Browsing Tag

Chinese New Year

The Earring Whisperer

The Earring Whisperer: Good Fortune ♥ Chinese New Year Inspiration

Just one of the joys of making your own jewelry, is bringing all the little bits and pieces together and watching them come to life. I purchased more than a few of these amazing shoes from Melissa Gabelle of The Clay Hen which were done in a series of pure sweetness. I wanted create something special, so I let them hang out on my work table for a while and when I would run across something I thought was interesting, I’d placed it in a small box lid next to them.  Slowly emerging was something that looked like a decorative piece in an imperial palace….well,  a dollhouse sized palace anyway, lol…  😉

It’s important keeping earrings lightweight and comfortable, so I  always balance the slightly heavier porcelain beads with something like wood, fabric or polymer clay, etc…   I happened to have these pretty polymer accent beads from Heather Powers of Humblebeads. I thought not only were the colors perfect, but I loved the suggestion of a fan in the cane pattern.

The vintage raw brass bead caps were a happy surprise, they made my little earrings look so grand and regal. I used the larger caps at the top with the points up to feel like golden wings lifting the little shoes up.

 

 

Fan Dance

 

Long tassels that add a little drama and beautiful movement.  Colorful fan connectors by Kiyoi Design and hanging lanterns made with jade rounds and etched lampwork glass by Kay Mallery.

 

 

“Tai Loi” Happiness Has Arrived

 

The little top beaded connectors were made by Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati Jewelry.  I was lucky to get them when we met up at the Fall workshop/retreat this past year in Michigan.  Not only do I love the colors and the mozaic, but  I enjoy working with connectors rather than charms because there are always so many more design possibilities!

I made these to resemble  small gongs, seen especially in the pattern.  They even make a little noise when they move.

 

 

Luck and Happiness

 

I used the symbolic importance of red meaning luck and happiness in this pair.  The fabric beads on top were made by Anna Pierson of Sagahus. I purchased them to go with connectors I’ve had for awhile made by JosephineBeads with a complementary pattern!  The bar she made on the bottom was wonderful to work with!   I used it to add two-sided bone face beads making them look like hanging lanterns.

 

 

Descendants of Dragons

 

Stunning four sided dragon charms by Kiyoi Designs connected to wired fabric U-shaped beads by Sagahus.   I created some space between the two components with black for impact then added blackened forged rings on top for balance.  The dark criss-cross wire pattern visually connects all, and makes it pleasing to the eye.

 

 

 

I wish you all the best this New Year!  Hoping your year is filled with good health, happiness, courage, fortune and plenty of creative time for your soul.

 

Much love,

Loralee  xo

Loralee Kolton ~ Artful in beads