Best-Selling Earrings

"For me, the exciting thing about designing and making jewelry is that the creation process doesn't end when a piece leaves my worktable; instead, the process continues every time someone wears my jewelry to enhance their unique wardrobe and style."

 

 

Read more about me and my jewelry here: My Etsy Profile

 

Check out the earrings here: Industrial Chic Hex Nut Earrings

This Week at Sow's Ear Jewelry

This industrial chic hardware bracelet is by far the most popular piece in my Etsy shop.  It's also, oddly enough, one of the first pieces I ever designed.  The original was created a couple of years ago for my niece Katie, who is a photographer, an artist, and an all-around cool chick.  She loved it. 

Last fall, I made one for myself and found I wore it all the time because it was super-comfortable and flexible, and it added a touch of subtle edginess to even my most tailored outfits.  It also looks great stacked with other chain or beaded bracelets.  I get tons of compliments on it -- especially from guys, which surprised me.  When do guys look at jewelry?  I guess when it's something they can picture themselves wearing, they do.

I've sold more of this bracelet than any other single item I've made.  It also gets more pageviews and "favorite" clicks than any other piece.  Recently, it was featured in an Etsy Treasury with other upcycled and recycled items, and the same person posted her treasury on her design blog.

It also got pinned on Pinterest, but I have no idea how to find it on the site, so I can't show you.  But it did, honest.  Not bad for a piece of jewelry that began with the question "What would Katie love to wear?"  I'm beginning to understand why designers are advised to have a customer in mind before they begin the design process.

New This Week at Sow's Ear Jewelry

Stack Bracelet Mixed Metal, Washer Stack Bracelet, and Chain and Washer Stack Bracelet $12 each

It's non-stop creativity here at Old Maid HQ, and I've never been so happy to get out of bed in the mornings.

I've got a few new items in the shop this week, plus I've spent some time revamping photos for a few items already in stock. As time goes on, I learn more about photographing jewelry and I get a better idea of how I want the shop to look, so I review older listings to see how I can improve them.

I made one of these bracelets for myself a couple of weeks ago.  I love wearing it and have received lots of compliments, so I made a few styles to put in the shop.  I'm definitely going to make a some more for myself, too.  I really like how they look grouped together.

Chrome Hardware Washer Earrings -- Large $18

My sister Rachel bought a pair of these quite some time ago and I'm finally getting some into the shop.  Those are fancy chrome-plated lock washers that are used on motorcycles.  Very shiny!  This pair is 3 inches long from the top of the silvertone ear wire. 

Industrial Chic Chrome Washer Earrings -- Small $16

This is the same style in a smaller (2 inch long) size.  Did you know they keep the chrome-plated fasteners under lock and key at the hardware store?  Neither did I, but they do.  I always feel like I'm asking to view the crown jewels when I have the case opened.

Machine Age Earrings -- Upcycled Hardware $12

This is one of the pairs I've had in the shop for a while but I shot some new photos.  They are the same style and size as the previous earrings, but made from reclaimed zinc washers with a pretty matte patina.  I really like the contrast of the matte and shiny finish.

 Visit Sow's Ear Jewelry on Etsy for more information on these and other great designs!

New This Week at Sow's Ear Jewelry!

Long Hardware Necklace -- Mixed Metal $20

Even though I'm pretty upset that  Punxsutawney Phil predicted another six weeks of winter, I managed to drag myself to the worktable this week and create some new pieces of handmade jewelry for my Etsy shop, Sow's Ear Jewelry. The object on the end of this necklace is a repurposed brass door latch.  Pretty cool, amirite?

I also added international shipping to my shop, since I've discovered I get a fair number of blog hits from Europe and Australia.  (Also, the actual process turned out to be easier than I thought it would.)  So my international Gentle Readers, if you see something you like, click on through to the shop!  Anything there will look simply gorgeous on you I'm sure, because all my readers are very good looking. 

Hardware Link Bracelet $16

I made one of these bracelets for myself, then I decided to sell the style in my shop when a friend basically bought my bracelet off my arm.  It's very lightweight and comfortable to wear, even though it looks chunky.  I've also given a couple of these as gifts and the recipients loved them.

Copper Patina Washer Necklace $18

I'm still working with contrasts.  I love how this rusted washer on a chain makes a delicate, simple, and pretty necklace.

Patina Washer Necklace $18

This washer has a gorgeous patina, too.  It almost looks like leopard spots.  In a good way.

