Seasons Greetings

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and are still enjoying the fabulous left-overs that come with over-cooking/baking for the silly season!

Every year I look forward to Christmas as it really seems to be the only time families get to spend quality time with each other. Just to sit back, relax and rub an overstuffed stomach whilst watching everyone chat, laugh and enjoy each others company.

It's a time where we remember and honour those we have lost and a time to celebrate and hold close those we are fortunate to still have.

Last year someone close to me lost their Grandmother right before Christmas, it was their first experience of losing a family member. So, for that Christmas she wrapped all of her presents in the old vintage Christmas wrapping paper she'd found in her Grandmother's house.

Once all the gifts were opened, I made a like a chipmunk and hoarded away many small pieces of the four different patterned papers with a fabulous idea in mind.

For Christmas this year, I made her the bracelet pictured above. It has four bezels, each set with a different piece of her Grandmother's paper under a dome of clear resin. I made it for her to keep as a family heirloom but so far she has not taken it off her wrist, which makes me even happier.

To touch someone at Christmas time in this way, to truly add a little magic spark to their day is what the true meaning of the Season is all about.

Merry Christmas.

x Narelle

 

Tuesday's tip - #1

In a world that is saturated with handmade jewellery, every day each jeweller attempts to make their ideas original and different from what's already out there on the market.

I believe when it comes to making your own jewellery it's not just the designs or construction of the work that's important, it's the small things.

Today there are so many mass produced findings available, eg: ear wires, toggles, jump rings, which do in fact help save a bit of time and thereby making the cost for items a little cheaper to construct.

However from my experience as a buyer, when these items are hand fabricated, it's what really makes the difference. I like the thought that the maker has spent a little extra time on my piece and has paid close attention to detail.

It helps give the item a personal touch, even if no-one else can tell the difference between handmade or shop purchased jump rings.

Sometimes you'll be surprised at how little extra effort it takes and yet adds so much more. By designing and making your own clasps, ear wires etc, it can also offer your work a more distinctive signature.

x Narelle

Front page news

A pair of my "Tiny tini" earrings were featured on the front page of the "Made it" website.
If you would like to own a pair of these sweet earrings, then head on over to my Made it store here or go to my website shop here in the earrings section.

At only $20- a pair it's also a cute and inexpensive Christmas present for some-one you love.

x Narelle