I had the fantastic opportunity recently to make a necklace for a good friend of mine, Renee. We'd been spending a weekend in Monterey last summer and she saw a 3-strand pearl necklace and she was just drooling over it. Then she looked at the price tag, sighed and walked away. Because she is a dear friend, and had so recently done a million things (including preserving my sanity and helping me finish making my veil the night before) for my wedding, I offered to make her something similar, just for the cost of supplies, and my time and skills would be a gift. Well, I ended up finding pearls that were so perfectly "her" that they could've been custom dyed for her. Mauves and golds and peaches and all pearly... so nice. I strung the pearls on silk cord, pale peachy-pink in color that blends right in, and knotted the cord between each pearl to protect them from rubbing against each other. I made three strands in consecutive lengths, and then found the perfect clasp from one of my favorite Etsy sellers (
Lily's Offering) for supplies. So I finally got the necklace made for her by the end of January (that's the other thing about custom jobs where I don't charge for my time - they happen "when I get around to it") and she didn't mind how long it had taken at all and was totally thrilled with the necklace. I liked the result so much, I plan to make more. I don't have very many of "her" pearls left, but I did purchase a bunch of other colors and shades in the same size/style and will be making more in the future. Here's a couple of pics of what I've since named "The Renee Pearl Necklace". If anyone would like something similar, feel free to contact me through Etsy or Artfire and I'd be delighted to make one in other colors. Though unless you're also a dear friend, my time won't be free for you! :)
I've managed to list 7 new items in the last 4 weeks and am aiming to get a few more listed in the next day or two. I have added 4 hats, a great open work scarf, a gorgeous necklace with a stunning art-glass focal bead, and this AMAZING cape/shawl. Still to be listed - 4 more scarves, 3 more hats, about a dozen pairs of earrings (many in my fabulous crystal-pear cluster/crystal cascade style) and a half dozen or so fabulous necklaces. Please check my shops and stay tuned!
