Death of a Desktop...

Our desktop computer kicked the bucket over the weekend.

I am in serious mourning.  

Brent will be able to get our hard drives converted so I won't lose anything.

Temporarily though, I am unsure of my ability to make any postings until after Christmas.

Santa (Pretty please!?!?) may be bringing me a laptop.  Fingers crossed.

I am typing tonight on my Mom's MackBook Air.  

Next week she heads back to D.C. with laptop in hand so I will not have any equipment.

I'll be back up and running as soon as possible

Hang in there, if anyone is actually reading.  :)

Feel free to contact me at: makingsbybee@gmail.com

Happy Holidays!

Chain Length

I found this handy dandy necklace length image online.

I think it is so helpful when imagining where a necklace will fall at defined lengths.

I will post a smaller image on the left side of the blog for future reference.

Mistake - I Can Say I Made One

The title of this post makes my "mistake" seem BIGGER than it is in reality.

The older I get, the more likely I am to say "Oops! Sorry!  

I made a mistake!  How can I fix the problem?"

I am far from perfect.  I am a PERFECTIONIST so I try to be perfect until 3+ years ago when I realized that I'm not perfect, I've never been perfect and I will never be perfect.

No one is.

I'm good with that.

Updated Necklace (11/25/2013)

On October 23, 2013 I did a post about asymmetrical necklaces, and my love of them!

As I've mentioned before, I wear my jewelry as I am out an about.  

1) Because I think they are pretty  

2) I am proud of my work

3) Most importantly - I can work out any problems that arise.  Maybe the necklace needs to be longer or shorter, I'll know by the end of the day.  Perhaps it tangles, how can I fix that? 

The longer chain broke, many, many times.

An insane amount of times.

I had ordered a new supply of chain from a retailer that I had not worked with before.  Per usual, I only order items that are allergy free.  I hadn't used the type of chain that was on the longer strand before.  It turns out that it was extremely delicate chain.  If you applied the tiniest amount of pressure, practically breathing on it...it would break.  I was so upset, annoyed and embarrassed.  I was happy that I was able to test the necklace over the course of a few days to find out that this was a problem.  After contacting the retailer, it turns out that it is simply extremely delicate chain.

Luckily, I didn't make any additional necklaces with this chain.  I threw it out so it would never be used accidentally.  I want to produce quality products that can stand up to real life.  If a necklace can survive my life with two toddlers, three dogs, one cat, a 1972 house that we are always fixing, a husband and a life then it should be able to survive anything.

Now that I've said all of that, here is what you should take from it...

TALK TO ME!  CONTACT ME!  LET ME HELP!

If you ever have a problem with a necklace that I have created, let me know.

I will always do my best to make it right.

Here is the necklace that is updated only in one way.

The longer chain was replaced with a vintage rolo silver chain from Ann Taylor.

  "Random Yet Faithful"

This double stranded silver necklace is fun and sweet at the same time.

A rhinestone cross rests at the center of a 22" vintage Ann Taylor rolo silver plated chain.

The 18" feminine antique silver chain holds a neatly wire wrapped sky blue jade stone.

A metal Virgin Mary Catholic medal hangs asymmetrically

 on the left side of the longer chain, close to the wearer's heart.  

A pearl bead hangs next to Mary as a reminder of her "pure" faith.

A tiny frosted quartz teardrop hangs asymmetrically on the right side of the longer chain.

Both chains are attached to a traditional lobster clasp with split rings for added strength.

Last REDO - 4 of 4 - Charm Necklace

This one was the last one.  It was a bit of a puzzle for me.

The Grandmother provided a handful of charms that she would like on one necklace!

They didn't seem to have a theme and there were 6/7 so I was unsure how to proceed.

Like most procrastinators out there, I saved this necklace for last.

I was given: 1 Airplane charm, 1 Gold Peace Dove circle charm, 1 silver heart charm with the words "Hope" and "Joy," 1 star with the word "Dream," 1 Star of David and 1 silver rectangle with the word "Miracle."

It needed some color and unique shapes added.  That meant MORE charms.

I decided to add: 

• 1 wire-wrapped chalcedony teardrop stone in blue, like the sky where airplanes soar and birds fly.
• 1 clear marquise shaped quartz stone to give it shape, texture and a little oomph.

