Flower Power!

In life.....We seem to have the best of intentions, but some how get side tracked by other things.....Many other things! A number of years ago, I can't even say how many anymore, I started buying vintage Czech glass. Mostly flowers, some leaves and other beads, but my focus was on vintage... I LOVE VINTAGE! Then one day I stumbled across vintage Lucite flowers and was smitten again. I bought quite a number of both, but aside from making a couple bracelets from the vintage Czech glass, I have had them all sitting in a big plastic tub for years. I wanted to make really cute flower earrings with a vintage flair out of them, but never got around to it.............Until now!

I've seen a number of other people making similar type earrings, so I am not pretending to have invented this version, but rather I aspire to do my best to improve upon it in using the best materials, and adding my own personal flair where I can. I use sterling silver wire and head pins, along with some silver plated brass bead caps and ear wires for the silver versions. For the antique brass versions, I use only pure brass head pins that have been oxidized, high quality antiqued brass wire and ear wires, along with bead caps and findings. I try to buy supplies that are made in America! This is important to me. With so much being made overseas, and not always being able to know what the metal content is, I'd rather pay a few cents more and get a well made products that supports THIS country!

I generally buy only vintage Czech glass and vintage Lucite. I do occasionally make an exception and buy vintage reproduction pieces if they are unique, such as hand dyed flowers etc. I use beautiful Swarovksi crystals, which are hands down the best crystal beads on the market. You won't find more sparkle or durability in any other crystals. I also use Swarovski pearls, which are fantastic! My creations are always wire wrapped together whenever possible. I rarely ever use jump rings, especially on earrings, and I don't very often use a simple loop. I like knowing that what I make will stay together! 

I think I am still trying to find my "niche", but I feel I am getting closer to where I want to be all the time. I love making pieces with a vintage flair, combining old with new. If you haven't had a chance to visit my new Etsy shop Principessa jewels, please pop over and take a peek! My bead shop, Principessa Glass, is still on Etsy selling lampwork glass beads, handmade by me! Thanks for stopping by!