Thursday, April 21, 2011

Niobium Post Earrings = SUCCESS!

I made a pair of Niobium post earrings a week or so ago and affixed clear princess cut Swarovski flat back crystals to them.  For backs I used silicon backs as I wanted to maintain the 100% hypoallergenic nature of the Niobium for these earrings.  I finally got around to cleaning them up and trying them on yesterday.  I cannot emphasize enough how comfortable these post earrings were!  I felt like I was wearing nothing at all.  The backs held on and didn't budge all day AND all night!  That's right, I tried sleeping in them too just to see how that would go.  As I mentioned, the backs stayed in place and they were incredibly comfortable to sleep in.  No poking at all.  The rounded silicon backs are brilliant!

So after a very successful test of their wear-ability, comfort, durability, and look, I am pleased to say that I will be able to start offering these in my etsy shop!  I have several different color options in round flat back Swarovski crystals in the 4 mm size that can be affixed to the Niobium posts.  If anyone has any special requests, please don't hesitate to contact me!

The next thing for me to explore is how to be able to add a dangle to these Niobium posts...  Once I've tried out the concept I have in mind, I will post to let everyone know.

This is one thing I love about jewelry making...the possibilities are endless!

Here are some pictures of the Niobium posts with clear Swarovski princess cut crystals that I made for myself: 



Sunday, April 17, 2011

Light Box!

My husband and I sat down last night with a cardboard box, scissors, tape, ruler, pencil, heavy duty white paper, and a white tshirt and made an inexpensive light box for taking pictures!  After contacting a fellow Etsian about her amazing photos, she referred me to a website about digital photography with a simple method for constructing your own light box at home (rather than spending hundreds of dollars on one).

So, it is all put together and I am very excited to put it to good use!  I plan on re-taking many of the pictures from my shop to repost.  I just don't feel that the lighting in many of my current photos does the jewelry any justice!  Maybe I'll post some before and after photos here to show the MUCH improved images!

I can hardly wait!

Note:  Caroline @ Khalliah Design has been so helpful in referring me to the light box tutorial.  Her website is at:  http://www.khalliahdesign.com/  
Etsy shop at:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Khalliahdesign?ref=pr_shop#
And facebook page at:   www.facebook.com/khalliahdesign

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Paper Bead Etsy Team Treasury Feature

"Spring Into a Fresher You!" Sales Event


Spring Into a Fresher You! with 25% off!

Spring's about to bloom & Summer's around the corner! Give yourself a quick & inexpensive make-over by treating yourself to new, ultra-comfortable jewelry made of Surgical Steel & Niobium meant for sensitive skin! On sale now for 25% off!

visit http://www.prettysensitive.etsy.com

~ use code SPRING25 at checkout ~

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This promotion will be running for a limited time. This is a great opportunity to pick up some new pieces that can help inspire a fresh look and fresh attitude for the spring and summer sunshine! Surgical Steel is a great, affordable option for sensitive ears. Niobium is a 100% hypoallergenic elemental metal that is a gray color in its natural form. It contains no nickel and is very comfortable to wear! Don't let the name be intimidating. This is an up & coming jewelry material!

Thanks so much! Happy Spring! Happy Summer! Happy New You! :)