Smocked Jewelry

September 1, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: jewelry 
Social Tagging: • •

Photo courtesy Tinctory

As soon a I saw this jewelry, I knew I had to share it with you.  It is unusual and I think very beautiful.  I’ve always thought of smocking as a detail used in children’s clothing – primarily dresses for little girls.  But, it’s definitely all grown up in this necklace by Tinctory.

What I love even more than the beauty of the piece, is the fact that the artist not only makes the jewelry, she hand dyes the fabric using dyes she makes from various natural substances, some of which are shown in the photo above.  Her blog is a journey to a precious world where basil leaves or coreopsis petals are steeped to make the dyes.  She’s in England and how I would love to visit and take in the colors and scents and textures.

Thank you Tinctory for bringing bits of loveliness to the world.

Special Request

August 30, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: beads, beadwork, life 
Social Tagging: • • • •

The other day, I had on earrings similar to these.  Mine are a soft shade of purple, sage green, and gold.  A friend saw them and wanted a pair to give as a birthday gift.  She said the lady she had in mind loved turquoise and coral.  So this is what I came up with – turquoise and coral are a classic combination that works equally well with silver or gold accents.

I’ve been doing more metal and wire work than beadwork lately, but the needle and thread felt right at home in my hands.  I tend to bear down on needles so mine are always curved.  And even though it’s been a while, the curve fit right where it was supposed to and I enjoyed making her idea come to life.

All that remains now is to see if the friend actually gets the earrings.  But, that’s between the two of them…

Vintage Daffodil

August 28, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: beads, design, jewelry, metalwork 
Social Tagging: • • • • • • •

I found this vintage daffodil piece and just had to have it.  It was part of some type of flower of the month promotion and there were several flowers to pick from.  I got this one and a morning glory in cream on black.  I created a simple tab setting for the piece from brass and think the four tabs interfere very little with the flower piece.   I liked the addition of the open circle above the flower pendant.  It adds substance to the pendant without adding visual weight or detracting from the flower.

My original thought was to use two of the little flower connector pieces and chrysocolla beads – you can see the first draft of the idea here.  But it felt heavy-handed and distracting when I pulled it together.  So, I ended up with one flower connector piece and beads in very soft tones with an antique-y feel.  I named the necklace Lillian.

DIY Jewelry Storage – Post 2

August 25, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: jewelry storage 
Social Tagging: • •

Photo Courtesy Design Sponge

Today’s blog post is a continuation from Monday’s post about DIY jewelry storage options.  Shadow boxes can be used to store jewelry.  This idea is from Design Sponge and isn’t it just plain pretty?  Like it can be a room accessory and jewelry storage at the same time kind of pretty??  Their post shows several variations of these, each equally lovely.

Photo courtesy Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy suggests a plain ol’ cork board.  I think this one works because everything is aligned so neatly.  Of course, the trim could be painted or covered with ribbons or other materials to dress it up.

Photo Courtesy Diary of a Style Addict

Diary of a Style Addict brings a bit of nature indoors with this tree branch jewelry organizer.  I’ve also seen tree branches embedded in containers in an upright position and used for jewelry storage.

Photo Courtesy Anne Marie

This idea from Anne Marie uses a picture frame and window screen.  Anne Marie shows how to make it with photos illustrating each step.  The mat board used can be selected or embellished to match your room decor.

Photo Courtesy Design Sponge

I’m definitely in the if I see it, I’ll wear it camp when it comes to jewelry – clothing too.  So most of my jewelry is out in the open.  But for those of you who prefer more covert operations, here’s an another idea from Design Sponge.  Click for a list of materials and step by step instructions.    No matter how you store your jewelry treasures, I think two things are important.  One, keeping the jewelry free from damage and tangles.  And two, choosing an option that helps you know what you have so you wear it.

Disclaimer:  I received no compensation from any of these individuals or companies for this post.  I just liked their ideas.

DIY Jewelry Storage Ideas – Post 1

August 23, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: jewelry storage 
Social Tagging: • •

Photo courtesy DIYideas.com

Buying jewelry that reflects your personal style and complements your outfits is one thing.  You’ve also got to store it.  And how you store it can make a difference in how often you wear it.  And isn’t that the real point – to wear the jewelry that you’ve invested in.

