Design Inspirations, The Earring Whisperer

Earring Whisperer: Valentine Inspirations

Heart and Soul

How do I love Diane Hawkey?  Let me count the ways!  Her work speaks to my heart,  sometimes in the most subtle ways.  Her choices of color, whimsy and added hints of gold make me feel  warm and loved.   These sketched hearts bring me back to a sweet Valentine I may have exchanged as a child or perhaps a pattern on my grandmother’s handkerchief or tablecloth.

I added some very vibrant silk wrapped connectors by Sagahus.  They are the same vibrant red in the charms, which was so important.  The contrast of the blackened wire really makes them pop and brings your eye back to the dark outline of the hearts.   I didn’t want to clutter up the design with a lot of this and that.  I wanted that retro blue-green and red color to be the main focus.  I messy-wrapped  tiny faceted Charlotte seed beads to the loops keeping the look casual, but also for continuity and a nice finished look.

 

 

Lucky in Love

 

In the past, I’ve used this small “Lucky” pendant by Diane Hawkey  in necklaces, but this time, wanted it to stand alone as a pin.  It’s perfect as a small statement piece.  I wire-wrapped some rhinestone chain to the loop for a bit of bling and make the loop more substantial.

 

 

Show your heart

 

 

Pairing Diane’s artbeads with vintage beads, is like a dream!  I used a lovely baroque vintage glass pearl with a wonderful warm hue .

 

 

Love Letters

 

 

These sealed paper on brass charms were made by French bead-maker, Valarie of  Poppybis.  The color of the stamps are a subtle, more off colored red.  While digging in my stash, low and behold, I found sugared spacer discs by Silverfish Designs with the same exact earthy red trim!!  Omgggg, I did a little spin in the studio for that one!    I used heavily oxidized spacers for the pop of black to bring out the script print and postal markings.  Sometimes things just fall together amazingly…yay for those days!  lol

 

 

My Tainted Valentine

So, maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t your favorite holiday??…lol   Maybe, it makes you wanna scream??!!  Well, I’ve been there, and have I got the perfect pair for you, with a two sided heart no-less!!…lol

Screamers with an elegant finish of gold on the back by Petra of Scorched Earth and hand-finished, two sided hearts by Inviciti!!  Yeahh!  I particularly love this retro drawing- it has a great sense of humor yet, very glamorous!  I love her hair with the gold leaf accents and those red lips! ♥

 

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you’ve had a little fun and feel inspired!

Loralee xo

Loralee Kolton ~ Artful in beads

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5 Comment

  1. Terri Del Signore
    February 13, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    You always make me smile!! Such a way with words as well as beads!! The screamers are so clever!!

    1. Loralee Kolton
      February 14, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      hee – thank you so much! The screamers went first…lol

  2. jules
    February 22, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Hi Loralee,
    I was wondering if you would be willing to share with me where you purchased the kilt pins with the wrapping on the stem.
    It looks like Heather has used them also.
    I have been looking all over for them….and just finding black or bronze kilt pins that aren’t gianormous! , has been a challenge.
    Thank you either way you decide.
    Jules

    1. Loralee Kolton
      February 23, 2018 at 9:09 am

      Hi Jules! I wire-wrap the kilt pins myself. Back in December for the “Twelve Days of Christmas” blog feature (Day five I think??) I posted a pin tutorial. I don’t think I can post a link in this reply box but if you can’t find it I can email it to you. Just let me know.

      The pins in the photo are only 1″. My supplier who lived in Ireland, unfortunately, is no longer in business. However, I have been able to locate a 35mm which is close. They are from “VeryCharms” on etsy….the quality is decent, but not quite as good as my last supplier so I’m still on the hunt. You’d think it would be easier to find but it’s been difficult, ’cause I’m very fussy about my supplies.

      Hope this helps and feel free to email me [email protected]

  3. jules
    February 27, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    Thank you Loralee! I found the tutorial. Much appreciated. I was searching for 1” pins also….seems like I found one supplier, but now can’t remember where. ?. If i find again, I’ll email you with info.
    I am a stickler for good quality supplies also…..since the cost of sterling has gone up in recent years, I have struggled to feel comfortable with the different metals available….i So need to get over this reticence since I love the unique look…while still using quality findings.
    Thank you for sharing all your lovely jewelry pieces and the inspiration!
    Jules

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