My Resurrected Thing - Jewelry!

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.”

Linking With
Sunday
http://southernhospitalityblog.com	Thrifty Treasures
http://www.twiggstudios.com	Sunday Show-off Link Party
Monday
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/	Masterpiece Monday
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com	Make it Pretty Monday
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com	Mod Mix Monday
http://dagmarbleasdale.com/	Thrifty & Vintage Finds Link Party
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://cedarhill-ranch.com	The Scoop
http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/	The Scoop
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/	Inspire Me Tuesday
http://cityfarmhouse.com/	Inspiration Exchange Linky Party
Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://www.timewashed.com	Blissfully White Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/	Primp Your Stuff Wed
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
http://www.greenwillowpond.com/	What We Accomplished Wednesday
Thursday
http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/	Thursday Open House Party
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/	Time Travel Thursday
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/	Treasure Hunt Thursday
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/	Fabulously Creative Friday
http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com	Rustic Restorations Weekend
http://vintageinteriorblogs.blogspot.com/	Weekend
Saturday
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/	Saturday Nite Special
http://too-much-time.com	Get Schooled Saturday