Christmas Tree Jewelry

I'm reinspired this year by combining jewelry with holiday decorations. Christmas tree jewelry -- ornaments -- are a great place for beading, wire wrapping, and glitter. I found many ideas on Etsy and Artfire.

I've been busily preparing ornaments and ornament enhancers for the Swope Trunk Show (December 3). Then they'll go back online. Here are some samples of this addition to my line.

Modifying Vintage Clip Earrings

Vintage clip back earrings can be made into post earrings. Here are instructions for how I made a pair of gray pearl cluster earrings from circa 1950 into post earrings.

I removed the clip mechanism on the back with needle nose pliers. Pull off if you can do it without damaging the earrings. You can also bend the mechanism back and forth until it breaks off, then file the edges.


Rough up an area on the back and clean it for gluing the new earring post. Using E6000 (or a similar glue for jewelry or metal) apply to earring post pad and place on back of earring. Do not place the pad on the out edge of earrings this size as they may droop off the ear instead of laying flat against the ear lobe. Glue the post pad to a flat surfact near the center. Let the glue dry at least 24 hours.

(Grand) Baby Shower

My daughter Deni's sister-in-law held a family baby shower for her at my house on October 3. They chose my house because it is centrally located for the family members. I wanted to give everyone a small gift to thank them for coming so of course I thought of jewelry!

I made necklaces of a 3D pink iridescent heart on a thin gold chain. I found a nice poem and a cute container for it all. Overall a fun project!

I also had fun making several gifts for my Deni or my granddaughter Mia -- but more on those later.