Photo Jewelry Series – Part Three of Three

These are the two products I use to secure and seal my photographs when creating my photo jewelry.

They can each be found at most national craft retailers or online.

The Glossy Accents is thick and great for filling in a "well" or covering small beads, findings or paper layers. It has it's own applicator and can fit in small areas. A very tiny amount can be applied to the back of your photograph to secure it to the piece of jewelry before covering the top.

The Triple Thick is thinner and easier to spread over larger surfaces. I use a clean, soft, synthetic craft brush to apply it. It gives a uniform look to a wider surface. You must take care not to over-brush the top or your photo might smear.

I also sometimes use a spray fixative (found at any art store) to "fix" or seal my photographs or paper art before finishing with one of the above products.

Be sure to experiment with any product you use and get comfortable with it. There can be a slight learning curve and it will make for happier creating if you feel secure with your supplies.

Natures Earrings

On a recent trip to California I took a bunch of pictures of the beautiful desert wildlife.

I am sharing some of these to show how inspiration for jewelry pieces can be found everywhere.

The flowers on this bush, when grouped all together, kind of got lost…but I think when you separate them and focus on just one the look like delicate, dangling earrings handmade by Mother Nature.

It made me picture a thin chain with long tube beads attached…capped off by little floating crystals…what does this picture make you think about?

Does it inspire certain materials, colors, shapes?

Picture making something this shape using only wire…or all one color…or a shorter length.

Next time you are out in nature…take a closer look…or better yet…take your camera!

Custom Silver Giraffe Charm

Giraffe silhouette Charm

Business coach and motivational speaker, Ilene Meckley uses the giraffe symbol to represent her business because giraffes have the biggest heart in the animal kingdom and she believes everyone should be "heart" at work not "hard" at work.

I custom designed and hand sculpted these charms which she sells as key rings and stick pins.
They are available in silver or gold and can be purchased on her website.

Please visit www.ilenemeckley.com to purchase these cute giraffes and for creative, practical ideas to share your business with others and overcome obstacles in your life.

Jewelry Display Idea - Antique Store Finds

Shabby chic jewelry displays!

I found this shallow, white, coated metal, scroll, basket at an antique store I enjoy to poking around in. I liked it and it was very inexpensive so I bought it...knowing I would figure some way to utilize it.

Then at another store...a little later on, I found a tall metal candle holder...aha!

I wired the White basket on top of the candle "tower" and voila...an interesting, versatile display.

It gives my show display some height and saves valuable table space.



I can put items in the basket, stack another display on top or hang necklaces and bracelets from the scroll hooks. I can layer items in front and sometimes I even put it on a lazy susan so it can spin.

If you see something you like...you can always find a way to incorporate it into your life!

Custom Wire Work Necklace

I really enjoy special requests.

A customer saw this green stone and wire necklace in my Etsy shop ( http://www.creativepotential.etsy.com/ )…named Jade Serpent.

She asked if I could make something similar in shades of white and ivory.
This is the new version.

I think it is amazing what a different effect a simple color change can be on a design.
I liked the outcome of this creative collaboration.

Creative Hand Made Necklace Cords - Exotic Yarns

I had designed a collection of exclusive pendants for a home party company. The pendants showcased photographs taken by the president of the company and myself.

When it came time to decide what to suspend them from, I was so frustrated. I knew I wanted something special and unique but didn't want the the material to add too much to the cost of the piece.

This was my solution...a happy accident.

I had some exotic yarns left over from a knitting project which on their own were too thin and not substantial enough...but...braided, a ha.

I experimented with various textures, strand quantity and colors.

These are the result...
colorful, custom & creative!

Infant and Child Loss Memorial Jewelry

A loving Memory

It is my honor and privilege to provide a special keepsake designed to help parents heal whose live are touched by the devastating loss of a child through early pregnancy loss , stillbirth or in the first few months of life.

These are three examples of how my fine silver fingerprint charms have been used to help heal grief and honor a lost loved one.

They represent a precious life that has meaning and purpose but that ended too soon.

This work is sacred to me and a very personal outlet for my artwork.