You have not seen jewelry from me before, though I've had a blank place-holder for it in my page tabs since I began.
I planned on making jewelry to sell on Etsy, but never got around to it. It's a different kind of mess, you see. I've grown more comfortable with the paint kind of mess.
Once upon a time, I actually earned a living making jewelry. That was when my kiddos were quite young. It was great - I could stay home with them, and make jewelry while they slept. I appreciate that opportunity so very much!
I did the jewelry thing before I became a Christ-follower. It was a very solitary thing to do - working at home, taking care of kiddos.
Twice a week Mother's Day Out became a highlight - getting to chat with other young moms was a treat. I suspect some of you are in that place right now...not a bad place to be.
I learned way back then to only make things I personally would want wear.
Every time I tried to do something just because it was "in style" or a buyer wanted it, or my husband thought it would sell, they never sold as well as the designs that came from my heart.
The pieces I always enjoyed the most were the ones that incorporated junk - some of it found on the street - rusty washers, clock faces, subway tokens, etc.
I scavenged metal from 1950's air conditioners and ice trays, screen doors, coffee pot filters (seen above) and loved trips to the hardware store to look for new materials.
My kids were so sweet; They'd find rusty washers and bits of street-worn metal while we were out walking. (It helped that they were short.) Friends saved things for me as well.
I suppose it all started in second grade - when my parents bought me a "filler" gift of some plastic beads. I ended up playing with them more than any other toy I got that year.
So my mom took me downtown to a store where I could buy glass beads, and I still have some of them today. Of course, my collection of beads has grown considerably.
I love glass, stone, ceramic and metal beads best. I don't use plastic - I suppose I'm a bead snob in the same way I'm an art snob. I'll buy "real" materials in the thrift stores, deconstruct them and use them in new ways. The cost is not so much a factor as the material.
I also like to make my own metal pieces and findings as much as possible. They help make a handmade piece complete - like having the right pair of shoes with a great outfit!
Resurrecting my jewelry is pretty exciting - I want to do some faith-oriented pieces, expand my skills and include new materials. I hope to do some found object brooches soon, which are my VERY FAVORITE things to make!
I am actually in the process of listing these pieces on Etsy today, so stop by if you have a few extra minutes!
Word for the Day:
Numbers 31:50
And we have brought the Lord's offering, what each man found, articles of gold, armlets and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and beads, to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.”
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Thrifty
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Sunday
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Monday
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Masterpiece Monday
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Make it Pretty Monday
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Mod
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Thrifty
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Tuesday
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Vintage Inspiration
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Nifty
Thrifty Tuesday
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The
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The Scoop
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What
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6 comments:
These look so neat!
I'm going to check the etsy now...
can't wait to see the faith based pieces.
Pat
beautiful work! You have many, many talents
Wow, good stuff! Funny about the kids being short and close to the ground. I'm glad you are getting back to one of your passions. Doing what you love is very rewarding.
Liz
Revi, your jewelry is fabulous! I look forward to seeing more of your unique designs.
Blessings,
Linda
Is there nothing that you can't do, talented one?
Love the short comment about your kids. I think I wil need to put my two youngest to work for me in this regard!
Love your jewelry story and can totally relate to what sells and what doesn't. My stuff that I make from old junk flies out of my booth but other things I make for "filler" ...months go by. I need to stick to what I know! can't wait to see what ends up on Etsy.
Kim@reposhture
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