Saturday, November 9, 2013

Christmas. Do you make it? Do you wear it?

I know for myself, I don't think about winter and Christmas themed beads or jewelry until the season is right upon us. Admit it, it is a bit hard to think creatively about winter when it's still only summer! And so I'm always a bit late to the party and sadly have little to bring. This year it's my little sleepy red-nosed reindeer again—I have the first batch in progress now.

But now ideas for snowmen, snowflakes, forest scenes of pines and bare grey trees, and mittens are filling my mind too. Should I give them a try?

I also think that I delay because I, myself am not really a "Christmas-y" person. I've never been one to show it off in my wardrobe and making Christmas jewelry is something I simply can not do. And so as I think about making those beads and the fact that I've never really been able to use them myself, I wonder just how many people will want what I make… or will I even like what I make?

Now, this isn't to say I don't like Christmas beads and jewelry—in fact it's the very opposite! There are so many lovely beads that fill my heart with nostalgia. And gorgeous handmade jewelry to make anyone swoon. I love this time of year the most and so it makes me a bit sad I can't get it all to work for me. I admire those of you who can do it with such skill and beauty!

I've decided to give myself a bigger push in the winter direction (maybe Christmas designs will come later) and see where it leads me. My start was my new Arctic Hares—they're white and winter-y and don't scream Christmas too loudly. We shall see how it goes…
 Arctic foxes will be next and maybe snowy owls… Hmmm…


And now for some Christmas eye candy to inspire us all!

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/lindalandigjewelry/3536790/swarovski_crystal_and__glass_earrings__sterling_silver__red_green/handmade/jewelry/earrings/glass
LindaLandigJewelry

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/163095464/miniature-christmas-tree-charm-8?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/166204492/winter-blue-porcelain-snowflake-bead-set?ref=shop_home_active
suburbangirlbeads

https://www.etsy.com/listing/166325683/festive-mittens-handmade-ceramic?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/40158601/two-primitive-stoneware-stagdeerpendants?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=ceramic+deer+pendant&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_all=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=ceramic+deer+pendant
WondrousStrange

https://www.etsy.com/listing/85294884/tiny-evergreen-charm?ref=sr_gallery_44&ga_search_query=winter+bead&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_facet=supplies%2Fhandmadewinter+bead

https://www.etsy.com/listing/166916002/toggle-clasp-fir-tree-bough-ceramic?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=winter+bead&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_facet=supplies%2Fhandmadewinter+bead

https://www.etsy.com/listing/168405792/lampwork-beads-suebeads-embossed-beads?ref=shop_home_active
Yes, I'm in awe of you ladies who make these beauties! You inspire me!

So, what about you, dear readers? Do you make Christmas themed beads, components, or jewelry? Do you wear them yourself? Or are you like me and can't seem to get the Christmas theme to work for you? Do share!


http://www.treewingsstudio.com/

12 comments :

  1. I'm with you. I don't own clothes that scream Christmas and I don't make jewelry that would be considered Christmas because if it doesn't sell I don't want to hold on to it for an entire year. Instead I make jewelry using certain colors that could be worn for the holidays but also any other time of the year.

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    1. That's a good idea Alice. Colors are so versatile! And I'm with you on not wanting to hold on to designs for a whole year—if I keep something that long, I often begin thinking of redoing it. I guess I get bored of seeing it! lol

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  2. I'm with you. I don't make or wear any christmas themed jewelry (or clothes for that matter). However, I do like winter themed jewelry as long as it doesn't look "christmasy." I love your snow shoe hares and the idea of arctic foxes and snowy owls. I have been admiring your beads from afar for a while now. I've gotten out of the beading game and am doing metalworking now, but do sometimes use a few beads here and there. I may have to splurge and treat myself to a few sometime. I will have to think of a design for them and when I do, they will be mine, all mine!

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    1. It's a good feeling to know I'm not alone on this thinking of Christmas themed designs! Thank you for the compliments! :-) Hoarding other artists' beads is something I cannot help—they are always "all mine" too!

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  3. I make a limited amount of Christmas jewelry, but it doesn't exactly sell like hotcakes. Wintery jewelry works better for me too. I love those Kylie Perry mittens!!!!

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    1. I am actually going to use the sleepy little deer I won from you in a snow globe necklace, I just need to make a trim to the craft store for some glue and some pretty white glitter for the snow! I have a miniture pine tree to put the sleeping deer under...it should be really cute! thanks again for the deer and Queen Annes lace beads!

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    2. I really admire your ability to create bright and beautifully designed Christmas jewelry, Linda!

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    3. Oh! that sounds way too cute Norma! I would absolutely love to see it when you finish!

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  4. I don't do Christmas as much as winter. Something that will span seasons. Right now I am working on ornaments now with cardinals on branches, poinsettia flowers blooming, and snowflake birds. I love your wee bunnies (yes to the arctic foxes and snowy owls!) Enjoy the day! Erin

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    1. Yes! I can't agree with you more Erin. I love to have jewelry that I can wear whenever I want and not be bound by seasons or holidays. I have always loved your ornaments—what a great way to go—and those I don't mind at all if they're Christmas-y! ;-)

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  5. I do not do any holiday beads or jewelry...wearing or making. But I like the idea of it. Like you, I think of it way too late in the game. I don't think I would ever do anything super Christmas-y, but rather something wintery.

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  6. I am totally more of a seasonal wearer rather than a holiday person. I love all the gorgeous ness you posted!

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