Inspiration

One of my favorite online bead suppliers recently ran a contest where they asked the entrants to submit a photo of their inspiration, and then a photo of what piece of jewelry they created based on that. I didn't enter because it occurred to me that I'm not inspired like that. I'm inspired by more abstract things, or by materials themselves. I find inspiration in clothing, and in trying to think of a piece of jewelry that will look nice with a certain type of outfit. Or I often see a piece of jewelry in a store or ON someone, and try to think of how I could put my own spin on it.

Take, for example, this necklace:

I saw those long, painted wood beads, and thought they seemed African, or tribal. Then I had to think of what I had that would go with them, after I decided what I wanted the piece of jewelry to be.

This next necklace was inspired by the materials as well. I REALLY wanted to make something with those Kumbara Jasper nuggets, and they looked really nice with the Garnet. Nothing too exciting about my creative process with that one, I guess!


I'd really been wanting to make a set of stackable bracelets, and these materials just sort of fell into my lap! I picked up the red and green squares at my local bead shop, with no real purpose in mind for them - I just thought they were pretty! The larger glass pearls were leftover from another project, and I just happened to see them next to each other, and decided that it was the perfect combination for a set of 3!


This necklace was actually inspired by a clay technique. It was my first attempt at it, and as I was working, I thought that it would look really nice with navy blue, as a pendant!

Ok, so this bracelet wasn't completely inspired by the materials, but by a sweater. I was itching to make... SOMETHING, and as I was pawing through my beads, my mixed strand of agate looked just lovely against my gray sweater. I thought a "sweater" bracelet shouldn't be something TOO intricate, so this is what I came up with!


So, here's my problem:
Ok, it's not a problem, exactly. It is a gorgeous, HUGE, sterling silver toggle clasp. It is obviously too large to be for a bracelet, so it will be for a necklace. I really want to use it, but, my inspiration is COMPLETELY lacking. I just have NO idea what to do! I could really use your help with this one!

SO, here's where the contest comes in! I need help. Leave me a comment telling me how you think I should use this clasp. If you have more than one idea, leave more than one comment! I may or may not use an idea I see here, or one may inspire me towards my finished product. I will choose the winning comment via random.org on Sunday night (11/12), and the winner will get a $7 credit in my shop, good on anything $10 or more!

Fun Gifts under $15!

With the Facebook Pre-Sale going on right now (so become a fan! Do it!!), I thought now would be a good time to show you all some of my favorite gift ideas for under $15. The Thanksgiving Sale opens to everyone on 11/22, so make your list now!

If you are headed to a holiday party this season, the nice thing is to have a hostess gift handy - and what would be better than a Christmas themed set of wine charms?


These earrings are great for the girl in your life - they would make awesome stocking stuffers!

And THESE earrings would be perfect for wearing to your New Year's Eve bash.

Hair accessories are always a great stocking stuffer!

These earrings are a great gift as well, and the matching bracelet is under $15 also!

This ring is also available for less than $15! There are multiple other rings in my shop for under $15, so check it out!All of these earrings are under $15, as well as many other pairs in my shop. These are great for friends and family members, or as gifts for yourself!

Christmas candy makes a great gift, as does a bracelet that LOOKS like Christmas candy!!

This lovely necklace would make a great gift for your favorite teacher or baby-sitter - simple and stylish.There are many other items available for reasonable prices at Patty's Pretty Things on Etsy! The Facebook Fan Pre-sale is going on right now! The first item purchased will be 10% off. If you buy 2 items, you will receive 15% off; 3 things, 20% off; 4 or more, 25% off! The sale opens to the public on 11/22/10, and runs through 11/29/10. Facebook fans will receive a free gift with purchase.