I used the silver chain provided with the heart charm to create varied length chains.  By staggering chain lengths, it allows each charm to be visible.  It sets each one apart.  In addition, I grouped "like things" together.  One strand houses 2 stars with 1 heart in the middle.  I put the dove charm and the blue chalcedony together, next to the airplane.  The quartz drop was by itself to set it apart and add character to the others strands.  Finally I used the "Miracle" charm on the chain, left side - heart side.

Since so much else was going on, the 24" chain is very simple and rather small in size.

I am pleased with the resulting necklace:

REDO: 3 of 4 - Rhinestone Brooch

We all have one of these rhinestone brooches in our jewelry.  

It is usually passed down through generations.  

Many people would call this brooch "Costume Jewelry" but I call it beautiful!

What a fantastic starting point!

BEFORE

 To begin, I removed the pin from the back of the brooch.  Next I removed all of the stones and carefully cleaned everything.  Once it was clean and dry, I attached the stones with jewelry glue (much like super glue) and additionally secured the stones into place using the original metal prongs.  The repair should allow the brooch to have many more years of use without losing a stone!

I used silver plated wire to wrap the brooch to an imperfect, silver plated ring.  It gives the look and feel of being framed.  I chose to give the wire wrapping a messy look since the rhinestones feel so formal.  The 24" chain is a combination of an 18" sterling silver "snake" chain and 6" of a vintage Ann Taylor silver plated rolo chain.  At the point of connection, I added rhinestone charms on both sides of a metal oval, which were also from the vintage Ann Taylor necklace.  The necklace is finished with a vintage Brighton jewelry lobster clasp and ring in the back.

Since I had some additional pieces from the vintage Ann Taylor necklace, I decided to make a matching set of earrings.  This set will work with everything from jeans and a tee to a more formal look and everything in between. 

REDO! 2 of 4 - Turquoise Brooch

BEFORE

As you can see in the "Before" image of the turquoise brooch, it was missing stones and the rest of the stones were about to fall off.  I took off all of the stones and carefully cleaned them and the brooch itself.  I filed all of the stones so they would fit into the spaces more snugly.  I took the two teardrop stones and filed them into a rectangular shape. They were not 100% symmetrical but they would have been much smaller than the other stones if I had done this.   I removed the teardrop stone segments and removed the pin on the back.

I added three strands of silver toned metal chains, different sizes for each strand.  17",18" and 19" are the lengths of the chain with the brooch adding 2" in the middle. They are individually connected to the brooch and the clasp in the back so they should not tangle.  The clasp in the back has a 2" extender if the wearer prefers it to be little longer.  

I had two turquoise stones that matched the stones in the brooch so I created earrings for the recipient.

REDO! 1 of 4 - Gold and Pearl Necklace

I started this jewelry thing because I was no longer wearing my jewelry in its current form so I altered it into something that worked better for me today.  Maybe more stylish, or longer, or shorter, or plainer or dump it all together because I love it all and I want to wear it all at the exact same time.

I am reconfiguring 4 pieces of jewelry for a client.

This is piece one...

BEFORE

16 inch gold-toned rolled mesh chain with a Heart shaped pearl bead cabochon on gold.  I was also provided with matching round pearl bead cabochon earrings.

AFTER

I lovingly call it "There's No Place Like Home Is Where The Heart Is."

The original piece is from a grandmother to her high school aged granddaughter.  The heart pendant remained, ergo "Home Is Where The Heart Is."  I am sure she will move into her own place or off to college in a few years so I added the vintage ruby slipper pendant with a antique bronze heart to remind her that "There's No Place Like Home."  The chain is a patchwork of vintage pieces to create a chic, homespun look.  The 22 inch chain combines a shortened strip of the original chain, a strand of 1970s vintage glass pearls from Japan, antique bronze chain segments and a section of a vintage 1970s pearl and gold necklace.  

The necklace uses a traditional lobster clasp in the front.

I hope this will be a special piece from Grandmother to Granddaughter that will be treasured, worn and passed down for generations to come.  

I feel honored to rework such a special piece.

"Purely" Asymmetrical

Christmas is coming!  Crazy!

Where did the year go?

I have about 10+ necklaces packaged and ready for purchase.

I haven't had an abundance of time to photograph and post.

I am working as fast as I can.  Give me a shout if you are looking for something special and I can e-mail pictures to you if I don't get pictures posted within the next few days.

In addition, I just completed 4 necklace "Recycles."  Meaning, I was given a piece of jewelry that needed to be updated into something more current or just plain different.  

I'll be posting the before and afters tomorrow.  Check back.

