About every 1 1/2 - 2 years this unplanned plateau happens to my small jewelry design business. Around that time it seems that I unexpectedly raise the bar in my own design and product line.
It's a good feeling! But sort of makes me nervous! Can I keep this up? Is it going to stress me in the long run to try to outdo myself? Should I just back off and give it a rest if I can't maintain the flow of big ideas?
It happened a couple years ago when I turned out some nice original designed pearl mix rings;
Candy Colored 14K Gold Filled Pearl Ring
Sweet but guaranteed no calories! Lots of pearl and swarovski crystals in gold, peaches, pinks, and whites make a very pretty piece of jewelry. Hand made, original design, size 6 1/4 (not adjustable). The last of its kind, I am not making this type of ring anymore. See the complete details
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And again when my right brain geared up and used a spent guitar string to make a pretty neat bracelet;
Honey Brick Guitar String Bracelet
Glass pearl and stone jingle jangle on a re-used bronze guitar string. Adjustable clasp. A great accessory for young adult and musical folks. See the complete details
here
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Or lately with making found bits of sea glass into little treasures;
Sea Glass Earrings
Why does sea glass has such a mystique? Is it from the fact it spends years in nature getting smoothed by the ocean and beach sand? I found a surprise cache of sea glass and used copper wire to bring out the natural color in a pair of earrings. See the complete details
here
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Whatever the item I am hand making seems to be the best I've ever dreamed up!
So it's happened again. Those faberge eggs, y'know with rubies, emeralds, diamonds and the like? We all know them as absolute stratospheric treasures from a past era.
I have been buying backyard eggs from a neighbor (at our weekend house) and she has given me some turkey eggs. They are about 25% bigger than your average chicken egg, and since the turkeys are much more free to exercise, have a much better diet and are not rushed to produce, these eggs have good thick shells.
Instead of throwing the shell out, I just had to try this:
Jeweled Egg
A heritage turkey egg decorated with a budding tree. Completely original and hand made. I've blown the egg (and scrambled for dinner!), painted, trimmed and added glass jewels. Not for sale.
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I am very gratified with the result, and one of the MOST HAPPY aspects of the project to me is that -- I had the supplies already on hand!!
So the cost of the materials? Nil.
I have about 5 more eggs to try. In fact, #2 is in progress and is turning out SUPER BEAUTIFUL. It is formal black and silver with swarovski crystal. Almost like diamonds!
Yes, these will go for sale sometime, but probably locally (I would shudder to think of shipping one).
So what's up after this? I will just not even go there!
Thanks for reading and watch here for pictures of the next one!
September 20th, 2012 at 09:43 pm 1348177388
September 20th, 2012 at 09:56 pm 1348178190
September 22nd, 2012 at 08:06 pm 1348344382
September 23rd, 2012 at 11:35 pm 1348443320