I thought I’d take a look around and some of the beautiful and clever DIY ideas out there for jewelry storage.  There was such an abundance of ideas that I’m breaking it into two posts.  Today’s post shows items repurposed from the other rooms in the house, starting with the kitchen.  The photo above is from DIYIdeas.com and it uses a decorated cutlery tray to organize and store jewelry.  If you like this idea, here’s a link to their full post for details.

Photo courtesy Tipnut

Tipnut.com shows how to use a lovely assortment of tea cups and saucers to hold jewelry.  Here’s a link to that post and they’ve got plenty of other storage and organizing tips.

Photo courtesy Robomargo

Margo from RoboJunker.com displays jewelry beautifully with this old clipboard.  She also has other lovely ideas for repurposing vintage items and finding delightful ways to use them.

Photo courtesy Craftzine.com

And from the game room, Craftzine.com shows us an old Mancala board repurposed for jewelry storage.  So take a look around the house.  You might already have something that as-is or with a little alteration would be perfect for storing your jewelry collection.

Disclaimer:  I received no goods or other compensation from any of the individuals or organizations featured here.

Sometimes Simplicity…

August 21, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: design, jewelry, metalwork 
Social Tagging: • • • •

I made this enamel pendant and have been looking forward to making a necklace that used it.  I cut the teardrop shape out of copper and added some ripples to the bottom.  I then added enamels in a pleasing color combination with some lines as accents.  One thing I am learning about enamel is that any texturing has to be very pronounced to show after enamel has been applied.

Those of you who read regularly know I love beads, so I envisioned a beaded necklace to go with this pendant.  Well, the pendant had other ideas.  I think the gold foiled-lined glass bead and the two crystals dress the pendant up and highlight the colors I used.  After that, anything else I tried with beads was just too much.  So I kept it simple and added a small dark chain.  And I think the combination is lovely.

it’s important to know when keep it simple.  And equally important to know who’s the star of the show.

Be Inspired: 8 pieces of beautiful handmade jewellery

August 18, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · 1 Comment
Filed under: Fashion and Trends, jewelry 
Social Tagging: • •

This guest post was contributed by UK jewellery supplier Fabulous Collections

Jewellery has long been a necessary component of any person’s outfit.  Jewellery can spice up a casual outfit, or express your personality and interests.  Accessories have been used for centuries upon centuries as religious, cultural, or just a fun way to enhance your overall appearance.  Handmade jewellery is becoming a popular trend.  More people are interested in unique and beautiful handmade jewellery pieces they can buy and wear to stand out.

Wire Jewellery

Wire pieces are interesting and considered a “statement” piece. Most often wire jewellery is composed of durable and coloured wire that is wrapped around stones, gems, rocks, polymer clay pieces, and other odds and ends. Wire statement jewellery can be worn with nearly anything, and it offers a unique artistic approach to jewellery wearing.  Wire jewellery from Cinnamon Jewellery, photo courtesy Cinnamon Jewellery.

Hemp Jewellery


Image Source
Hemp pieces have been popular for decades, because they are a simple yet detailed piece of jewellery that can add an earthy feel to an outfit. Hemp string is also durable and long-lasting. You can put on a hemp necklace or bracelet and leave it on for years. Beads and other fixtures can be attached to hemp jewellery pieces to add sophisticated flair and a unique artistic feel to the piece. Hemp is also allergen free so nearly everyone can wear gorgeous hemp based jewellery pieces.

Handcrafted Polymer Clay Pieces

Image Source
The Internet has made it possible for the average person to find unique handcrafted jewellery from around the world. Polymer clay is one of the most popular types. Artists can craft beads, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other types of jewellery from clay to create an entirely unique piece of jewellery. The options of wearing and collecting polymer clay jewellery are endless.

Beaded Jewellery


Image Source
Beaded pieces are a popular favourite and they have been for as long as beads have existed. Beaded pieces are delicate yet bold, and can make a drab outfit stand out in the crowd. The best part is that no two beads are ever the same – especially when it comes to handcrafted jewellery designs. Beads can be used for all types of jewellery and make a great addition to any jewellery collection. Beaded pieces can also be used in combination with wire, clay, and hemp.

