Well, I got paid today and I went on a mini shopping spree at a few stores.
First I visited the local bead shop. They are called Blue Hawk Beads (541.278.9533). I picked up some findings and a few beads for my Grandmother In-Law’s Christmas present. I did choose a few items in sterling silver to raise the quality of my creations. The earrings I made for my husband’s “Nana” are sterling silver fishhook style earrings with pale blue vintage Austrian crystals and mother of pearl beads. I think they turned out pretty nice. Unfortunately, they are already wrapped, so I can’t post a picture.
The second place I visited was JoAnn’s in Kennowick, Washington. It’s still hard for me to get used to the fact that I have to cross state lines in order to visit a craft store. I picked up some copper wire and some antique copper findings. I used the findings to start some earrings for my Mother In-Law, but I got stuck when it came time to put the mother of pearl bead on the fancy headpin. Now I have to go back to Blue Hawk tomorrow to pick out a bead with a bigger hole.
Finally, I went to the big store that shall remain unnamed because I needed some round-nosed pliers. Now, I don’t know a lot about making jewelry, but I do know that these babies really help when it comes to making simple loops. I borrowed Corbi’s when I went to her house, and now I can’t live without them. They ones I found in the crafting section aren’t exactly what I wanted, but they are working out okay. They are supposed to be 3-in-1 pliers, round-nosed, and cutters. They cost about $5.
Now I have a lot more to work with and many more earrings to post on my Etsy. I think I will wait until I can go to Eugene and have my sisters take good pictures for me with their fancy cameras. The next things I want to purchase are more beads–especially red–and some kind of organizing system. Right now I’m using an old green tackle box.
Smiles and Sunshine,
Shauna
