Art and Jewelry

28 Mar | 2013

Ceramic Heart Pendant Necklace

March 28, 2013 By The Lucky Lass 2 Comments

Months ago I purchased a number of small ceramic pendants and buttons from my favorite local ceramic artist, Scarlett Pons. She and her husband operate the Pon Shop which is full of wonderful, fun, and quirky art. We have purchased several things from them over the years, for ourselves and to give as gifts. I was feeling crafty a few weeks ago, as I am wont to do, and whipped up this fun necklace.

Ceramic Heart Pendant Necklace

I had strung the four strands of pearly white/clear seed beads onto wax string many years ago for another project that I never finished. I thought they looked really cute with the heart, so I delicately affixed the ends to a clamping bead. Since they weren’t long enough of their own, I added a chunky chain for the back, with a clasp on the side.

Detail Chain and Clasp

For the heart pendant, I strung a silver wire through the hole several times, created a little bit of a loop to secure another jump ring to.

Detail Ceramic Heart Pendant

I think it’s pretty and casual. Great to wear with a t-shirt and jeans when just going out and about.

22 Feb | 2012

Zebra Stone Necklaces

February 22, 2012 By The Lucky Lass 2 Comments

I picked up some black glass beads at Michaels this weekend, thinking that I could finish a zebra stone necklace. Once I got into it however, I ended up making two!

Zebra stone necklaces

Zebra stone is a pretty semi-precious gemstone that can have a striated pattern in black and white.

The first necklace I made, with the black glass beads, is a simple strung necklace on waxed black linen cord, lobster clasp.

Zebra stone and glass necklace

For the second necklace I made, I wanted something that was fairly simple and long that would look good with any variety of more brightly colored shirts. Here I am wearing it with my “zebra” hair.

Zebra stone necklace with zebra hair

Yes I am going quite gray at the age of 31. I haven’t been dyeing it for about four years now. I actually like how it’s coming in, in streaks. A lot of people compliment me on my hair, and most don’t seem to realize that it’s natural! I’m quite comfortable with it, and I actually don’t mind people thinking I might be older than I really am.

Zebra stone and chain necklace

To make this necklace, I took “silver” wire and threaded it through the stones, and looped them on either side to attach them to the chain. For the pendant, I took a larger zebra stone and wrapped some more wire around it, and looped it on one end. I finished it with a toggle clasp.

I don’t wear jewelry to work, but I hope I can wear this one out soon!

Linking up to these parties: House of Hepworths, Nifty Thrifty Things

Filed Under: Art and Jewelry, DIY, Uncategorized Tagged With: beaded necklace, stone necklace, zebra stone, zebra stone and glass bead necklace, zebra stone chain necklace, zebra stone necklace

8 Jan | 2012

Two New Necklaces for 2012

January 8, 2012 By The Lucky Lass 1 Comment

Well, technically, one is new, one is older. But it is the first time I’m sharing it, so it’s new to you!

Carved cinnabar and blue glass necklace

This necklace is based on a similar necklace I made about 9 years ago, and sold. It features a carved cinnabar bead, flanked by blue and gold glass beads. The clasp is a simple lobster clasp, in gold to match. This is a bright and bold necklace that pairs well with neutrals. This is an easy necklace to make– you just string all the elements together.

Here’s another shot:

Cinnabar and Glass necklace

I vaguely based this design on early Victorian jewelry. I think it looks fun!

The other necklace I made probably late 2010. I wore it for a while, and loved to put my wedding rings on it while I worked. But one day, walking through Home Depot, I tugged a little too hard on it and the clasp came loose. Sitting aside for a long time, I finally got around to fixing it. It’s a simple large loop silver chain, and I added a few little white glass beads, and a large, pink glass heart bead with foil inside.

Chain heart necklace

There are two ways to wear this, one with the heart all the way down. But I originally meant for it to be worn with the heart off center, like this:

Chain heart necklace

The large loops of the chain mean that I can adjust the length of the necklace to suit me. It also has a lobster clasp closure. I like the heaviness of the chain. It feels substantial, yet not too weighty at the same time.

It is not difficult to make jewelry, and in the coming month, I will give a simple tutorial on very basic jewelry making techniques. Some of the tools you need are things you probably already have in your house, and toolbox. Having these things on hand, and knowing some basics, may also help you fix simple repairs.

Filed Under: Art and Jewelry, DIY Tagged With: carved cinnabar bead, cinnabar necklace, diy jewlery, glass beads, glass heart necklace, jewelry, make your own jewelry

10 Jul | 2011

A Gray and Pink Pearl Necklace

July 10, 2011 By The Lucky Lass Leave a Comment

A simple gray and pink pearl necklace. Really easy.

I frequently wander bead aisles looking for inspiration. One of the ways I scratch the itch when I need to be creative and make something is with jewelry. I found these pink and gray glass pearls at Michael’s and fell in love with the colors. Not coincidentally, I have a few pieces in my wardrobe that would go with this necklace. I wanted to create movement with different sizes, and still have it carry some weit. The gray pearls gradually increase in size towards the center, and the pink pearls are all the same size. Rather than using a knotting technique between the pearls, I wanted to use simple, small, round, silver beads. I used a toggle clasp for the back.