Vintage Pieces

Handmade vintage jewellery usually consists of tiny odds and ends collected and put together to create a brand new re-worked piece of jewellery art. Vintage jewellery is becoming increasingly popular as more people develop a fascination for all things vintage.  Jewellery by Janet Lily, photo courtesy Janet Lily.

Metal Worked Handmade Jewellery

Hand stamped and crafted metal jewellery is also a big trend. There are a number of ways to create or just buy special customized hand stamped metal jewellery pieces that look sophisticated, and classy.  Metal jewellery from Ali Bali Jewellery, photo courtesy Ali Bali jewellery.

Resin Jewellery

Using resin to cast unique forms of jewellery with little trinkets inside is also a common and popular type of jewellery. Resin can be made at home fairly easily with a little creativity and the right tools on hand.  Resin jewellery from Jane Gallagher Jewellery UK, photo courtesy Jane Gallagher.

Hand Carved Jewellery Pieces

A number of crafters make their own hand carved jewellery pieces to sell and offer to jewellery lovers. Hand carved jewellery is an excellent option for those that want a personalized and unique piece of jewellery.  Jewellery from Bird Ahoy, photo courtesy Bird Ahoy.

Rough Cut Gemstones

August 16, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · 1 Comment
Filed under: beads, design 
Social Tagging: • • • • •

Most jewelry designers like myself love coming across an unusual find.  One of those finds, at least for me, is rough cut semi-precious gemstones – meaning gemstones that have been cut into rough shapes with no polishing to smooth the surfaces.  I don’t see them very often, so when I do, I’m usually intrigued and a strand or two always manage to make it into my bead stash.

The rough cut agate gemstones in the bracelet shown above are an example.  I love the combination of their rough edges with smooth pearl and crystal beads.  I remember the first time I saw an uncut diamond used in a piece of jewelry.  It was an article in Ornament Magazine about jeweler Todd Reed.  The pieces were devastatingly gorgeous and I jut loved his vision of using diamonds in a rough uncut state.

I also managed to find a strand of rough cut blue lace agate and again enjoyed using the stones as a way to bring contrasts in textures in a piece of jewelry.  I love seeing beauty in stones that have had fewer finishing touches by human hands and show more of their rugged, natural state.

Fall 2010 Look – The Messy Chain

August 14, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Fashion and Trends 
Social Tagging: • • •

Messy chains – jewelry looks made from layers of chain in mixed or similar metals- were popular this past spring and sources say the look will continue into fall 2010.  I think it’s a fun look and one that is probably harder to achieve that it’s name or initial appearance might suggest.    The necklace above is from Gemma Redux and I love that color is introduced with the use of beads.  Also from from Gemma Redux are these coral and messy chain earrings.

So, where did the messy chain look come from?  Was a smart and stylish trendsetter running late one day?  Did she grab a chain only to have a tangled mess of them come out of the jewelry box, look at the mess and think – I don’t have time for this, I’m wearing it and I will act like I meant it and it’s a new trend.  Or did huge stockpiles of pieces of chain amass in a warehouse somewhere and a crafty guy or gal think – you know, I can make something with all of that chain.

I don’t know how it started, but the look is here with us now and it’s one to have fun with.  I also bet there are some of you out there with DIY inventiveness and a mess of old chains yourselves who can work up your own creative versions.  Enjoy.

Photos courtesy of Gemma Redux and Bloomingdales.  Disclaimer – I did not receive any products or other compensation from either company.  I like the messy chain look and the opinions expressed are my own.

Coppery Tones

August 11, 2010 by thebeaddreamer · Leave a Comment
Filed under: jewelry, metalwork, wirework 
Social Tagging: • • •

I think copper has always been a beautiful choice for jewelry and in these times of high metal costs, it remains an affordable option.  I do use sterling silver and gold-filled metal in my jewelry, but also use copper, brass, and tin.  I think the warm tones of copper really work to bring other colors to life.

My Shakira earrings feature colorful bits cut from a tin canister riveted to copper.  Copper is a soft metal and when annealed (softened by heat) is very malleable.  That’s how I curled the bottoms up to create a place to hang the crystal and pearl.

This pair of earrings was made from copper wire.  At the bottom, the copper wire was formed into a spiral and then triangular shape.  At the top, a “messy” copper earwire adds a nice touch.  The copper elements in these earrings were darkened and then hand buffed to bring back the luster and shine of the metal.

« Older Entries