Pearls for All the girls

Silver Pearl Earrings

Pearls used to be for the girly girls, but not anymore. I have discovered a strand of pearls that even a tomboy would love! These pearls are white and have a nice luster, but what makes them a winner is the surface texture. Raised ridges encircle these pear shaped beauties. They sort of remind me of a distant planet of which I've never been. Also each pearl is totally and completely a one of a kind work of art. It was a challenge working with them because when I design earrings, I want them to match perfectly. After staring and pairing pearl after pearl, I learned that finding the perfect pair just wasn’t going to happen. Sometimes the imperfect is just right!

New at Simple Graces...Vintage Jewelry

vintage green and white polka dot earrings

Simple Graces Jewelry Boutique now sells Vintage Costume Jewelry! I've joined forces with a very good friend of mine who just happens to be a life long collector of vintage jewelry and antiques. Vintage jewelry has stood the test of time and style. Also, you won't see an army of people wearing the exact same piece that you own. Hmmm...that kinda sounds familar. Let me think...oh yeah,  that's the same thing I tell my customers. Designing with stones and other natural materials gives me the ability to create unique and one of a kind jewelry too. Unique and one of a kind modern jewelry and vintage jewelry all in one place. Well, that just sounds like a match made in heaven...or atleast Tampa.
I just started adding photos to my web site today. Be on the lookout for more photos soon.

Fire and Copper Designed

O.k. I have finally completed my first copper enameled designs. I decided to turn these little copper domes into enameled copper earrings. The unique thing about creating enameled jewelry is that each piece is one of a kind. I tried to make matching pairs of earrings, but as you can see the only thing that matches exactly is the  shape. I have class tonight  so maybe I'll craft 6 more pairs of these unique earrings. I'll post the pics as soon as they're done.

Fire and Copper

 Before the enamel was added

After sprinkling enamel powder and setting the metal on fire with a torch!

Believe it or not, I've finally taken my jewelry making skills to the next level. I've starting taking metal smithing classes. I do not say this with glee because, I was not looking forward to giving up an evening of Netflix. You see, it has been my habit to watch a different movie every night (at least until the fall premiers of my favorite t.v. shows start). But due to an overwhelming amount of request to solder and repair jewelry, I had no choice but to take the classes. I told myself that maybe this could be a wonderful place to meet a great guy or maybe even my future husband. So I prettied up and with my mind in a positive state, I headed off to class. When I arrived, I held my breath and opened the door full of expectation only to experience a severe case of disappointment. Nothing in this class but a bunch of gray haired grannies, gosh darn it!

So far I'm learning that working with metal is a lot of work. You cut, you sand and then you set it on fire with a gas torch! Not fun! Now, I must tell you that I have a fear of fire and gas leaks. When I was a teenager, I watched flames leap from the grill and singe the front of my mom's Afro and eyebrows. So I guess you can see why I'm not  feeling that hissing torch, but my instructor tells me that my anxiety will decrease the more I use it. Hasn't happened yet.

So this week I learned how to enamel copper. Check out these cool copper domes I made. I haven't figured out what to do with them yet. Stay tuned for the final results!

Tumble Necklace

Tumble Stone Necklace

 The majority of my designs can be worn to work, play and formal events. It all depends on the wearer's style. I designed this necklace using chunky, multicolored brown stones with copper and gold accents. This simple statement necklace would look great with work attire in colors ranging from dark chocolate to wine (suddenly I'm craving wine and chocolate). Play the casual angle by wearing this necklace with jeans and a simple top. For formal attire, glam it up with a floor length, curve hugging, gown with an off the shoulder neck line. Yeah, I can see that.   

Turtle Jewelry

Turtle Blue Necklace

River Turtle Bracelet

I have a thing for turtles and I don't know why. Maybe it goes back to the good old days when my mom and dad would take me and my two sisters to the Oldsmars Flea Market. The market had an ancient pet turtle. It was as big as a tire (of a small Honda) and over a hundred years old. I think his name was Wilmer or maybe it was Fred, not sure. But every time we went to the market, I would run up to his turtle house to get a peek. I dedicate these designs to you, my ancient turtle friend.

Aventurine Coppers Earrings

Aventurine Coppers Earrings

These earrings have been very popular in my boutique. I didn't have a pair in the store just a picture of them in the window display. So after popular demand, I have started making them again. They are made from green aventurine stones, fire polished glass and real copper. They are about 2 1/4" long. Click link for more details.