Silver Hearts

This set was a custom order. It includes earrings, an anklet and an adjustable choker. The tiny silver hearts were taken from a set of bridal shower jewelry to be used here. I hope the young lady in New York who this was designed and made for enjoys it.

Lady Roots on Beading Gem's Journal

Once again, Sistren Pearl has been kind enough to feature my creations on her amazing blog, Beading Gem's Journal.

This post focused on jewelry made from recycled materials. She displays a picture of a bracelet made of buttons cut from business suits I used to wear in my former corporate life. Another link within her blog post shows a cuff I made from recycled material.

She has graciously helped to increase readership on this blog by featuring my work on Beading Gem's Journal.

Thanks and itinual Ras-pect to Sistren Pearl.

From An Humble Beginning

Since I am so at peace when I bead, it isn't often that I make pieces of handcrafted jewelry that don't involve one or more beadweaving stitches. Here is a look at one of those pieces.

This is a substantial piece that would overpower a tiny woman. The two aquarium glass stones that provide dimension and definition are separated by an elevated ridge. The cuff is just under two inches wide. Tiny globes of glass cover the outer edges of the cuff. In spite of it's heavy look, it is light and easy to wear. Most people who have seen it, ask if it is made from bamboo.
Yes, I know, the picture is rather dark, but I am hoping you can at least get a feel for how the cuff looks. This piece is too thick to scan well and the digital camera and I are not always on speaking terms. Sometimes it co-operates, sometimes not. And life goes on.

As much as I like the compliments I receive when I wear it, I like even more that it started life as something most people would throw away. The base of the cuff is the cardboard core from a roll of industrial packing tape. Multiple layers of red, gold and copper lacquer shine with an richness that easily hides the humble beginnings of this bracelet.

Thank you, Jah, for showing me how to "Tun han', mek fashion." ("Turn hand, make fashion." Translation: Take what little I have and make something better out of it.)




More recycled jewelry

Recycled Jewelry

This bracelet was made from buttons clipped off a business suit I wore in my former corporate life. During the early 80s most female managers were wearing boxy three piece man-tailored suits in an attempt to be accepted into the Old Boys Club. Since I knew that would NEVER happen for me, I did not make as great an effort to fit in. When I wear the bracelet now, I give thanks that I never have to wear another suit, or carry another briefcase to another corporate meeting. I am blessed to be able to live the life I do.

The artisians on these sights also use recycled materials to create useful and decorative items.

I love the comic book bracelet on this page.
http://www.greatgreengoods.com/category/green-jewelry/

Here I can't decide between the safety pin bracelet or the typewriter key bracelet. Love both!
http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/bracelets.shtml

Check out the On The Road collection here.
http://www.junktojewels.com/index.html

Reuse everything you can to reduce the amount of waste going into our landfills. Our children, our future, our world deserves our best.

More recycled jewelry by Lady Roots