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.

Kitschy Vintage Style

I found this little gem at a Kiwanis yard sale in Sandwich, MA on the way back from visiting Mosees in Barnstable, the shop that carries my handmade jewelry.  It was selling for $2 and I couldn't resist its kitschy vintage style.

There is something about the word authentic followed by Bermuda limbo dancers in quotation marks that makes me laugh.  Obviously its authenticity made it much more valuable as a souvenir.

The hallmark on the back is from Weatherby Hanley, a British pottery that according to my online research was founded in 1891 and closed in 2000.  They did a big souvenir and commemorative business in their heyday, so there are lots of vintage Weatherby Hanley giftware items with Queen Elizabeth's face on them available on Ebay and Etsy.

I think I'm going to use my little "pin dish" as it was intended -- as a spot to plunk my jewelry when I take it off. Yes, I own a jewelry box (two in fact), but somehow a few pieces land on my dresser anyway, especially if I'm tired or talking on the phone when I take them off.  Admit it, you do the same thing.

I've discovered that organizational systems are all well and fine as long as they conform to how I will actually use them.  Sometimes a little creativity is required.  Since I finally faced facts and placed a dish near the door as a spot to drop my keys, I've never had to search for them again.  Not even once.

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!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

I have some exciting news!  My jewelry is being carried at a shop called Mosees on Main Street in Barnstable, MA!  The owner contacted me after seeing my Etsy shop and asked if I'd like to include my work in her store.  After I finished jumping around the room squealing "Omigod!  Omigod!  Omigod!"  I emailed back that yes, that would be very nice.

I'm cool like that.

My mom and I took a ride to Cape Cod last Saturday to see the shop.  The owner, Maura Hempstead, is just lovely.  Super nice and friendly, she has a great eye and has filled her shop with gorgeous handmade clothing, gifts, and accessories.  She tells me there is lots more to come as the season progresses.

Here is my jewelry with my artist bio on the card above.  I was so excited to see it that I couldn't think straight.  I did refrain from jumping around and squealing "Omigod!" so that's something.

Next time you head to Cape Cod, stop by Mosees at 3261 Main Street in Barnstable.  You can find some really terrific and unique things there.

Sow's Ear Jewelry Spring Collection

White Bead and Hardware Necklace $22

My Spring 2012 Collection went into my shop on Etsy a couple of weeks ago, but what with packing, travel, and jet lag, I am just getting around to telling you about it.  My inspiration was a Palm Springs vibe -- statement pieces with lots of color.  And white, of course, since white is white-hot at the moment.  Any of these pieces will instantly update your wardrobe.

White Bead and Hardware Earrings $18

Which reminds me: I should make a couple of these pieces for myself.  My wardrobe could use some updating.

Vintage Bead and Chain Necklace -- Turquoise and Orange $22

I had so much fun making this collection.  I think part of the reason was because I was using happy, summery colors in the middle of winter.

Colorful Vintage Bead and Hardware Earrings -- Turquoise & Orange $18

Spending my days thinking about summer clothes and summer colors made the drab days of January a little easier to bear.

Hardware Earrings with Large Turquoise Colored Beads $18

This collection is a party waiting to happen.  The pieces make me want to dance the merengue with a tall, dark, handsome stranger.  Apparently, they also make me forget that I have no clue how to dance the merengue. 

Check out the rest of the collection and everything else at Sow's Ear Jewelry on Etsy!

New At Sow's Ear Jewelry!

Geometric Hardware Necklace (18 inch) $18

The new items I've put up at Sow's Ear Jewelry on Etsy in the past couple of weeks have been mostly variations on a theme.  Sometimes I get an idea in my head and I have to keep playing with it until it reaches its logical conclusion -- or until something else comes along to capture my attention and send me in a different direction.

This time it's been the geometrics trend.  The necklace above is very simple, relying on the "pop" the circles give it to make it interesting.  The circles are washers, of course.  I'm going to make myself one of these, since I can see it with practically everything I wear all summer long.

Long Geometric Hardware Necklace $20

This is the same style of chain and the same size washers in a 35-inch necklace.  The washers are placed asymmetrically to add interest.  It was inspired by a similar necklace I made for myself and I wear a lot.  It's the perfect finishing touch for so many outfits.

Chain and Washer Geometric Earrings $12

These earrings coordinate with either of the necklaces above for customers who like matched sets, but they look great on their own as well.  I really like the classic-yet-modern feel.

Industrial "Snaffle Bit" Hardware Necklace $18

My sister the equestrian (and a fan of my jewelry) was part of the inspiration for this necklace.  Another part of it was as simple as "Hmmmm.  I have eye screws.  I wonder what I can do with those."  I love how this necklace is a nod to the classic snaffle bit design while at the same time it's industrial and totally modern.





Mixed Metal Dangle Earrings $15

These earrings were also inspired by a person rather than an abstract idea.  Hattie loved the Steampunk Earrings made of reclaimed earrings and hardware I had in my shop, but she is very petite and needed something on a much smaller scale.  These are only 1 1/2 inches long from the top of the ear wire.  I textured the brass washers to complement the antique look of the silvertone hoops.  I'm really happy with the results -- and so is Hattie, who owns the originals.

Check out these pieces and the rest of my designs at Sow's Ear Jewelry!

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. 

The Dead Zone

Not that kind of Dead.

A friend of mine used to refer to the week between Christmas and New Year's as "the dead zone,"  the time when one set of festivities is over and the next one has not yet begun.  My friend used to throw a party during the dead zone, giving us all something to do besides wait for the ball to drop later in the week. 

But I'm older now, and I don't mind a little quiet time.  I've got my calendar and planner organized for the coming year, the Chrismas decorations are put away, and my jewelry work area (which was taken apart to make way for cookie baking) is back in the corner of the living room.

I've been spending time listening to music, or to the wind, or to the calls of the crows outside.  I've been drawing, and thinking about new jewelry designs.  I've been getting in bed early with the first of the Palliser novels.

It's been lovely.

New Items in my Etsy Shop

Dramatic Black & White Dangle Earrings $13

I love the combination of black and white. It always looks crisp, chic, and modern.  I liked the idea of black & white earrings to finish a black & white ensemble, add punch to an all-black outfit, dress up a white summer sundress.  The frosted glass beads pick up colors, too -- so the earrings can actually be worn with a lot of outfits.

Mixed Metal Dangle Earrings $12

I love the look of mixed metals.  Simple, modern earrings go with warm tones or cool tones, and they coordinate with  both silver and gold jewelry.  Or you can be on-trend and mix silver and gold in your other jewelry and wear these to bring it all together.

Three Circle Dangle Earrings $12

These earrings have a lot of fun movement, and they add polish to any outfit.  Slim jump rings give lightness to the stainless steel washers.  These are the earrings to reach for when you are looking for something not too big, but not too small.

Industrial Dangle Earrings $13

These earrings make a pretty bold statement.  While some of my other earrings incorporate hardware in such a way that the observer might not notice, the number of hex nuts here draws attention to the fact that they are hex nuts.  In a cool way.

One thing I've realized since I started wearing hardware jewelry a couple of years ago is that guys notice it, they can tell what it's made of, and they think it's cool.  I'm not saying for sure that wearing my jewelry will get you a date, but it might!

Check out everything at Sow's Ear Jewelry on Etsy.

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.