Bohemian Wedding Antique Lace Jewelry with Crystals, Pearls & Moonstone

"A remnant of cloth from a baby's first dress, a bit of lace from your wedding veil or vintage handkerchief, a piece of your grandmother's quilt, or perhaps a square from one of your father's ties—what better way to preserve a small snippet of a precious textile than to transform it into a beautiful, wearable piece you can enjoy every day?"   

- Laura Beth Love, Boho Chic Jewelry: 25 Timeless Designs Using Soldering, Beading, Wire Wrapping and More, 2014 FW Media, KP Craft

Since my last piece of vintage lace & glass jewelry (learn how in project Lace & Glass Necklace, page 97, Boho Chic Jewelry Book) sold quickly, I figured I probably should list the second one I made in case someone would like it for the holidays. As I've said before, I try to offer a nice selection of different items in my shop, and my vintage lace jewelry seems to always sell out quickly! 

This piece is made with white lace and so it's different from the last beaded one that I just sold. I think this one turned out beautifully too. I individually hand-beaded each gemstone link one at a time, and it took me an entire afternoon to put this one together! The chain and wires are all solid sterling silver and the gemstones are genuine pearls, rainbow moonstone beads, and quartz crystal beads.

This chain is long and measures about 32" in length and easily slips over your head, though there is a clasp attached as well. Lace jewelry is great for weddings as bridal jewelry and has a great Boho flair.

These pieces (above and below) are available in my shop too

What do you think? 

Have a great week!

 Laura

My broken china jewelry is always available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns

Check out my new jewelry instruction books and DVDs

Article and images copyright ©Laura Beth Love for Dishfunctional Designs™ 2018 all rights reserved

How To Get Started Making Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry

(photo via Rings n Things)

I recently came across a great article from Rings n Things that has some useful information about getting started with torch fired enameled jewelry. In it you can learn some great tips about the colors and different types of enamels, enameling safety, metal compatibility, preparation, application, torch firing and finishing your jewelry. 

Years ago I purchased a small table top kiln and played around a bit with enameling small silver heart charms, but as usual, I got distracted and soon my attention was drawn elsewhere, my little kiln forgotten. But now enameled jewelry is really making a comeback, along with the increasing popularity of copper jewelry (copper is great to enamel on in case you didn't know), so I just might pull out my enameling supplies and give it another go.  

You don't need a kiln to make enameled jewelry—you can do it with a small torch and a few other supplies—so it just might be more accessible than you might think. 

Of course you need to make that initial investment in whatever tools are essential to the craft - but that is they way it is no matter what craft you are going to take up. 

So now I think I'll go pull out my dusty box of enameling supplies and maybe give it another go. How about you?

Have you ever made enameled jewelry? 

Would it be something you would like to try?

Have a great week!

 Laura

My broken china jewelry is always available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns

Check out my new jewelry instruction books and DVDs

Article, images, and designs copyright ©Laura Beth Love for Dishfunctional Designs™ 2018

all rights reserved

My Favorite Things: Handcrafted Boho Necklace Trio

These are three necklaces that I made for myself a few years ago that I love to wear together... Choker length:  a strand of 8mm faceted Chalcedony...Medium length: a rosary-like chain of 5mm freshwater pearls with fine gauge sterling silver wire (I think I used 24 gauge wire)...and the rectangular pendant is Amazonite surrounded in fine silver wire wraps with a circular moon and star bead above it. I love them all.

What do you think?

Enjoy the rest of your week! 

My broken china jewelry is always available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns

Check out my new jewelry instruction books and DVDs!

Learn how to solder and make unique jewelry!

article and images ©Laura Beth Love 2016