER BEADS

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:59:54 -0400

$30.00
I handcrafted this set of Anglican Prayer Beads (or Anglican Rosary) using 8 mm semi-precious freshwater pearls, Czech seed beads in various shades of brown and yellow, beading wire, and a semiprecious (quartz) cross. Top to bottom, my delicate-looking (yet durable) Anglican Rosary measures 12 inches (the cross is one inch long).

For more information on Anglican prayer beads/rosaries and how to pray with them, check out: http://www.kingofpeace.org/prayerbeads.htm

Green Sea and Pearl Lampwork Earrings

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:59:17 -0400

$10.00
I handcrafted my "Green Sea and Pearl Lampwork Earrings" using...yes, you guessed it, flat oval-shaped lampwork glass beads that have a delightful swirl of greens that are, in my mind at least, reminiscent of a green sea. To add a bit of shimmering luxury, I placed freshwater pearls--both above and below the lampwork beads.

These delightful, unique earrings hang about 1.75 inches (4.5cm) from the lobe on Sterling Silver French hooks. You can wear them to dress up or to go delightfully casual with a bit of shimmer.

Underwater Flower Dangle Earrings

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:58:43 -0400

$9.00
I handcrafted my Underwater Flower Dangle Earrings, which hang 1.5 inches from the lobe from gold-toned French hooks, by creating small (1"x.8") hexagon resin pendants. Within the layers of resin I embedded coral-colored fabric flowers--the blacks of which protrude slightly from the resin. I allowed the air bubbles to remain within the resin in order to create the effect of flowers submerged in water. As you can see from the photos, as the light hits the resin, which dries to a glass-like appearance, the front of the earrings look different depending on the angle.

Creamy White Shell and Wire Cuff Bracelet

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:43:32 -0400

$15.00
This handmade cuff bracelet combines the primitive feel of upcycled shiny chips of winter white natural shell with the modern look of a copper wire-wrapped silver-toned cuff bracelet. The bracelet opens to at least 8 inches to fit around your wrist (or upper arm), and can be closed into a tight cuff.

Built upon a basic silver-toned cuff bracelet form with parallel curled lines of metal, this handcrafted bracelet features upcycled shimmery shell chips woven around the metal using deep forest green colored copper wire. The two sections of the bracelet are then bound more tightly together with interwoven black coated copper wire--creating a one-of-a-kind bracelet that shows off your innovative, refusing-to-be-defined style.

Shabby Chic Coral Pink Flower EARRINGS

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:50:00 -0400

$8.00
I handcrafted these lovely Shabby Chic Coral Pink Flower Earrings, which hang approximately 2" from the lobe from gold-toned French hooks, using handpainted 3-D wooden 1" x 1" flower buttons.

To ensure that the front is as beautiful as the back on these earrings, I strung the back with various shapes of small yellow, green and clear glass seed beads.

Wear these fabulous flower earrings and your garden will always grow (your earring garden that is).

Sparkly Purple Gilbert Grape Earrings, Fun and Funky

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:13:52 -0400

$5.00
Remember back when Leonardo DiCaprio was a relative nobody next to Johnny Depp and they starred in this fabulous movie together called "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" Well, I do (and I highly recommend the flick if you haven't seen it). And, when I was designing these sparkly glittery purple grape earrings from re-purposed plastic buttons and silver-toned French hooks, all I could think was, "What was eating Gilbert Grape anyway?"

The result: A pair of fabulously fun, funky GRAPE earrings that dangle 1.25" from the lobe and sparkle like nobody's business! Consider them a tribute to vino, wine, the drink of the gods, Bacchus' milk, the fruit of life. Wait, the fruit of life is something else entirely, isn't it?

Or, consider them a tribute to a movie that allowed both Depp and DiCaprio to flex their acting muscles.

Or, just consider these delectable, casual, bright sparkly earrings a tribute to girls who just wanna have fun.

Either way, they make an excellent gift...perhaps a stocking stuffer?

Handmade STERLING SILVER and Pearl CATHOLIC ROSARY--CUSTOM MADE

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:03:47 -0400

$80.00
NOTE: This listing is for a CUSTOM-MADE rosary. Please allow two weeks between time ordered and delivery. If you need it sooner, just convo me and I'll let you know what I can do. Thanks!

