Do You Test Drive Your Jewelry?

You know the moment...you finish a piece, you get all gitty with excitement, and your over the moon with it? I'm not talking about every new piece of jewelry you create, but the one that you contemplate keeping...when you really shouldn't...you know, the one you LOVE, Love, love. Do you give it a test drive? It's not often, but I do. And here lately, I've been test driving a lot!

new love...Pastel Green Sea Glass set in Sterling Silver Ring

People can be particular, so I always let them know that I've worn the piece. There are lots of advantages to wearing your jewelry out and about before selling it. First and foremost there is the marketing, I always try to carry my business cards, especially if I'm wearing something I made, and the comments make my heart smile. If it's a new design, wearing it can help to work out the kinks. Finally, while your sporting your new fav around town, you realize that others are equally enchanted with the piece. Often, when I have a show in the near future, I clean the piece and put it out for sale...even if sometimes I secretly wish for it not to sell.

another lovely!...I'm SO loving this bracelet! It's decided, it'll be the one that I secretly hope doesn't sell!

City Lights - Sterling Silver & Lampwork Wirework Bracelet

So I ask you, do you test drive your jewelry? And would you purchase a piece that an artist has previously worn?

Hello Again

I know what you must be thinking...something terrible has happened to Shelby...yes?, well actually, no. I'm still here, busy as a little bee, making sure that deadlines are met and making new pieces for upcoming shows. It's been tough though, as previously posted I've been smacked down by seasonal allergies, and as I'm sure you know, it's really hard to concentrate on the task at hand with a headache and a multitude of other symptoms...I'll save you the details. At any rate, there are lots of pieces that still need to be photographed, but here are a few newbies

Beach Finds - Turquoise, Humblebeads, and Sterling Silver Bracelet



Burst - Sterling Silver, Gemstone, & Lampwork Bracelet

Oyster Shell - Enameled Earrings

I SO love these earrings! I've done something similar to these before, but these are a little different. I love the wavy edge, the hue of purple, and the little puddle of white in the middle. LoOove 'em!

Finally, check my "All A Buzz" earrings out this fabulous Spring Garden Party Treasury created by our Delaware Street Team captain Marsha Neal.

New Bracelets

It's been quite a while since I've shared any new pieces.There are a number of projects on my bench that have not been finished for one reason or another...some I just don't like, and others aren't going according to plan...definitely discouraging! At any rate, here are two bracelets that I did finish, and I'm super happy with:)

Down by the Sea

Chalcedony, Pearls, Lampwork, & Sterling Silver Wirework Bracelet 

Here Fishy

Lampwork, Amazonite, Aventurine, & Sterling Silver Wirework Bracelet

The lampwork beads in this bracelet were made by Sue at SueBeads, who  I had the pleasure of meeting this past September at ArtBliss.

Have a great weekend!