Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Luminescent Talisman Necklace


Up for offer in my etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniferstumpf is this lovely necklace featuring a my prettiest, highest quality moonstone and freshwater pearl beads, with a gorgeous pink and white agate bead, and a pleasing jangle of talisman charms.



I etched this little nickel pendant, along with a plethora of other etched pendants, back in my three years ago hayday of etching pendants.  It had been so long since I made this pendant, that I had to look up how I did it!  I'd forgotten how much fun it was to make these, and how each one looks completely different from the last, even using the very same text.  I like how weathered and industrial looking this one is, yet the "different" text is clearly visible.  The blue/purple lampwork disc is one of a pile I got at the Whole Bead Show in New York City in early 2008.  Unfortunately I moved three times since then and I've lost the name of the artist.  Isn't it just lovely workmanship?  And the little faceted bead is a rather hard to find mossy amethyst rondelle, with gorgeous striations throughout and a beautiful, mystical hue.  What fun to create this after a long lull in jewelry making!

Now I am starting again, like I used to, with all kinds of design ideas, and sketching them in my old sketch book.  It's almost like an awakening.




Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Princess Mary-inspired Chandelier Earrings


I had to dust off my blog before entering these, and my tools and beads before making them, but I have been inspired to create some new earrings!  I have been reading about Princess Mary of Denmark and was fascinated to discover that she has a deep love for chandelier earrings.  Of course they are the diamond and platinum variety, which for me only exist in my wedding rings, so here is my boho version and tribute to Princess Mary's earring faves, which can be found listed for sale in my Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniferstumpf.  I have no idea at all what is going on in the jewelry making world as I have been on a couture embroidery roll for several years, and I couldn't find the right sized beads I was looking for in my stash, which necessitated a trip to the bead store, which emptied my wallet but left me with a big enthusiasm for making small pieces of jewelry again.


These are lightly hammered vintaj brass ear-wires, with double decker drops of faceted amethyst, red carnelian and czech crystal beads.  Sandwiched in between these are copper bead caps, copper and brass spacers, beads and charms.  The bottom tier is two inches from side to side and the drop from the ear wire is 2.5 inches.  They are kind of a mix of boho chic and delicate Renaissance beauty, and are surprisingly lightweight and durable and I am really liking them!  I hope you do, too.