I make my "Handcrafted Sterling Silver and Freshwater Pearl 5-Decade Catholic Rosaries" using sterling silver and freshwater pearls. The eye pins, chain, crucifix and Miraculous Medal centerpiece are all made from (925) sterling silver. The crucifix, in this example is in the most modern of styles. All of the beads are genuine, semi-precious freshwater pearls (the semi-precious birthstone for June) that gleam in any light.

(If you would prefer a more traditional crucifix, please convo me before purchasing and I will send you images of your choices. Please note that some choices will affect the price.)

DO MY ROSARY PRICES SEEM HIGH?
If so, it's probably because the majority of other rosaries that you've looked at were not made with pure sterling silver components, which makes a big difference in terms of the quality and yes, the price.

I use all sterling silver components because I think of my handcrafted rosaries as "future heirlooms" that are worthy of only the best materials. I hope that you will agree.

Pair of Small Antique Louise Biron Floral Prints

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:11:44 -0400

$22.00
This pair of vintage/antique shabby chic floral prints by artist Louise Biron are sure to brighten any home. They are in their original golden, 3-layer frames which, for being at least 80 years old, are in mighty fine condition with some slight chipping/discoloration.

As you can see from the pictures above, the two small floral prints are not identical. Rather, they complement one another and would look gorgeous hung alongside one another or even in separate rooms.

The prints themselves are 4.75 inches tall by 3.6 inches wide.

The outside of the frame of each print is 6.6 inches tall and just shy of 5.75 inches wide. The frame itself is incredibly ornate with the very outside edges slightly grooved; the next "layer" in is notched; and the "layer" of the frame that is closest to the actual floral print has a beaded look and feel.

The back of each print has a small round hook for hanging, as well as a standing arm. One of the frames is labeled: "W-24 Florals By Louise Biron C.&A. Richards Boston, Mass." This particular set was gifted as a wedding present more than 80 years ago.

Vintage FENTON blue HOBNAIL GLASS Single Bud Vase--Set of 2

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:37:34 -0400

$16.00
These two vintage opalescent blue Fenton-brand hobnail glass single bud vases are a must-have for lovers of vintage glass or anything retro. (I think these two fabulous glass pieces would make fabulous single bud vases but, I must confess that I can't be positive this is their intended use.)

The style of glass is known as "hobnail" because there are these funky spiky bumps of glass covering the outside of each single bud vase. The inside of each vase, however, is smooth.

These "vases" from Fenton are said to be the "cornucopia" shape. Personally, though, I prefer to think of them as curly-toed boot vases. If you look at the end of each piece in the photos I think you'll see why.

The folded top rim of each vase has a bluish-hued "milk glass" appearance while the remainder of the glass is a gorgeous opalescent blue color that's perhaps a touch shy of aquamarine.

SIZE: The tallest point of each glass piece (from the bottom platform to the top of the rim) is 3.75 inches. The depth is 2-2.25 inches, and at each vase's narrowest point in the bottom, it's less than .5 inches across. The opening at the top stretches to a width of 2.75 inches.)

NOTE: The price is for the PAIR

Sterling Silver ROSARY BRACELET with Semi-Precious Lapis Lazuli

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:05:29 -0400

$25.00
At 8.5 inches, my "Sterling Silver ROSARY BRACELET with Semi-Precious Lapis Lazuli " is a beautiful, precious gift for you or someone you love. Handcrafted from only the best of materials--sterling silver pins, chain, clasp, 3/4-inch crucifix, and two 8 mm round beads, along with 10 semi-precious 8 mm deep, swirly blue Lapis Lazuli beads (a full "decade").

Perfect gift for MOTHER'S DAY and, it's adjustable--you can clasp it at any point in the chain.

Translucent Red Jelly Bean Resin Bangle Bracelet

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:12:40 -0400

$8.00
At first, I set out to make a basic, translucent red bangle bracelet from resin (a liquid form of plastic that, when catalyzed and cured, dries to a glass-like hard plastic that withstands the test of time. However, once the bracelet was ready to wear, I felt like it lacked some oomph. For days I wondered what kind of "oomph" was needed.

Finally it came to me! This resin bangle needed to livened up with multiple colors of small glass pebbles often used to create a decorative vase. So, liven it up I did. I couldn't help but notice the interesting resemblance that my chosen glass pebbles bear to jelly beans, hence the slightly odd naming.

