That’s right, you heard me. I’ve been making jewelry, like I mentioned when I said I was getting crafty again. This is one hobby that just seems to keep going and going and going. I’m getting a better understanding of what’s what as I continue, and I even picked up a couple copies of Bead Style Magazine since my local bead store has back copies in stock.

So far, I’ve made some earrings that will be holiday gifts (no pics of those yet, sorry!) and stuff for myself to fill in some gaps in my own jewelry collection. Since a whole new world of options has been opened to me, I’m able to indulge in my desire to have a pair of earrings to match every shirt I own, along with a few extra pairs for variety.

Here’s what I’ve been making (and you can click to embiggen any photo):

I’ve been wanting a pair of earrings to match a dusty purple t-shirt I own, and I found some purple crystals at the bead store the other day. Then I went to another bead store, where I found these awesome glass beads that match my shirt perfectly, since the crystals were a bit too violet to go with the shirt.

I used the glass beads, which are Venetian glass with a silver foil lining, clear seed beads that have a silvery shimmer to them, and silver teardrop shapes that I cut from a length of chain. The beaded dangling bits look uneven because, well, they are. I’m still having trouble with consistency, and the simple loops I created to hang them aren’t the same size. Also, they look like they’re leaning because these beads have a larger hole, so the headpins don’t hold them as securely as they do smaller beads.

I have lots of neutrals – silver, gold, diamonds, pearls – and I have earrings that have grey beads and some that have a dark silvery gunmetal finish, but nothing that’s pure black. I used 8mm black onyx beads and black crystal bicones to form the cluster above the onyx. I love these small, simple earrings and have worn them a couple of times already.

I have a pair of earrings that are gold with a blue enameled center, that I bought in London at Accessorize years ago when I did wear a lot of gold and was looking for something blue that was not made with silver. My how times have changed! These lapis discs with clear seed beads and hammered circles create a very lightweight pair of earrings that goes very well with denim.

I found these twist-cut red glass beads and fell in love. The unusual cut and the deep red color did it for me. Then I got them home and thought, crap, now what do I do with them? I finally came up with this – a cluster of red beads inside a teardrop (can you tell I’m in love with the teardrop shape?). I made up one, but it looked like it needed something else, and Mister came up with the idea of adding the bead between the drop and the ear wire, and now I have a lovely pair of red earrings.

I’ve also got a few other pairs that I made, but I don’t have pictures of them yet so you’ll just have to wait.

In my latest jewelry adventures, I’ve been surfing Etsy multiple times a day, and I’ve made a few observations:

1. Cluster earrings are very popular. They’re tedious to make, and I prefer a simpler cluster like the ones I made to a more ostentatious one, but they are everywhere.

2. A lot of earring designs look the same after awhile. There’s either no imagination or only so many ways you can string a bead and attach it to your ear.

3. I have been looking at earrings in the stores and online that I like, and instead of wanting them, I now think, “I can totally make that!”

I’ve also been seeing a few designs come up over and over again, but I haven’t been able to source the materials. Does anyone know where I can find leaf charms/pendants like this? I totally want to make some earrings with them but have been unable to find them anywhere. I figure that since quite a few sellers use the same design, they are buying them somewhere. Also, this little bird is everywhere too. I don’t care for the bird so much, but a source would be great. My guess is that I’ll hit a treasure trove of wonderful things to make jewelry with if I can find out where to get those things.

And the big question – am I making jewelry for myself, holiday gift giving, or more?

Yes. All of the above.

I started by making stuff for myself. I figured that would be the best way to see if I actually liked doing this. As I realized that I did in fact like it, I decided to make some stuff to give as Christmas gifts. And more? Well, I’ve been thinking about that. There’s only so many pairs of earrings that a girl can reasonably have in her own collection, right? (Don’t answer that.) I do have some stuff made up that I don’t plan on wearing or giving away, so I’ve been thinking about opening an Etsy shop. It would definitely be after the holidays, because I don’t want to get caught up in the holiday rush, plus I’d need to make up some more stock so I don’t open with only a few pieces.

Also, right now I’m only making earrings. They’re quick, use minimal materials, and honestly, it’s what I’m most interested in wearing myself. I don’t wear bracelets due to my tiny wrists (most of them are too big) and I don’t wear necklaces because I have a simple one that I wear every day. Earrings is where it’s at for me. I could have a shop with just earrings, but as my skills expand, I’d like to offer other items. I just need to get over the “I’ll only make what I personally would wear” mindset and expand not only the products I offer but the styles as well.

So what do you think? Do you think I have it in me to have a halfway decent Etsy shop? What styles of jewelry do you like, and what would you like to see?