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I love asymmetrical necklaces.  

I just love the interesting nature.  

I hope you'll love it too.

"Purely" Asymmetrical

  24 inch petite antique bronze chain with 2 antique bronze floral "beads" along the left side.  In between the floral "beads" are three graduated antique bronze circles with a pearl "bead" in the center.  The pendant is a rough and chunky piece of quartz dipped in rose plated gold at the top.  The pendant has been wired to the chain so that it does not slide.  It will hang perfectly in the center.  A cluster of pearl "beads" hangs to the right side of the quartz pendant.  The necklace is finished with a traditional lobster clasp in the back. 

 Specific stone properties: 

Quartz crystals are said to be the most versatile and multipurpose healing stone.  It is known as the "power stone" or "universal crystal" due to its many uses.  Quartz is a stone of clarity which can dispel negative energy. It can be used to purify and clarify on the spiritual, mental, and physical planes.  Quartz enhances spiritual growth, spirituality and wisdom. Because it clarifies thought processes and emotions, it can increase inspiration and creativity. It is also known to enhance concentration. Quartz is a stone of harmony because it balances energies, and is even helpful in romantic relationships.

Throughout history, the pearl, has been one of the most highly prized and sought after gems. In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing. The Greeks held the pearl in high esteem for both its unrivaled beauty and its association with love and marriage. Pearls are thought to bring truth to situations of the heart.  Pearls are also known to alleviate emotional imbalances, enhance personal integrity and assist emotional expression.  Pearls are also June’s birthstone. 

Check out Makings By Bee packaging.  

Stick a bow on and call it wrapped!  

In fact, I'd be happy to add the bow for you if you tell me that your purchase is a gift.  

I created this packaging to be different than the traditional cardboard box with cotton fluff 

or the stuffy cardboard hinged box.  

This stiff packaging comes to a point at the top with a flap to seal.  

The patterned cardboard insert allows the necklace to dangle freely for maximum showing.  The necklace chain fits neatly into the envelope on the back.  

I added a mini business card in the back and my signature bee ribbon for branding.  

I like to think that the packaging is the perfect way to showcase my unique pieces.

Rose Quartz - The Love Stone

Two steps forward, one step back.

I received my new table top photo studio over the weekend so I could take "better" and more "consistent" photographs of my jewelry.  

I love my studio, it fits all my needs and inspired creativity.

The step back is that I am woefully out of practice with photography.

The pictures of the two featured necklaces have some consistency and some artistic nature to them.  The exposure and technical aspects of the photos are inconsistent.  I fixed some of the errors in PhotoShop but I wanted to be careful not to distort the image.

These two necklaces were created for a wonderful charity organization.  Until I receive permission to mention the organization and its upcoming fundraiser, I will only describe the specific aspects of these two necklaces.  I am extremely pleased with the overall look as well as the overwhelming "meaning" behind each stone/charm used.

I hope you like them...

Please provide feedback about the photography or the necklaces if you get a chance.

No beginning - 

No End to my Heart

This 24” combination vintage Japanese glass pearl chain and vintage gold chain with pearl bead adornments is a lovely example of simple femininity.  A quadruple heart charm powerhouse hangs from varied lengths of gold plated chain suspended from a gold plated ring.

From left to right:

Rose Quartz, also known as the “love stone” is believed to be good for expressing and soothing emotions. Rose quartz enhances all forms of love: self-love, mother love, caring, kindness, platonic and romantic live. Gently energizes and creates warmth. It is also said to stimulate the imagination and intelligence.  It is also a healing stone for internal wounds, bitterness and sorrows. It makes one more receptive to beauty, hastens recovery and gladdens the heart. Known to lift depression, create confidence and peace. Rose quartz, the stone of unconditional love, is great for emotional healing.

Rainbow Moonstone promotes intuition while helping you to apply the knowledge. Moonstone energy relates to new beginnings and helps one to understand your destiny. Helps you to get rid of emotional tension and enhances creativity. Moonstone provides a connection to our physical, emotional and intellectual bodies to help us remove obstacles and progress on our paths while giving us guidance.

Tibetan dense metal ring with golden color.  The circle has always had significance from ancient cultures to the present day as a symbol of wholeness and perfection. Its endlessness is the perfect symbol of oneness and unity – no beginning, no end. It is also the symbol of the sun, earth and universe, and represents holiness, perfection and peace.

