Green Pearl Necklace and a Piece of Me

I had an interesting week (and weekend). Aside from the breathtakingly huge ticket I got, I taught myself how to knit. What does knitting have to do with a pearl necklace, you ask? Nothing. Just an FYI. We are holding a fundraiser to send our 12-18 year old girls to girls camp this summer. The girls decided that they wanted to make gift baskets, so I learned how to knit so I could make an adorable knitted monster to toss in. The pattern came from this book, and it was worth every penny! I'll be posting pics of the gift baskets once they are finished this weekend. I also am going to break my rules (again) and post a fantastic tutorial Saturday. It's a Valentines wreath like you've never seen. :)

Now that all that is out of the way, lets talk about pearls...


I admit I didn't tell the full truth when I posted that I was a food snob. I am a jewelry snob too...and a craft snob...I'm not proud of it, but I was raised that way (to always do my best and never accept anything less than perfection). Thus you find me. Unable to wear jewelry that isn't made of real things like semi precious stones and solid sterling silver. Unable to eat dessert at restaurants. Unable to buy something that I could easily make myself. I admit, it's tough being me. :)

But I digress...what I'm trying to get at is how to tell if the pearls you have are real. Take your pearl and gently (because they scratch fairly easily) rub it along the bottom of your teeth. If it feels "gritty", or not smooth, they are real. If it is perfectly smooth and slips/slides easily, they are fake.



I found the idea for this necklace in Easy Beading Vol. 5. I'll look up the page if you need it. :)

Wispy Earrings

These earrings were inspired by a pair my aunt has. I love them, but I have no idea where I could find them. :) They are sterling silver (as all of my pieces are), super simple, and WAY easy to make. If enough of you are interested, I'll make a tutorial so you can have some too!



*I'm sorry for the lame-ness of this post. I had fully intended on posting a really great shirt tutorial, but mother nature gave us a wonderful ice storm that prevented me from getting my projects done. This Thursday, get ready to be amazed (provided I still have power/internet)!

Orange Earrings and an Apology

First of all, I apologize for slacking off. I fully intended on providing a "mini tute" of sorts, explaining in greater detail how to do the beaded flower shirt. My kids were both very ill over the weekend (as in thinking-about-going-to-the-emergency-room-at-1am kind of sick...thank heaven for priesthood blessings :)), and so I was unable to get it finished in time. I'm planning on posting it this Thursday.

Second, I am happy to share with you a pic of my cute, orange earrings. I actually lost one of the earrings at the park and had to remake them. I still like them, even if they aren't exactly true to the original design. I like the dangling piece. It adds an unexpected flair (unexpected has been my theme, hasn't it?).

An Unexpected Combination

There are few things more satisfying than being able to create a custom piece of jewelry for any outfit. These were created out of desperation-and I LOVE them. I wear them constantly, they go with most of my wardrobe, and they are totally unexpected. The rings on the bottom are my favorite part- no one has a pair like these babies. :)