Jewelry Findings

For the Holiday Party Attire

I went to a Wardrobe for Opportunity boutique sale yesterday hoping to score some treasures but came away empty handed.

Fortunately, the local bead shop was in the same tiny complex. Fortuitously right there, you might say, for with the help of the wonderful owner, I was able to find everything I need to make my necklace and earrings.

The folks at Just Bead It are always so welcoming, warm and incredibly patient with questions. They have a really excellent selection of supplies for such a small shop. They even have some free demonstrations now and then.

I had a vision when I walked in. But with help, I was able to come up with something a little better right there in the store and it cost me less than had I purchased supplies for my original idea online.

I wanted a necklace of a short strand of faceted black beads and matching earrings with gold findings.

Black because it will pick up the black of my shoes and the chiffon and will not compete with the red of the top and skirt.

So here is a "draft" of my necklace and earrings:



I was very glad to find these faceted black beads. I had originally wanted round ones but these slightly oval shaped one are very nice.


The Swarovski crystal spacers were a part of the original plan. I saw them online and thought they would make the necklace dressier and team the gold of the earrings nicely.

The earrings were basically designed on the spot. I had wanted posts but we did not find anything suitable so I asked about wires. The owner picked these out:


They have little crystals on the ends of the curvy part when the dangles will go!


Here is what I came up with for the dangles laying next to the ear wires.

My original vision was much simpler than this but after trying several things, I decided this bit of drama was better to balance with the chiffon print and red sateen. The gold metal seemed best with the warm tones in the chiffon's print, especially the golden yellow.

Of course I have not started my fitting garments yet. I had better get to it tomorrow! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I also forgot, and need to buy, my notions.

So the plan for the coming week is to get all my fitting and hopefully cutting done so I can concentrate on actually sewing next weekend. The jewelry making part will go quickly and easily since what I am doing is so basic, so I can do that any evening.

I do not forsee time to make the garment bag, let alone the overnight bag as well. I may have to find something ready made and use my normal overnight bag.

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As you may have noticed by the new profile photo, I have been mucking about with Photoshop again. I have a croquis of sorts and thought the head shot was interesting. Well actually the one with the glowing neon was really interesting, but not helpful for designing, not to mention down right weird looking.

I am continuing with my post holiday party sewing plans, but will not be participating in the SWAP.

Apparently, my ideas are too stupid for words.

I am kind of bummed, but not really surprised. I need clothes for work, so that is my focus right now. I guess that is pretty boring, but I had hoped to get some of the encouragement and camaraderie others seem to garner. That said, I get the impression people who do SWAPs are sort of a clique. I have never fit in with a clique in my life.