The Simplest Earrings You'll Ever Make! A Basic Tutorial

Is anyone else out there horrible about losing jewelry? I lose it almost as quickly as I buy or receive it, and it is soooo frustrating! In fact, one of the reasons why I started making jewelry originally was because I knew it would be the most inexpensive way to have jewelry and I wouldn't feel as bad if I lost any pieces. Little did I know I would completely loooove the hobby itself and that I would continue making jewelry years later for gifts, sales, and funsies! Here are the steps to create a pair of earrings for the beginning jewelry maker

Materials:

-earring wires (2)

-head pins

-beads of your choice

-wire cutters

-needle-nosed pliers

Instructions:

1. Place bead onto head pin.

2. Place earring wire on head pin on top of the bead.

3. Cut the end of the head pin using wire cutters, leaving about half an inch above the earring wire (see picture)

4. Using needle-nosed pliers, bend the remaining wire of the headpin to the 

Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry

October is filled with so many exciting things...leaves changing colors, Halloween, candy, parties, pumpkin-flavored everything, the list goes on and on. In fact, October becomes so chaotic at times that we have to remind ourselves that it is also breast cancer awareness month. Unfortunately, my aunt Debbie needed no reminders that October brings added awareness to the evil that is breast cancer, as she received her diagnosis of an agressive form of Stage 1 breast cancer early on in the month. If I know my sweet aunt, I have no doubt she will fight this battle with determination, class, and quiet strength, just like she handles every obstacle that has ever come her way.

My school recently held a Spaghetti dinner, in which each classroom was asked to donate a raffle basket. For my classroom, our basket theme was a no-brainer. In our "Be Aware" basket, we included a pink journal, shoelaces, scarf, t-shirts, cup, keychain, and tote bag, along with the bracelet and earrings set and necklace shown in the pictures. This one's for you, Deb! We love you and have absolute faith that you will fight and win this battle.

For more information on breast cancer, please visit THIS SITE!

Lookie What I Found!!! Panda and Penguin Beads!

While walking through my fave store (ok, so I have a lot of "fave stores," sue me!), Hobby Lobby, I found the cutest glass beads!



How flippin' cute are these penguins???





So stoked about these panda beads, too!





Since we are planning a panda-themed party for Claire's first birthday, I am particularly excited about the panda beads! Aaaand, since Pittsburgh is represented by the best hockey team on earth, I look forward to rocking out some penguins jewelry to support them in the very near future! Here are the pendants and earrings I made thusfar:





Pendants-I added noses and beads to resemble bodies to the pandas. The penguins were perfect on their own!



A panda pendant and matching earrings I intend to wear to the party

  



Taking orders, if anyone else wants!

Wedding Jewelry

2010 was certainly the year of the wedding in my family, and I had the privelege of being the official wedding "jeweler" of three of those weddings! Here are some pics of the jewelry made for the weddings of my sister, brother, and cousin. If you know anyone looking for their very own "wedding party jeweler," please let me know, although I do require advanced notice, as my upcoming months will be very hectic, haha!



Jewelry (necklaces and earrings) for wedding #1 of the season (my cousin Elizabeth's) modeled by her beautiful bridesmaids Rebecca, Kyra, Sarah, and Jill




A closeup of the jewelry, modeled by two of the beautiful bridesmaids, Kyra and Rebecca

The lovely mother-of-the bride, my Aunt Rene, looking gorge in her necklace and earrings set

Three of my sister-in-law's bridesmaids modeling their necklaces, Katelyn, Leann, and Naomi (matching bracelets were also made but are not shown) for wedding #2

Myself, my mother, and my sister modeling the necklaces made for them (also for wedding #2); mom wore a really cute black, white and turquoise dress as the M-O-B, so her jewelry was made to compliment her look

My beautiful sister, Kyra, modeling the  jewelry (necklace and earrings) made for her for wedding #3

The spectacular Tammie modeling her bridesmaid jewelry (my sister wanted a different set of earrings and necklace for each bridesmaid featuring pearls and silver, so this was a really fun wedding to "bejewel")!

Kyra and three off her bridesmaids, myself, Sarah, and Tammie modeling their jewelry

The lovely Elizabeth modeling her spectacular bling!