1950s Japanese glass pink pearl bead.  Throughout history, the pearl, has been one of the most highly prized and sought after gems. In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing. The Greeks held the pearl in high esteem for both its unrivaled beauty and its association with love and marriage. Pearls are thought to bring truth to situations of the heart.  Pearls are also known to alleviate emotional imbalances, enhance personal integrity and assist emotional expression.  Pearls are also June’s birthstone.

Peaceful Heart

Hanging from this 24” gold-plated spiral link chain hangs the ultimate combination for a peaceful heart and mind.  Suspended from a gold plated ring are varied lengths of gold plated chain connecting a carefully planned group of loving and peaceful charms.

From left to right:

Quartz crystals are said to be the most versatile and multipurpose healing stone.  Specifically, the rutilated quartz on this necklace is reputed to be an energizing stone that helps get energy moving on all levels. Intuitive sources say that it assists with mental focus. It is also said to attract love and stabilize relationships. Rutilated quartz said to be particularly effective for getting things moving energetically. It can help slowed chakras return to normal spin and balance.

Rose Quartz, also known as the “love stone” is believed to be good for expressing and soothing emotions. Rose quartz enhances all forms of love: self-love, mother love, caring, kindness, platonic and romantic live. Gently energizes and creates warmth. It is also said to stimulate the imagination and intelligence.  It is also a healing stone for internal wounds, bitterness and sorrows. It makes one more receptive to beauty, hastens recovery and gladdens the heart. Known to lift depression, create confidence and peace. Rose quartz, the stone of unconditional love, is great for emotional healing.  This rose quartz has the added benefit of the circular shape which is universally known as the symbol of wholeness and perfection.

1950s Japanese glass pink pearl bead.  Throughout history, the pearl, has been one of the most highly prized and sought after gems. In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing. The Greeks held the pearl in high esteem for both its unrivaled beauty and its association with love and marriage. Pearls are thought to bring truth to situations of the heart.  Pearls are also known to alleviate emotional imbalances, enhance personal integrity and assist emotional expression.   

Pearls are also June’s birthstone.

Antique bronze “Paper Crane.”  Shortly after the end of World War II, the folded origami crane came to symbolize a hope for peace through Sadako Sasaki and her unforgettable story of perseverance. Diagnosed with leukemia after being exposed to radiation after the bombing of Hiroshima, Sadako became determined to fold 1,000 cranes in hopes of recovering good health, happiness, and a world of eternal peace. Although she completed 644 before she died, her classmates folded the remaining 356 to honor her. A statue was raised in the Hiroshima Peace Park to commemorate her strong spirit.  Today this practice of folding 1,000 cranes represents a form of healing and hope during challenging times. Chains are often given to someone suffering from illness, as a prayer for their recovery, as a wish for happiness, and as an expression of sympathy and peace. 

This necklace also comes with a hand folded paper crane.  I personally folded over 1,000 cranes a few years ago.  I added string and glass beads to the cranes folded on the most beautiful paper.
 

 

Work in Progress...

I'm really new to creating and sharing my work with the World, so to speak.

I feel extremely shy and awkward about throwing my work out for all to see and critique.

I know that we are so "open" in this digital age but I am one of the last people on the Planet to open a Facebook and Twitter account.  Honestly, I would have only opened a "Makings by Bee" Facebook account but it required my information too.  

I am bad at this self publicity part.

A lot of time, energy and thought goes into each piece, even the ones that look "random."

I'm in the middle of creating right now and filling custom orders.

It will probably be a few days until I get pictures of my new items photographed and loaded.

I promise that I won't let one full week pass.

As I am creating and filling my "Mommy" Halloween duties, 

I am also working on a smoother photography process.  

I am working on a tabletop studio with a specific and consistent layout.

That should help to ensure that lighting, framing and orientation are consistent.

Right now I hang my pieces from a beautiful maple tree in my yard.  

When it is raining or dark, I can't work.

Plus I feel like my pictures are missing a better representation of how they look when wearing.  Tune in soon for more accurate images.

Once my new photography process is achieved, I hope to list the available items for sale on Etsy with a link directly from the blog and/or Facebook to my store.

I hope that my work is well received.  I am always open to ideas and inspiration.

Drop me a line if you have any questions or comments.

Thanks!

Great Grandmother's Brooch

We all have a special piece of jewelry from a family member that is most treasured and never worn.