Hardware Toggle Necklace $18

I had fun creating this necklace, which is classic and edgy at the same time.  The aluminum chain is chunky but very lightweight.

Pretty soon I'm going to start my Spring/Summer jewelry collection.  It's going to be different from what is already in the shop.  I'll give you a hint: think Carmen Miranda Goes To Palm Springs.

Blogger Mail

When I came home on Saturday, I had a package waiting for me on the front steps.  It was from my fellow blogger Rita over at Nana's Memories.   (Do you follow Nana's Memories yet?  If not, you should.  It's delightful.)  Rita generously offered to send me stuff that her husband picks up out of the street, and of course I said yes.  A girl can't make jewelry out of only the stuff she picks up out of the street herself, amirite?

Even a quick look showed that there were treasures within.  Are you excited yet?  I was.

Look at that!  Maybe you see a pile of junk.  I see possibilities.

I sorted through everything by shape and material.  It's not like I know all the names or functions of these things and can sort them that way.  I don't see them as pieces of hardware, really.  I see them as shapes and textures and in terms of what I can make from them.

It's a pretty impressive haul.  A lot of it is immediately useful, some piques my curiosity because I don't know what I can do with it but it looks like it has potential, and some goes into the "I can't do anything with it YET but you never know" can.  I have a hunch some of the stuff in that can will come in handy once I learn more about power tools.  And possibly, fire.

This, however, is going straight onto my work table.  It's a beautifully textured washer that doesn't even need to be sealed.  It almost looks and feels like a rock instead of a piece of metal.  I have a pretty good idea what it's going to become and it's MINEALLMINEALLMINE.

Thanks, Rita!

Shopkeeping

Stainless Steel Washer Bracelet $18

I've been busy this week revamping the pictures at my Etsy shop Sow's Ear Jewelry. My photos have improved over time as I've learned more about how my camera works -- the learning curve for which would probably have been shorter if I'd actually read the tome directions that came with the camera. [Insert my mother sighing and wondering where she went wrong here.] I've also learned that for lighting purposes I absolutely have to wait for a sunny day to take photographs.

Hex Nut Hardware Earrings $12

I think the biggest challenge in taking pictures, though, is choosing a background that looks interesting enough without it becoming the focus of the picture.  I tend to try to get too artsy about it -- especially a few hours into a photo session -- and end up with backgrounds that are distracting.  One way I've learned to handle the problem is to step away for a few minutes.  Snack breaks come in handy for this purpose.



Reclaimed Hardware Necklace $18

I like to alternate between light and dark or bright backgrounds so people can visualize the pieces with different colors and textures of clothes.  I don't know if this is a good idea or not, but it seems like it would be.  It also helps to keep me from getting bored.

Chunky Hardware Retro Earrings $13

I'm learning that photographing jewelry to its best advantage is not the same as pairing it with clothing.  The earrings above are a good example.  I own a pair and have worn them with outfits such as a black turtleneck and jeans, a fun faux-tigerskin jacket with a retro feel, or a crisp white shirt and tailored pants. I can also envision them on a biker chick with a Harley Davidson jacket or on a young girl dressed in 80s vintage. There is, as far as I can see, no way to communicate all that with a picture so it's best to keep things simple.

Industrial Hardware Necklace $14

I'm also experimenting with different views.  After all, jewelry is meant to be worn on the body and seen from multiple angles.

Steampunk Earrings -- Reclaimed Hardware $12

 

You can view all the new photos at Sow's Ear Jewelry.  I'd love it if you'd take a moment to check them out and then leave me some feedback here in the comments.

New Necklaces at Sow's Ear Jewelry!

Romantic Ribbon and Hardware Choker $18

I've been thinking about contrasts: hard and soft, matte and shiny, industrial and romantic, new and distressed.  I played with those contrasts and came up with some new necklaces for my Etsy Shop.  I'm excited about how they came out.  Incidentally, the choker above is on a 20-inch satin ribbon, so it can be tied as a choker with a big, pretty bow in the back, or it can be tied at various longer lengths.

Modern Art Rcycled Hardware Necklace $18

This piece of hinge was on the sidewalk on Newport's famous Bellevue Avenue, so you will be glad to know it's a better class of found object.  The patina is really gorgeous and I'm delighted with how the finished piece came out.  Would it be wrong for me to wear it until somebody buys it? (Yes, I know it would be wrong.  The necklace is safely stored in a tiny plastic bag waiting to go to its new owner.)

