Gallery (12 pics): “The strands were strung using gem stone chips in Obsidian, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Red Jasper and Green Aventurine.” ~Cindy Lietz
Now that the holidays are over and there is no chance of spoiling the surprise for my Mom, I thought you may enjoy seeing the Christmas gift I made for her last month.
Of course since it was a gift, I won’t be listing it for sale. And I also forgot to take the exact measurements before wrapping it up. Actually, in all the haste of the season, it was lucky that I even got the project done in time for Willow to snap a few pics for you guys.
Now in regards to this topic of me showing my finished jewelry pieces, I would like to quickly respond to a question that just came in the other day…
One thing I haven’t seen from you, or you may have shown it and I missed it, is where to see your jewelry. Do you have your pieces on ETSY or ARTFIRE? I would love to see your store setup and have some hints on pricing. ~Linda-P
So to answer your question Linda… at this time, the only place where I show my finished jewelry items, is in these monthly Gallery Posts here at my blog. Usually I price each piece and list them for sale, but as I said above, today’s post is an exception from norm.
In each new Gallery post, there is a link back to the previous one. These back links allow you to easily see any that you may have missed. Here is a link to last month’s showing: Pink Poinsettia Earrings
For lots of ideas and info about how to sell your jewelry items, what you can do is use appropriate keywords in the search box at the top of this page. A few good keyword examples to start with are:
- selling
- jewelry sales
- craft fairs
- niche markets
- etsy
Here at this blog web site, there are currently 1055 articles and over 28,222 comments in the archives. In other words, there’s lots and lots of valuable information just waiting to be discovered, for anyone who is will to do a bit of digging and research
Gemstone and Polymer Aurora Borealis Necklace Gallery (12 pics):
Gemstone and Polymer Aurora Borealis Pendant Necklace: This doubled stranded necklace is collar length and has a warm comfortable feel as it lays on your neck. The strands were strung using real gemstone beads and chips in Obsidian, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Red Jasper and Green Aventurine which complement the rich colors of the polymer pendant.
The triangular almost shield shaped pendant has a similar look and feel to it, as the Inuksuk (pronounced i-nook-shook) sculptural stone forms of the Inuit people of our Canadian North (formally referred to as Eskimo’s).
I thought the shape was especially appropriate given that the rainbow colored polymer clay beads in the pendant, were created using my Aurora Technique. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is a naturally occurring phenomenon most often seen in the crisp cold night skies of Northern communities.
The multi-pieced polymer pendant was wire wrapped using Sterling Silver, oxidized with Liver of Sulfur to compliment the antique finish of the Silver Plated Swarovski Crystal Magnetic Clasp… and the Antique Silver Plated spacer bars that keep the two strands separated and laying nicely.
My Mom loved the necklace and wore it at our Christmas dinner. She loved the warmth of the gemstones and the way the pendant laid on her neckline. With the many earth tone colors and the very comfortable length of this piece, I am sure she will be able to wear it with many different outfits.
As a side note, although this necklace is quite simple in design, I did find that it was time consuming to put together. Working with gemstone chips of random sizes; and the two different strands lying side by side; as well as the weight of the pendant; meant that I had to string and re-string (and re-string) the piece many times before I got it to lay nicely on the neck.
I did enjoy the challenge though, and the time spent was well worth the effort it took to make. Just thought I would share that with you, if you were considering making pieces like this for sale. The price you would need to charge for your labor, should be considered if you plan to make any money on your work!
Open Mic: Please feel free to use the comment section below as a forum for discussing whatever is on your mind. Ask questions… post tutorial requests… share stories about your latest creations… or just say HI! This is your community! The more you put in, the more it gives back.
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This is a beautiful piece! I’m so glad she liked it. All the stones work wonderfully together.
