Adventures in Handmade Jewelry

This has been in the works for a while; I couldn't think of how best to finish it. Should I make a chain? Buy a chain? Make a beaded necklace? Nah. Those don't fit right. Nothing seemed to work. Then I hit on it. Leather. Chocolate brown leather. Oh yes. Now it's perfect. Made with aqua terra jasper entirely in sterling silver it will go in the shop tomorrow. Am thinking about earrings and a bracelet as well. I still have some stones left. Sweet.

I think this is the way I want it. More or less. There needs to be spaces between each drop so they hang well together. I'll add some wire coils to each side of the sterling beads to space them properly. At least I think. This is hard to get right. I have some other ideas, but I think this is the best one. The chain will be something unique as well. Ideas are still churning for that, too.

The official opening day for my friend's spa is May 18th - 2 weeks away. She generously bought some displays despite my protests that, since it was my work and she didn't even want a percentage of sales, I should buy them. So I've put a few sets together to feature in her shop. This one is jasper, I think. Certainly will need to verify before putting it up for sale. Sterling silver throughout. The beads are gorgeous and earthy and I like the little square beads between the stones on the bracelet - different from the usual round ones. This set is made of rhodochrosite and pearls. The clasp is made from sterling silver and is accented with some coordinating seed beads. Since the bracelet itself is a bit on the fancy side, I thought that it needed a clasp that would not have to be hidden and I think it works. Matching earrings also in sterling silver. I think it is feminine and substantial at the same time. This set is amazonite, smoky quartz and a kind of false jade....

Ta-da! http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-Wire-Smith/48915173439 Check me out. I created a fan page for the business. It will be really cool I think. Can use it to communicate to my customers and to promote my shop. yay. And while I'm here - the newest item in the shop is this adorable Zuni bear bracelet.