MEASUREMENTS: The outside circumference of the bracelet is 10.25" with an inside circumference of 7 3/8." The "height" of the bangle is 5/8" and it is 10mm thick.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, there's a lot to be said for the size and price of this and my other handmade bracelets (and earrings!)

Twilight Inspired Genuine Turquoise Bracelet CUSTOM MADE

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:24:44 -0400

$40.00
A fan of the "Twilight" book series asked me to create a Turquoise and silver bracelet as a gift for a close friend nicknamed "Alice." (If you too are a lover of all things "Twilight," you're probably thinking..."Of course, Alice wears a fabulous Turquoise bracelet in both the book and the film." If you're not a fan but are searching for a gift for someone who is, you'll have to trust me on this one.)

NOTES: The price for this listing is based on the purchase of a 7-inch bracelet, which I will custom make for you once I have received your cleared payment. Please allow 3-4 days for this. In addition, as the stones are genuine, there are natural variations in their color, veins and tone. If you would like to see a picture of the stones I would use for your bracelet, please convo me.

I used genuine, semi-precious Turquoise stones in this bracelet, and arranged each delightfully blue-green stone beauty in a bright silver-toned setting encircled by an intricate floral design. The result: this bracelet can be worn with a cocktail dress or a pair of jeans. The rings connecting the settings are Sterling Silver, and the bracelet is closed with a Sterling Silver lobster claw clasp. This way, the lucky gal who wears this piece can connect to whichever ring she would like--leaving it to dangle if she so chooses.

To ensure that the beautiful Turquoise stones would not lose their settings, I held them in place with a special resin glaze that is non-toxic even in its liquid form, and adds an extra dew-drop-touched look to the settings. (Resin is a liquid form of plastic that, when set, takes on the appearance of glass with super-powered strength.)

This bracelet, of course, is the perfect size and price for a holiday gift to yourself, a Twilight fan, or really any woman who loves Turquoise and silver!

Asian Influenced Decoupage Bangle Bracelet

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:53:45 -0400

$5.00
Q: What do you get when you combine the art of decoupage (decorating a surface with cutouts of paper or similar material), a wooden bangle bracelet, some fabulous, brightly colored fancy paper with an Asian-style floral pattern, and a mad crafter?

A: The awesomely unique, bright, fun and feminine bracelet pictured above!

The inside of this unique decoupaged bangle bracelet measures 2.25 inches across. It's the perfect size and price to be given as a small gift such as a stocking stuffer, or to purchase for yourself as a pick-me-up. Either way, you can't go wrong!

Sterling Silver, Moonstone CATHOLIC Rosary, CUSTOM MADE

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:45:23 -0400

$90.00
I make all of my 5-decade Catholic rosaries with Sterling Silver and genuine semi-precious gemstones. This listing is for one such rosary made with Moonstone beads. (Moonstone is the semi-precious birthstone for June. YOU CHOOSE the CRUCIFIX. You can convo me before ordering for pictures of your options or, when you order, ask me for the pictures.

Specifically, the eye pins, chain, ornate crucifix, and Miraculous Medal centerpiece are all genuine (925) STERLING SILVER. The crucifix in this example is beautifully detailed and about 1" tall.

The "Hail Mary" beads are 8mm round semi-precious MOONSTONE beads in a dreamy, reflective, translucent creamy color. The "Lord's Prayer" beads are are also MOONSTONE but are 10mm nuggets--ensuring that your hand will feel the difference to signify the change in prayer.

All of my rosaries come with a LIFETIME GUARANTEE. Should one ever be in need of repair, just email me and I will arrange to fix it for free.

DO MY ROSARY PRICES SEEM HIGH?
If so, it's probably because the majority of other rosaries that you've looked at were not made with pure sterling silver components, which makes a big difference in terms of the quality and yes, the price.

I use all sterling silver components because, a rosary is a family heirloom.

NOTE: I can make a rosary that meets your specific needs--using your choice of components and beads. Please convo me for details.

Prague/Praha from My Window 5x7-inch print

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:16:29 -0400

$10.00
During the two years that I lived and worked in Prague (or Praha), I took the city, the views, the surrounding towns and villages and outlying areas for granted. I rarely carried a camera with me--odd in and of itself--and I even more rarely stopped to capture one of the many features distinct to Prague.

