pretty crafty thing

Because you are a special someone

Looking for some ideas to give your honey for VDay? I couldn't imagine anything more special that one of a kind piece from Bonbon Oiseau. I especially like this locket with itsVictorian glass foil inlaid disc and big gold heart - just in case anyone was asking...

Sale Time

I love this time of year where my patience dutifully pays off and I find that perfect piece discounted to a "ok, I can get that because it on sale for crying out loud!" price. Ampers and Designs has some great after holiday deals. This bracelet is so much fun and inspired by one of my favorite television personalities- Tim Gunn. Isn't he a dapper guy?

Shows

I visited the San Francisco Thread Show this past weekend and although overall disappointed by the selections, I did find quite a few amazing jewelry designers. A lot of the clothing represented felt very massed produced but amongst the jewelry, I found a lot of one of a kind gems.The Sikara lineis definitely one worth checking out - incredible craftsmanship, elegant and thoughtful. Stunning.

Steel Couture

Some new fun pieces from Brooklyn jewelry designer Steel Couture.

A little self promotion

I just posted a few more pieces from my winter jewelry line on my Etsy store. And yes...my website is in its final stages.  I know...finally...............

If I could only figure out how to spell it...

If I knew how to translate the sinister cackle of a mad scientist overjoyed by his/her new discovery then that would be this post's title. I tried for a while then in the decision to not completely embarrass myself, i gave up. Any suggestions? Anywho, I am pretty sure that was the sound coming out of Cat Ivins studio when she came up with the idea of re-purposing wine corks and recycled steel into clever jewelry. Printed with fun, quirky illustrations, her line is made from ecologically harvested cork grown in managed forests in Portugal and Spain, ensuring undamaged forests (again, insert sound clip of mad scientist laughter). She has two Etsy stores, Uncorked and Polarity and both are full of fabulously fun jewelry. Thanks Cat for introducing yourself!

Hot Diggity Dog

Yes, people today's title is my feeble at humor this morning. Sorry people that's all I got.

But isn't this an adorable little necklace. So many great necklace numbers over at Dejarnette.

They're everywhere

I love that my fascination for pretty, shiny bugs completely freaks my Mother out. It starts with the initial "you hated bugs when you were little" and ends with "you are so like your Father." At the age of 35, it stills gives me a little quiet joy when Mom shakes her head in absolute confusion. I just like to entertain you Mom! And yes, I remember that during my recent visit to the Midwest after discovering the locusts hanging from the screen door, I shrieked like a child. But those things are down right scary, vile little critters and I swear they like to nibble on the little ones. So yep, I was just protecting the niece and nephew. Nope, wasn't scared at all.....

Awesome Lucite bug bangles by Kolos Design

Kranitz

Refreshingly unique jewelry by accessory artist Laura Kranitz. Carefully crafted pieces are created by sewing beads together with silk cord. The colors in this piece seem so peaceful and soothing.

Pretty Things

I am loving these porcelain earrings by Chicago jewelry artist Sofia Masri. She can be found at PoppyTalk Handmade and be warned - all of her work is just stunning.