Bring on the Bling
Who knew that making jewelry would be so much fun? Why didn't you guys tell me? I think this might be a craft I could actually finish! I've been hoarding collecting piles of vintage rhinestone pieces for years and have been wanting to try my hand at remaking some of them into everyday favorites.
Of course, I decided a good time to start my new craft addiction would be about 10:45pm on my office floor, in bad light, without the proper tools or having my stash organized. After realizing how much fun I was having I then proceeded to do what all compulsive people do, search the internet for more stash and findings. Again, why didn't you guys tell me?
Here's my first semi-finished piece on the left. I just need to add a clasp to it. I can't wait to wear it! No plans to turn this into a cottage industry but I can see myself making these for birthdays for my loved ones. And I don't think I'll feel so bad anymore about not being gifted in the sewing, knitting, crocheting, decoupaging, painting or embroidering departments because hey, this girl can make something! Hello my name is Heather and I am a crafter.
Oh I just love that white sofa in the earlier post. Your creations are beautiful!! I'm having a little giveaway over at my blog, Please drop in for a minute. Laurie
Posted by: Charmingdesigns | April 25, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Cool! Last week I bought a few jewelry making tools & some rings/clasps. I have no idea what to do, but I also found the book by Kaari Meng called "French inspired jewelry" and shows some how tos. This is the kind of jewelry I would like to make - taking vintage bits & pieces that I have inherited and creating something "new".
The only jewelry I had made before was beaded baby name bracelets for my girls.
Posted by: tammyCA | April 25, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Hi, Heather,
Wow! You've certainly found your gift! Enjoy -- I'm sure you will, and so will everyone who receives one!
Blessings,
BILL
Posted by: Bill ~ Loving Her Beautiful Blog | April 25, 2008 at 06:57 AM
My daughter loves making jewelry. I'll have to show her your post to inspire her with your creations! You are so talented!!!
Happy almost Friday!!!
Melissa
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | April 24, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Heather that piece is great~! I always say crafting is not about what you can do, but what you can try....good for you...! You've got some great raw supplies to get started with too... I look forawrd to seeing future projects! :)
Jen R
Posted by: Jen R | April 24, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Very pretty Heather!!
I have never tried it, but my friend Jamie is great at making vintage jewelry.
Have fun,
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | April 24, 2008 at 07:36 PM
That is gorgeous! Yup, addictive...I keep buying drawers and cases at the flea market to hold the bits and bobs of jewels from ....the flea market!
Enjoy!
Posted by: Judi D. | April 24, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Heather-
Love your Jewels, you have such unique and elegant style. We MUST get together and play... I have a feeling you will be my MUSE
Posted by: Jolee Jane | April 24, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Your Officially a part of the club now! Great Job... It is an Addiction... have fun with it...
Posted by: jamie | April 24, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Heather, what a gorgeous creation. You are oh so talented in many many areas. Love it!!
Posted by: Theresa-Garden Antqs Vintage | April 23, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Oh you lie through your teeth! I saw that dress form you made, you were already a crafter! Your jewelry making skills are just as perfect as everything else I've seen you do! :)
Posted by: Sara Duckett | April 23, 2008 at 05:21 PM
What a cure post! Heather, with the response you are getting you may have to change your plans and go full time in the jewelry making business! :-) Rosie
Posted by: Rosie's Whimsy | April 23, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Well I'll be!! I'm not surprised that you're talented at it - just that you really, really like it! That's the best! Blessings... Polly (btw, your almost finished piece is pretty darn lovely)
Posted by: Polly | April 23, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Hi Heather,
Just wanted to let you know that i love your blog and check it everyday for new postings. Especially loved your trip to Texas...be still my heart!
I've also discovered you're going to Farm Chicks...hopefully we can meet.
Great job on the jewels, wholesale site for findings, ets...rings and things (in Spokane WA).
Kim :)
Posted by: kim | April 23, 2008 at 10:35 AM
GORGEOUS!!! You are such a talented girl!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Melissa | April 23, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Wow! Love your new hobby. Your style is so distinctive: vintage and glamourous! Love your blog, shop and ideas. Sending virtual sunshine and roses to you!
Posted by: Sharon Rohloff | April 23, 2008 at 08:47 AM
WELCOME TO MY WORLD!!!! Now you understand what my days (and nights) are like...on the constant prowl for sparkling things, never having enough...always wanting more...yes, us Rhinestone-aholics understand each other. Beautiful job with the jewelry Heather!! Enjoy! xoxo ~ Joy J.
Posted by: Joy at Cupids Charm | April 23, 2008 at 07:41 AM
hi friend,
Of course you are a crafter! Everyone has a few things they are GREAT at making, this looks like it is one of yours. Your first piece is gorgeous. stunning. love it, sweetie!
xo Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | April 23, 2008 at 07:37 AM
It is indeed beautiful. And you must remind everyone who comments about it that it came from your own gifted hand! I know all about compulsive collecting of things I plan to eventually make into something else. The evidence lays about my house in every form, though, compulsive person that I am, it is organized. Sometimes, I just like to look at it and the beauty itself keeps me from unchaining my talent to turn it into something else.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | April 23, 2008 at 07:10 AM
What a beautiful piece Heather. Wow, you have quite a stash going!! :) Great job, and I am glad you found your niche!
Teresa
xo
Posted by: Teresa ~ French Poppy | April 23, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Hi Heather! I'm catching the make jewelry bug too. That is a great first creation. I envy that stash you have, I have just started my collection.Love your blog!