I took this particular photo, which is priced unframed as a 5x7" print on your choice of glossy or matte paper (convo if you're interested in a different size), at the very end of my time in Prague. At the time I had been working 10-12-hour days and had spent so little time gazing out the window of my one-room flat.

I wasn't ready to leave and wanted to capture the gorgeous view that I wish I had spent more time enjoying while there. That gorgeous view is "Prague (Praha) City Center from My Window."

Quartz Crystal Clear Resin Pendant

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:15:07 -0400

$5.00
I handcrafted this rectangular pendant using resin, which dries to a hard plastic that resembles glass. Inside the pendant I embedded clear and lilac-colored quartz crystal chips, giving the chips the appearance of floating within the resin.

If you hang the pendant it measures 1.8 inches long, .7 inches across and .3 inches in thickness.

This pendant can be purchased as a necklace, which I will suspend from either a silver-toned chain or black leather cord--your choice, or as destash to create your own necklace.

Colors of Fall Natural Wood Button Earrings

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:50:05 -0400

$8.00
OK, so the name of these earrings could use some work--a lot of it in fact. But, hopefully the unique beauty of these handmade earrings will make up for their less-than-spectacular name. After all, what's in a name?

I handcrafted my "Colors of Fall Natural Wood Button Earrings," which dangle about 2.5 inches from the lobe, using natural round wooden buttons that have a delightful flower pattern carved into them. I hung each button (one per earring) from gold-toned French hooks and, in a style reminiscent of dreamcatchers, ran three lines of tiny glass seed beads from each button. The beads vary in shape, size and color, running the gamut from bronze to an almost lime green to a pale golden yellow. And who knows, perhaps the wearer of these earrings will have her dreams filtered so that only the most positive images and aspirations shine through.

Spooky Lg Red Halloween Hoops

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:12:10 -0400

$10.00
Call 'em Halloween Hoops or just plain fun and funky hoops but, whichever you choose, I hope you'll call these handmade resin and wire hoops yours!

Only for the bold and daring earring wearer, I created these large red spooky Halloween Hoops using resin (a liquid form of plastic that dries to the appearance of glass but doesn't break without a fight). To get the cool opaque pale red color I dyed the resin.

Then I wrapped each hoop in thick, black-coated copper wire to give them an eerie spider web feel. I finished the earrings off by hanging them from sterling silver french hooks, which I connected by creating a miniature hoop from silver-toned wire.

All in all, the hoops (which are a bit on the heavier side if you're used to small, light earrings) will dangle a whopping 3.25 inches from the lobe. The resin hoops themselves are 2.25 inches long and 1.5 inches wide at their widest point.

She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy Earrings

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:13:17 -0400

$8.00
Oh yea, I went there. You betcha I did. I may now be cringing in shame but I did just name this adorable pair of handcrafted fire-engine-red tractor button earrings after the terribly cheesy country song, "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy." Trust me, if you know it, you know it. If you don't, you're just as well (and perhaps even better) off.

Please don't hold the name against these unique little beauties, which can scream either, "I'm a Dixie-Chicks-listening farm girl and proud of it" or, "I'm a city/suburban girl with a love for all things kitschy and cute." Either way, my "I Think His Tractor's Sexy" earrings are a must-have in the two colors that almost every woman has represented in her closet: power red and versatile black.

I made these tractor earrings by re-purposing a pair of hand painted metal tractor buttons, suspending them from STERLING SILVER French hooks and adding a little extra zing with approximately 4mm black, round Czech glass beads.

MEASUREMENTS
These down-home-on-the-farm earrings will dangle about 4cm from the wearer's lobe. The re-purposed, hand painted tractor buttons themselves are a little over 2cm wide and about 1.2cm at their tallest. As a whole these earrings are actually quite light and delicate.

Purple Googly Eyes Resin Pendant

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:38:51 -0400

$5.00
I handcrafted this rectangular pendant from resin, which dries to a clear hard plastic that resembles glass. Inside of the pendant I embedded multi-colored "googly" or "wiggle" eyes--two yellow, two pink, one green and one black. I put the eyes in different layers of the resin so they look like they're floating.

I then painted the back of the pendant a medium-toned sparkly purple color, which shines through the pendant (as you can see in the picture).

If you hang the pendant it measures 1.8 inches long, .7 inches across and .3 inches in thickness.

This pendant can be purchased as a necklace, which I will suspend from either a silver-toned chain or black leather cord--your choice, or as destash to create your own necklace.