I'd like to say that we don't wear the piece because we don't want to lose it but that's not 

usually the case.  The jewelry isn't our style, we don't wear that type of jewelry, etc.

I made the necklace pictured for a family member who helps me out on a regular basis.

I love her work, I appreciate her work and wanted to give her an extra "Thank You."

I started with the gold feather and gold loop piece for this necklace.  The pendant base was formerly a brooch inherited from Great Grandmother.  As a society, we don't really wear brooches anymore.  Therefore the brooch didn't have a usable form for the owner.  The cool thing about this brooch is that the feather can be moved up to 180 degrees.  Personally, I think it looks best in one of the two manners pictured below.  Either having the feather "closed" or "open."

With a piece like this as my beginning, I didn't have to worry about what to add.  The brooch alone is beautiful!  Anything else that I add just enhances.  

I like to put thought, heart, purpose and meaning into my jewelry as much as possible.  Starting on the left, I added a rectangular mother of pearl.  Pearls symbolize innocence and faith.  Next I added a very small vintage sterling silver cross.  The large antique key in the center was a favor given at the recipient's wedding.  Finally, I added a chain on the right side that contained a heart and the letter M in celebration of her marriage.  The vintage pearls at the bottom of the chain were added for visual balance.  The pendant was placed on a 22" textured platinum plated chain with a traditional lobster clasp in the back.

I used a combination of silver, gold, antique bronze and pewter so this necklace would match any other jewelry that the recipient might be wearing at a given time.

I was really pleased with the overall look, sentimentality and design of this necklace.

If you have a piece of jewelry that you'd like for me to reinvent, contact me through the form on the left side of the blog or at makingsbybee@gmail.com

The cost of reconfiguration would be dependent on the additional supplies used plus labor ($40+).

Asymettrical Feminitiy

One thing that you'll see me repeat with varying levels of severity are asymmetrical designs.

My hope is that it keeps the wearer interested in wearing the necklace repeatedly.

I don't want to create a necklace that gets pushed to the back of the jewelry box and forgotten about.

That is the other piece that you will see me repeat...everyday necklaces!

I want to make a necklace that you'll wear with everything all of the time.  

I want you to say "I love this necklace, I am never going to take it off."

That means that my designs must work with casual, business and semi-formal.

My necklaces are soft and feminine.  I love to add dabbles of pearls because what woman doesn't love pearls?  Now I don't like complete pearl strands.  Too stuffy for me.

 I like to use delicate beads and chains.  

  Today I am in a t-shirt that can't be less than 5 years old,

with a 3 year old pair of trouser jeans, a pony tail and glasses.

I do not look my best today, not even close.

I don't feel like my best, not even close.

My feelings changed when I put on the "Random Yet Faithful" 

necklace listed below before I ran errands with my girls.

One little addition changed my outlook and self esteem.

It's great to be a woman!

 "Random Yet Faithful"

This double stranded silver necklace is fun and sweet at the same time.

A rhinestone cross rests at the center of a 22" vintage silver rolo chain from Ann Taylor.

The 18" feminine antique silver chain holds a neatly wire wrapped blue jade stone.

A metal Virgin Mary Catholic medal hangs asymmetrically on the left side of the longer chain, close to the wearer's heart.  

A pearl bead hangs next to Mary as a reminder of her "pure" faith.

A tiny frosted quartz teardrop hangs asymmetrically on the right side of the longer chain.

Both chains are attached to a traditional lobster clasp with split rings for added strength.

UPDATED 11-25-2013
The 22" Figaro chain has been changed to a vintage Ann Taylor rolo chain.
Updated Pictures: 

 

Broken Porcelain Turned Wearable Art!

This 1 ½ inch piece of antique Chinese porcelain was "framed" in silver and "messy" wrapped at the loop.

Artfully placed vintage pearl beads, glass and charms hang asymmetrically on the left side of the chain about half way up the left side of chain.

All of this on a 26" textured platinum plated chain with traditional lobster clasp closure in back

 

 "Vintage Gold"

King Midas would be proud because 

it just doesn't get easier than this!

I honestly don't think that you could ever go wrong when wearing this necklace.

It is elegant yet simple, colorful yet plain.

This 22 inch antique bronze Figaro chain holds a vintage gold plated filigree hoop earring turned pendant. A vintage beaded clover/cross pendant dangles between the arch of the pendant.hoop.  I added a vintage red wooden bead to hang asymmetrically on the left side.  The necklace is complete with a traditional lobster clasp in the back.