Black Friday Shopping

The day has arrived and deals abound! I'm sure you realize not all Black Friday deals are really deals.  You know my passion for handmade and in particular jewelry.  A tip: know your source. There is a pirate's ship full of jewelry out there which claims to be "handmade" but it's not.

Here's a great black Friday offer that I know for a fact is genuinely "handmade in USA".  Madelynn Cassin Designs is a super workshop in New Hampshire run by one incredible woman.  Here is her super black Friday special, a beautiful tourmalated quartz gemstone ring in sterling silver.
Of course there are many more wonderful rings and other jewelry in Madelynn's shop.  I've bought several pieces from her, the quality and craftsmanship is alway top notch.

You can learn more about this interesting variation of quartz here.

If you really like this gemstone, I made some cool sterling silver earrings that you might like too.

Happy shopping!

Shop local, Jersey style!

Just a little reminder to shop local. You'll make a difference to a real person, who may just be your neighbor!

Thinking green

Inspired by bright chartruese

Passion for Beading

Peg, the designer and artist of Abacus Bead Creations, has a real passion for beaded jewelry.  It shows through out her shop.
It's chock full of great earrings, necklaces, and bracelets which you would expect to see.  I really love the colors in these Black Lip shell earrings with tanzanite crystals.  You'll find beads of shell, pearls, gemstones, crystal, czech glass and resin all in unique combinations.

But you will also find lovely beaded watches which will add a bit of elegance to your look when you wear them.  I love the shades of aqua in this watch.

And if you wear glasses, dress them up with colorful beaded eyeglass holders.  And for the working gals, there are practical and pretty lanyards to hold your work ID.  All kinds of beaded jewelry for your collection and I think you will just love the prices you see! be sure to set aside some time to browse, you'll be very happy with what you find in Abacus Bead Creations.

Creativity Abounds!

It's getting close to Mother's Day.  I know you men are famous for waiting til the last moment to shop, but you will miss out on some beautiful finds if you do.  Today I want to introduce you to one of my favorite shops, LittleBrownBird.  I've made several purchases from Mary, and each item arrived quickly and beautifully crafted.

Two of my friends had babies last year. I ordered these fine silver handprint earrings personalized and my friends were just delighted with them.  There is also a footprint pendant which would make another wonderful Mother's gift.
If you want a personalized gift, you need to order soon!  Of course there is a wonderful selection of earrings in many different flavors.  And you'll find a number of other great creations as you browse around the shop.... be sure to look for the pin-up girls!

You will find many beautiful pendants, many with a vintage flair like this  Blue Bird Pendant.    There are many different necklaces at LittleBrownBird,  I'm sure you'll find something that you will just love.

Mary is more than just a jewelry designer, she makes fabulous fabric hair accessories as well.  There are combs and hairpins and headbands.  I can't tell you how much I wish I had the kind of life where I could wear these beautiful flowers in my hair.

You'll be so happy that you stopped at LittleBrownBird, I guarantee it!

more jewelry

My free time varies so much.  But the other day I had some time to make some sterling silver parts for some earrings.  I have dozens of ideas stacked up for when I have time for them.

Here are the sail earrings.