Posted by: Debbie | April 23, 2008 at 06:54 AM
You crafty, cratfer you! Love your new creation...wish I was on your birthday list!
;)
Joy
Posted by: Joy | April 23, 2008 at 04:39 AM
"I decided a good time to start my new craft addiction would be about 10:45pm on my office floor, in bad light, without the proper tools or having my stash organized."
That sounds like me! In fact I was about to sit down and do that now, in the fading light, in the middle of the lounge room floor. I'm supposed to be de-stashing, but I come across something and think 'I could do something with that...right now!'
And yes, compulsion does lead to draining the Paypal for more stash. Well done on your gorgeous pieces! Welcome to craftworld, you'll never escape! :D
Posted by: Penny-Elizabeth | April 23, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Bravo! You just inspired me with what to do with some old pieces that are in a plastic container just like yours! It also reminds me of the belt my husband gave me this last weekend. The buckle was covered with vintage jewels! I put a photo of it on my blog on sunday. You did a FABULOUS job!
Posted by: Glamma Fabulous aka Kelley Smith | April 22, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Such beautiful sparklies!! I might have to try my hand at jewelry making now.....
~Des
Posted by: deserae | April 22, 2008 at 09:27 PM
I prefer to think of you as a designer. I love the necklace.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | April 22, 2008 at 09:09 PM
I just love vintage jewels, I use it in alot of my crafts. Oh and your blog is beautiful! Happy Spring!
Stephanie
Posted by: stephanie smith | April 22, 2008 at 08:33 PM
"Hello my name is Heather and I am a crafter."
That's very cute! Congrats on finding your new hobby!
Posted by: Kimberly C. | April 22, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Uh Heather, can I be a loved one? My birthday is in June. LOL
:0)
Great work Heather!!
~Cerri xoxo
Posted by: Littlepinkstudio | April 22, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Hi Heather,
It sure was fun seeing you on Sunday. I just love your first attempt at jewelry making! We are going to have so much fun at Farm Chicks! Can't wait!
Hugs,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | April 22, 2008 at 06:40 PM
READ MY LIPS, YOU ARE A CRAFTER~you didn't get your name of "Sparkles" by chance silly girl:) Beautiful, Beautiul:)
Hugs,
Carol
Posted by: Raised In Cotton | April 22, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Oh Heather they look great.
Well looky here, who is a crafter now!!!LOL
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | April 22, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Yummy stuff, Heather! I took the most amazing class with Amy Hanna in Utah, and I understand how intoxicating all those jewels are!
Posted by: Maija Lepore | April 22, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Now you've inspired ME! Is it really that easy? I've got lots, but vintage necklaces are generally so tight! I'm following your lead ... as a fellow inept sewer, crafter, etc. I'm hoping I have a knack for it!
Posted by: vintagesue of VRS | April 22, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Hooray Hooray, jewelry making is a talent indeed and first attempt and you're good at it already...Look forward to seeing more of your beautiful creations!
Posted by: Adla | April 22, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Gorgeous! Jewelry is the final frontier for me, and I'm not ready to go there...LOVE it...just can't get started on another thing. Your work it beautiful, and by the way, your name is Heather and you are an ARTIST!! xo suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne Duda | April 22, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Love it!
I need to try it too! Once the cast comes off!
Thanks again for driving me to the Barn:)
Hugs,Smiles and Motrin,
kayellen
Posted by: kayellen | April 22, 2008 at 05:07 PM
well good for you miss heather!!
love your first creation
& by the way, you obviously have many talents girl!!
xo
Posted by: paige | April 22, 2008 at 04:52 PM
LOL... hooray for you, crafty girl! What a gorgeous stash!
Alisa
Posted by: Alisa | April 22, 2008 at 04:46 PM
YOU GO GIRL!!
Hugs,
LeAnn :)
Posted by: LeAnn Huntington | April 22, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Hello, Heather, I came to you via my friend and biz partner Lisa, and absolutely love your blog!! Your pictures are amazing and extremely therapeutical to this busy mom!! I've just started this whole blog thing and am having a blast (even though I don't have as much time to visit everyone as I would like!!). Take care,
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel ~ Maison Douce | April 22, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Enjoy your new craft. Your stash is delightful and I think it's great you've kept it for this new art. From time to time I dabble with jewelry making too. My favorite book is by Kaari Meng, French inspired Jewelry. I'm sure you might have the book or will soon. In fact, she has been my inspiration for a long time. A few years back, I visited her French General boutique often. In fact, I'm on a waiting list to join a class with her soon. Since I don't have a group of 6 ladies to take the class, I've been waiting as she gathers other ladies also interested, and don't have a group either. If your interested in taking a class from her, give her a ring. She is wonderful to learn from and the best. Just a thought....
Your a pocketful of sunshine.
Warmly,
Karla
Posted by: Karla Smith | April 22, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Ok you made me laugh! You crafty person you! Can't wait to see you in June. Yipee! Oh by the way, love the necklace. Great job. Have a great day. Blessings, Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | April 22, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Oh Heather, it helps to have some gorgeous pieces to work with!! I think you're a natural, and Im sure your loved ones will appreciate your creativity!
Sue
Posted by: Sue | April 22, 2008 at 03:49 PM
hi heather!!! what beautiful creations...i hope you sell them on your shop site!!!!
Posted by: ann~vintage whisper | April 22, 2008 at 03:45 PM