I love to see your finished pieces, Cindy, actually for three reasons. Obviously, as a new (to jewelry design) artist, I find it inspirational and enlightening to see the work of a talented artisan. Yes, I find it interesting when you attach a price, but I see this as a suggestion only, every piece being unique, and one would also have to take into consideration the market being sold to and other factors.
The other main benefit I derive is to gain ideas for photographing the pieces. As always, this gallery of photos really brings out the gorgeous detail, rich colour and glasslike brilliance of the finished work. Though I am far from being ready to offer items for sale, I have read in many forums how much great photography contributes when selling, especially online. Perhaps Willow could share some tips on camera settings, lighting, set up, etc. some time? Bravo to you both!
Wow, Cindy, this is a gorgeous necklace! I love the way you used the aurora borealis beads, both the color combinations and the way the three beads work together. The length of time that it took you to make this necklace only makes it more valuable, especially because you made it for your mother.
I really like that you used French wire to conceal the beading wire at the clasp. I think that French wire makes for an elegant look at the clasp join.
Of course, Willow’s beautiful photos show it up as a true work of art.
This is absolutely gorgeous. I love how you combined the different stones and colors. So glad you shared this with us.
From your jewelry design challenged student I just wanna say that I’d give anything to be able to create something as beautiful as this piece.
Cindy everything you touch seems to turn into a beautiful piece of jewelry. Having lived in Duluth Minnesota the Aurora Borealis lights were so beautiful and it really does reflect in this necklace. Excellent workmanship and so lovingly made for your Mother. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Sigh, all sons, no daughters.
I know how you feel. I have three sons and none are even thinking marriage so grand babies are just a dream. Fortunately, I get to borrow my girlfriend’s daughter for clay time.
I agree with everyone here. This came out beautiful! What a super gift! I made my mom a necklace with the peacock cane and she was floored! :) she said many people at church commented on it and wanted to know where she got it. Of course this is where you get your sales but she loves telling them that I make only One-of-Kind pieces. I will make one similar but not exact. Tell Willow she did a nice job on the pics and keep up the good work!
Dear Cindy
Just wanted to let you know that I think your polymer clay video tutorials are just great! The instructions are very clear. I’m sure any beginner in clay would benefit from watching them. Thanks for the time and care you put into your teaching.
Sara
Gorgeous. Both the stones and the clay pieces. So inspiring.
What a lovely gift ! So colorful, yet elegant. I admire your your use of colored chips. They are so much fun to work with. Each little stone must be placed perfectly – with love and artistic talent. You show your expert use of polymer clay and gems. What an inspirational piece for us to see. Thank you for telling the story behind the necklace. This gives so much to your pieces. We ALL enjoy the fruits of your work.!!! I sure your MOM will tell everyone who sees it – my daughter made it for me……………….
Love that piece, Cindy. Your Mom is sooo lucky.
As are you…..I’m talking about Willow now.
My adopted daughter is far away in South Korea with her husband working at the large university there and pursuing advance degrees. The last time I emailed her, it was full of instructions about doing dry runs to the local US embassy so that if there is an emergency as a result of North Korea….she and he will have a good solid chance to get back here QUICK.
What I wouldn’t give to have an in-house Willow. Beautiful and talented, so much so, she is an active participant in her parents’ business. She adds so much, and I am so grateful to her…..
I can’t believe I still haven’t tried this technique. I have a backlog of tutorials to try out and not enough time to try them. This week I did make a new whorl for my drop spindle from polymer clay, stamped (found Studio by Sculpey tools on clearance a couple of weeks ago) and added some shine with perfect pearls. So pretty and it spins well.
My problem is too many hobbies and too much demand from grad school. Time management has never been my strong point.
I am speachless, such a beautiful piece. This necklace is so pretty.
Oh Man I see I never did come in and thank you all for your kind comments on this piece I made for my mom. She would be thrilled that you all love it too! Thank you as well for the kind support you have give Willow for her photography. She is kind of shy and doesn’t say too much here, but she does read what you guys say and really appreciates it.