Photo Jewelry Series – Part Two of Three

These are an example of the earrings from the photo jewelry collection I created a few years ago.

Mounted on a small, flat, matte-black charm...the photos highlighted my love for photography and nature.

I selected pictures that I felt would reduce well and then cut two sections out of the same image for each pair of earrings.

I didn't want them to "match" but I wanted them to coordinate.

What I ended up with was two pieces of the same image...tied together by their common colors and themes.

I attached them to hand made sterling silver ear wires and created a small silver plated scroll charm to cover the utilitarian loop.

After signing the back of each they were ready to go!

Photo Jewelry Series – Part One of Three

Inspired by the incredible nature photos taken by a friend of mine a few years ago I created a line of jewelry using photographs.

The collection started with her photos and soon evolved into an outlet for my own.

At a local jewelry supply company I found pendants with a shallow well perfect for laying a photo in. They were in a base metal so I had them all silver plated. I reduced a series of pictures on my computer and cut them to the right size and shape.

I stuck with straight lines for this first go around…I wasn’t ready to fight with circles and ovals.

With a tiny bit of gel medium I adhered the photo to the metal charm and then flooded the top with the medium. (details of the products I used with be available in the third post of this series)

Once the medium dried there was a shiny, thick coating. All that was left to do was to create a decorative bail out of wire and design something for them to hang from.

I opted to hand braid exotic yarns in a variety of colors that were secured with vintage buttons.

After signing the back, they were complete.

A small framed, custom work of art!

Creative Uses for Surplus Beads and Findings Series - Vintage Key Rings

Large split rings like the ones used for key rings are readily available at jewelry supply stores and websites.

They come in all different shapes, sizes and finishes and are very inexpensive.

Stack some pretty, loose, surplus beads on wire and attach to the ring directly or with some chain…and there you have a pretty, one-of-a-kind key ring.

I like to have multiple strands and think small spacer beads add to the look. I also recommend wire wrapping the loop for durability.

I punch a hole on a business card and attach the ring …then slip it into a baggie for protection. Sometimes I have a small basket of these by my check out station at shows…just as a little something a customer can pick up.

They also make a nice thank you gift for a loyal customer

Creative Uses for Surplus Beads and Findings Series - Zipper Pulls

I always have a stash of loose beads and findings…treasures left over from a project or rescued from an old piece of jewelry. Usually too pretty to discard but maybe not enough to support their own project.

I have found several uses for these ones and twos and in the next series of posts I will share some of my ideas.

Enjoy!

It is always a good idea when doing craft shows , fairs or festivals to have a selection of lower priced items on hand. Something someone could pick up as a small gift for a friend or as a treat for them selves.

I think that this is the perfect use for your surplus beads and findings. It allows you to utilize your supplies to the maximum and benefits your customers by letting them purchase something pretty for a lower amount…when they might have not been able to before.

Zipper pulls are useful, decorative and fun and they are thoughtful gift for any age. By simple stacking a few beads and spacers on a strong headpin or piece of wire, you can create a small piece of art. I recommend wire wrapping the top instead of creating a simple loop as it is stronger and more durable.

The beaded piece can be attached to a variety of findings…but basically anything that can be attached to a loop…slide hook, split key ring, fishing lure holder. There are a bunch of findings that can be found at jewelry supply sites…very inexpensively.

I take one of my business cards and punch a hole in the top corner. I attach the zipper pull to it and slip it into a protective baggie. I also include a small sheet explaining what it and what it’s used for.

At a show, sometimes I throw them all in a basket by the check out…and sometimes I lay some out on the table. Either way people always enjoy hunting for the perfect one!

I think they also make a nice little thank you gift for a special customer.

One Special Element - Vintage Bead Bracelet

I loved this carved pendant...

But I knew I didn't want to use it as a pendant.

I think this bracelet illustrates how one special element can make very simple beads more interesting. These icy, crackle, vintage beads were sort of dead on their own...but with a special element I think they look so much more inviting and important.

I like the simplicity of the two colors and think that it makes the detail in the pendant stand out.

Sometimes using a larger piece as a focal item on a bracelet can open up new creative doors!