Custom Princess Earrings

Custom orders are quite possibly my favorite thing about handcrafting jewelry. I love giving life to someone's idea, and crystal ball earrings are one of the easiest pieces to customize.

This week's special requests were two pairs of crystal ball earrings, meant for two preschoolers. To shorten them a bit they are on Sterling silver posts instead of ear wires, and they are in the girls' favorite colors. So sweet!

My 2.5 year old daughter was fascinated with all the shininess and pronounced them "princess earrings". Seems appropriate.

Today's big Facebook post asks how you would customize a pair, and that's what I'm asking you, too! Would you choose your favorite color, your birthstone color, or something else?

bangles, bangles everywhere

I can't seem to stop making these bangles! First there were simple beaded ones in saturated colors, like these ones. I've got most of the rainbow here! This rainbow is available individually or as a set of cool blues (the bottom three) or hot tropics (the top three). I've found that they're a lot of fun to stack for more visual impact.

I beaded each one with matching glass seed beads because I can't seem to make "plain" anything.. Next, somebody wanted crystals instead of beads for extra sparkle, so these ones appeared. They're my favorite so far, and I can't wait to do more with these larger crystals.

Finally, someone else thought that a charm bracelet made with this technique would be a great idea, so she picked the charms and I knitted them, along with some Swarovski crystals, to form this set of bangles.

They're pretty easy to make, and definitely fun to wear! I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in a tutorial or pattern to make your own, or perhaps a kit with all of the supplies, as well as directions? Please comment with your thoughts. :)

In the meantime, I'm working on a special project. Every year, one of the churches in my area hosts a Mother's Day Tea, and part of the festivities includes a raffle of a variety of products and services. There has been everything from a movie night basket, to Avon products, and even a full photography shoot donated by a local photographer. I'm making this set of bangles for the event:

Time to chug some coffee and get knitting.

pretty in pink

Hi there, sorry for the temporary disappearance. Between custom orders and sickness (the flue bug that just won't quit) I haven't had a chance to catch up here. Recently I've had the opportunity to create some pretty in pink custom orders. First there was the silver and pink crystal bangle, which turned out so well I listed one. (That happens a lot, my customers are smart and have lovely ideas.)

pink crystal bracelet

Then there was the matching pink knot necklace. The tricky part with this one was making the wire wrapped clasp. I used heavier gauge stainless steel wire. Ouch! My hands were killing me in the end, but the results were pretty, so I'm sure I'll be doing it again. If you decide to try it, take your time and take  plenty of breaks. I found this tutorial from Trina Ann to be very helpful. Since I don't have bail making pliers I used a knitting needle, size 7, to wrap the wire around for the coil.. I worked the loop using a wire jig, and my kids were fascinated, watching as I snaked the wire around the pegs and created the shape.

The final piece is actually a fun set of bangles in black, silver, and hot pink. Yes, we're back to bangles. They're multiplying like rabbits around here. It started with just two, but now there's a whole collection in a rainbow of shades, with more coming as colors  are suggested to me or as I see pretty wire. There's a very citrus-ey bunch hanging out in the bracelet box now, but they'd clash with the rest of the pink in this post. Maybe next time.