New Etsy Shop Products #WIP

Here is a sneak peek at some new work in progress jewellery pieces that I'm working on at the moment, coming soon to my Etsy Shop!

Working on new hand knitted Fair Isle Necklaces, hand knitted in Shetland wool and knitted to my own designs. I really need to stock up as my Fair Isle jewellery was popular over Christmas time- thank you if you bought a piece from my shop, it makes me so happy to think that there are people out there wearing my designs

A custom order I made for a lovely customer using her choice of colours. I love receiving custom orders- if you'd like me to make something just for you, visit my Etsy Shop, click "Request Custom Order" and I'd be very happy to design something for you

Something a little different... I have an obsession with Swarovski Crystals and I love making jewellery with them just as much as I enjoy wearing them. I'm working on some Swarovski necklaces and rings that I'd like to add to my Etsy Shop as occasion wear. Watch this space!

I've also been making what I call "Half Moon Necklaces," embellished with Swarovski Crystals, Freshwater Pearls, Mother of Pearl and glass beads upcycled from broken jewellery, but they've never made it to my Etsy Shop, so this new year I'm determined to change that! They would make lovely occasion wear-  I can make them in most colours so they are ideal for accessorizing your wedding/party outfit, but look just as lovely worn with your favourite jumper (how I can often be found wearing mine!) Watch this space on this one!

Are there any pieces you'd like to see me stock in my Etsy Shop? I'm always open to suggestions and I'd love to know what you think, leave a comment below and I'll see what I can do!

Small Project Challenge- Crystal Clay!

When Mr Writer and I visited Nottingham back in March I bought a pack of Crystal Clay. I'd never come across it before, but being a little obsessed with Swarovski Crystals I thought it would make a good Small Project Challenge! If you're a new reader, you can find out more about my Small Project Challenge here. You could join in too!

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely happy with what I've made here, but I've decided to share my project anyway. Things don't always go to plan, but the main thing is that I'm pleased I've tried the Crystal Clay- I can see that it has lots of potential uses, I just need to experiment with it more! Here's what happened...

I decided I'd make a ring, using a ring finding with a bezel setting. The clay adheres to most surfaces and cures without heat, so it's really simple to use. 

 I already had a pack of mixed crystals and I used some bugle beads too for variation.

The clay comes in two parts and (wearing gloves) you mix equal amounts together until the two colours are completely blended. The beeswax ended stick is the tool you use to pick the crystals and add them to the clay

This is where I went a bit wrong...  I misjudged the amount of clay I would need. It turns out that a little bit goes a long way and rather than break off a smaller piece to use I decided to make a giant ring! You add the clay to the bezel setting or other surface you are using and mold it to fit.

The other issue was that I didn't  have many flat backed crystals and I think this would have improved the overall look of the ring- the bicones I have used stick out a bit too much. I love big rings but it is VERY big and very very bling!

So overall I really enjoyed using the process of using the Crystal Clay but I definitely need to refine my skills to create an end piece I'm happy with. Have you used Crystal Clay and do you have any tips?

New rings in my Etsy shop!

I've just added a selection of new handmade knitted, Harris Tweed and felt rings to my Etsy shop- check them out here! 

The rings come beautifully presented in a hand branded gift box, making them a lovely gift

Today I'm also debuting a new design inspired by my flower hair slides (also available in my Etsy shop)- over sized flower rings embellished with Swarovski Crystals or a vintage button! If you would like a ring in a particular colour you can't see featured in my shop, I'm always happy to make a custom order, just ask!