Just one of the joys of making your own jewelry, is bringing all the little bits and pieces together and watching them come to life. I purchased more than a few of these amazing shoes from Melissa Gabelle of The Clay Hen which were done in a series of pure sweetness. I wanted create something special, so I let them hang out on my work table for a while and when I would run across something I thought was interesting, I’d placed it in a small box lid next to them. Slowly emerging was something that looked like a decorative piece in an imperial palace….well, a dollhouse sized palace anyway, lol… 😉
It’s important keeping earrings lightweight and comfortable, so I always balance the slightly heavier porcelain beads with something like wood, fabric or polymer clay, etc… I happened to have these pretty polymer accent beads from Heather Powers of Humblebeads. I thought not only were the colors perfect, but I loved the suggestion of a fan in the cane pattern.
The vintage raw brass bead caps were a happy surprise, they made my little earrings look so grand and regal. I used the larger caps at the top with the points up to feel like golden wings lifting the little shoes up.
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Fan Dance
Long tassels that add a little drama and beautiful movement. Colorful fan connectors by Kiyoi Design and hanging lanterns made with jade rounds and etched lampwork glass by Kay Mallery.
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“Tai Loi” Happiness Has Arrived
The little top beaded connectors were made by Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati Jewelry. I was lucky to get them when we met up at the Fall workshop/retreat this past year in Michigan. Not only do I love the colors and the mozaic, but I enjoy working with connectors rather than charms because there are always so many more design possibilities!
I made these to resemble small gongs, seen especially in the pattern. They even make a little noise when they move.
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Luck and Happiness
I used the symbolic importance of red meaning luck and happiness in this pair. The fabric beads on top were made by Anna Pierson of Sagahus. I purchased them to go with connectors I’ve had for awhile made by JosephineBeads with a complementary pattern! The bar she made on the bottom was wonderful to work with! I used it to add two-sided bone face beads making them look like hanging lanterns.
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Descendants of Dragons
Stunning four sided dragon charms by Kiyoi Designs connected to wired fabric U-shaped beads by Sagahus. I created some space between the two components with black for impact then added blackened forged rings on top for balance. The dark criss-cross wire pattern visually connects all, and makes it pleasing to the eye.
I wish you all the best this New Year! Hoping your year is filled with good health, happiness, courage, fortune and plenty of creative time for your soul.