Any Fellow LB'ers Also Design/Make Jewelry?

[StarRidgeAcres]

Making my own jewelry is something I've been doing for about 10 years. Mostly just for me but sometimes as gifts for family and friends. Robert has been trying to get me to put some of my things on Etsy but so far I've not had the courage. I'd say my only real "commercial" experience is from about 8 years ago someone I worked with asked my to make her bridal bouquet, boutonniere's and bridesmaids' bouquets from Swarovski crystals, pearls and ribbons. O M G!

It about killed me!

I worked probably 200 hours on the 7 bouquets and 7 boutonnieres. Maybe even more considering the design time, ordering materials, experimenting, etc. But it was a great experience and they were stunning if I do say so myself.

So, who else makes or designs jewelry? What medium(s) do you use?

Also, a question... Is it safe on freshwater pearls to use metal "alloy" spacers, bead caps, etc.?

 

[JAX]

Well I do work with " Swarovski crystals, pearls and ribbons" but making jewelry boxes, ornaments, purses etc.... In the form of eggery.

Always wanted to learn the fancy wire bending for extra fancy drop beading. Of course would also love to make my own jewelry but just havent had much time to really do more than just look into it. As far as the wedding goes... I cant even imagine taking on a project THAT BIG!! Better you than me.

 

[kaykay]

I have to say homemade jewelry is huge right now in crafting. I have never seen so much homemade jewelry in my life and I have been in crafts off and on for 20 plus years. I have an etsy store and love it, but its a lot of work to get yourself to stand out from everyone else.

Having said all of that if you have beautiful jewelry that is different from what is available you can do very well.

 

[Sterling]

Parmela my favorite is bead weaving with seed beads. I also make beaded jewelry including gem stones and crystals. Can't answer your question on pearls tho...perhaps do a search online? Would love to see some of your work.

 

[StarRidgeAcres]

I would love to see pics of everyone's work if you were comfortable posting one or two.

As for the question on the pearls, I've looked all over the place, searching it different ways and can't find an answer yet. I'm going to continue to look. It's not for a piece I'm making but related to a beautiful gift I got for Christmas. I got the most beautiful, REAL set (necklace, bracelet and earrings) of 8-9mm white pearls, with appraisal and all, but I'm just not sure I'm comfortable with the beads used as spacers. The appraisal states the clasps and earwires are sterling, but the spacers are "metal alloy" and I just don't know what I think about that. I know, for sure, I want to re-string them with smaller spacers, like about 3 or 4mm bali daisys but I don't know if I should even leave the pearls as they are until I can get around to it. I've never seen real pearls set next to "metal alloy" before. Maybe I'm just being a worry wort. I've always used a clear coating on any silver I've put next to pearls, otherwise they get a black mark from the sterling. But just don't know about this alloy thing.

 

[bonloubri]

I asked a friend who has been a jeweler for about 20 years. He said he would string them with a knot between each pearl and bead. However if they were not done that way they should be okay.

 

[SampleMM]

I sure hope everyone will post a photo or two so that we can see your jewelry. Parmela, I love Etsy. Do you currently purchase things from there? If not, maybe you could get yourself acquainted with the site by purchasing a few things and then start selling (just an idea). I am dying to see your bouquets and boutonnieres!!

 

[sfmini]

I do some beading, have done right angle weave with crystal, learning peyote, memory wire.

Just found some great books for making beaded thingies for ornaments so want to try that next.

 

[alongman]

I would love to see everyones' work!