Industrial Hardware Necklace $14

I like how this necklace has a tailored-yet-casual look.  I can envision it with a pair of jeans and a sweater or a crisp white blouse and gray wool pants.  The black patina on the two medium-sized hex nuts is some kind of finish they used to put on the hardware of ye olde stereo equipment.  So those parts are vintage and reclaimed.  It doesn't get much cooler than that.

Reclaimed Hardware Necklace $18

I love the sculptural effect of his piece, and the contrast between the hardware and the ribbon.  It's a little heavier than some of the others, but it's still very comfortable to wear.

One thing I've noticed is how surprised people are when they pick up a piece of jewelry made from hardware.  In general, my jewelry may look chunky but it's very lightweight.  Just so you know. 

My Etsy Shop Is Open!

One-of-a-kind reclaimed earrings with hardware accents $18

After some struggles with the online setup and learning to use a new camera (based mostly in my unwillingness to read directions), my Etsy shop is open for business!  My jewelry is made from repurposed hardware, reclaimed jewelry parts, and commercial findings such as jump rings and clasps.  Occasionally I make a piece out of all new jewelry parts, but not very often.

Hardware necklace $18

 The idea for this necklace came to me as a friend handed me a big coffee can full of hardware he wanted to get out of his house.  I thought, Oh look, a brackety thingy.  I wonder what I can do with it?  A little while later, I was at home carrying out what I'd pictured.  I've gotten lots of positive feedback on this piece, and the inspiration behind it really was as simple as that.

  Chunky hardware earrings $13

I liked this pair of earrings so much I made another for myself.  I love how I can wear a plain turtleneck and jeans, and when I put these on I look dressed. You know, like I made an effort.  I enjoy that in an accessory.

Modern chain bracelet $18

I didn't expect the photography process to be as fun as it is turning out to be.  I'm having a great time looking for just the right backgrounds and learning how to light the pieces properly.  The way I photographed this bracelet is my homage to Yves Saint Laurent's iconic mid-'60s Mondrian Collection.  But you knew that, right?

You can check out everything I have listed so far at http://sowsearjewels.etsy.com/.  I've got more to list in the coming days, and lots of ideas going forward into the new year.

Auntie Maria: Jewelry Designer

I need to work on my photography.

Things have gotten kind of interesting around here lately.  What started out as a hobby making jewelry for myself and as gifts from repurposed and reclaimed materials has turned into the beginnings of a business.

Granted, my first customer was my sister Rachel.  But she paid me!

So now I'm ordering business cards and brainstorming with friends about marketing.  I've started keeping track of what I make so designs can be duplicated.  I'm assigning them stock numbers and everything.

What I really enjoy, though, is taking out all the sparkly and shiny materials and spreading them out so I can play.  That's the fun part.

A new work area in the corner of my living room.  The creative projects have been taking over my dining table and a girl's gotta eat.

This is just how Coco Chanel got started.  Well, actually it was hats, and she had a rich, titled boyfriend as a financial backer.  But close enough.

Going To Great Lengths

This is my newest jewelry creation. It's a 36-inch chain with three different sizes of washers that I attached with jump rings. You can't really tell in the picture, but the chain has a slightly blackened finish. The necklace is very lightweight.

I was inspired by the necklaces I've been seeing in magazines and catalogs. (I believe the image on the left is from a Nordstrom ad; the one on the right is from the Femail Creations catalog.) I don't tend to wear a lot of long necklaces, but I liked the look so I thought it would be fun to take the idea and put my hardware spin on it.

I'm sort of proud of this little innovation. I put two clasps on the necklace and added a washer in between so I can double the necklace when I want to, but the washer is easily removed.

I also feel like the two clasps are less noticeable than one clasp and one jump ring would be, because of the symmetry. But maybe that's just me.

Fun Projects

People often ask me if I'm bored now that I'm not working, and they wonder what I do all day. The answer is, no, I'm not bored, and what I do all day is putter.


I'm pretty sure I get this directly from my mother, who can happily spend days on end at home, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cooking. I am the same way, although my skill level in the needle arts is sorely lacking.


I made this necklace from things I had on hand: ribbon, silver findings, and pieces of clear plastic tubing from Home Depot. I like how it looks light and dainty, even though it has hardware on it.

I also made this bracelet. The beads are handmade, but not by me. They were on a necklace that I decided to cut apart and repurpose. The silver beads are actually hex nuts.

Since I am unemployed, that challenge is to use what I already have and to resist the temptation to go out and buy new supplies. That's also part of the fun.