Pretty heart necklace (a great gift for Mom!)

This aqua, green and orange hearts necklace is a customer favorite this spring – from the comments I’ve been getting, it’s because these are such “happy colors”. I think that’s a fine description πŸ™‚

paper jewelry - aqua green and orange hearts necklace
Neutrals are fine, black and white can be jazzy and powerful, and a thick silver necklace rich, pretty, it all depends on the one you are giving it to, remember a happy color is the way to go or a silver mood for an elegant or romantic theme.

The way a woman wears a necklace is completely different from the way a man does; this is basically relevant for the fact that for the latter, the necklace is a way of drawing attention to the cleavage. A necklace doesn’t suggest sexuality, it only accents femininity, charm, elegance and the fine curves of a delicate neck. Men on the other hand wear some choke-type necklace models that have a mere decorative function; yet they still send a clear message about the wearer: he is interested in good looks, trendy in style and therefore, a man of his times.

Offering a cancer necklace or any other zodiac sign as a gift is more than common nowadays, and we often have the tendency of attaching some form of emotional value to it. People come to associate a piece of jewelry with the dear one that presented it to them, and this is how mothers leave their necklaces to their daughters and so on. Even the most common necklace could mean a fortune for someone when it is about more than mere good looks. Except for such unique cases, wearing a necklace is now part of the daily routine that requires us to look nice and trendy both for ourselves and for the others.

And (hint) this makes a fine Mother’s Day gift πŸ™‚

Mother’s Day gifts – these kanji earrings say Mother

These pretty, patterned earrings are making a bit of a splash for me this spring – they say Haha, or Mother, in Japanese kanji:

Japanese kanji paper earrings that say Mother

Like all Paper Jewels they’re lightweight – so they’re comfy. I don’t know about you but that matters to me! Of course they can be special ordered in custom colors (and can be made smaller or larger) – though I do have to say, people have been very receptive to this blue zircon, green and golden combo.

And of course, Mother’s Day holiday is coming. Just sayin!

Pretty pink necklace – the kanji Tenshi says “Angel”

This is one of my new favorites! It’s a pretty little necklace, I love the graceful navetete shape, and, well, moms seem to like wearing a necklace that says “Angel” πŸ™‚

Japanese kanji pink necklace says Tenshi or Angel

I don’t know if it’s because they think their kids are angels – or maybe hubby thinks she’s an angel for putting up with them (or him)! Either way, it’s a pretty color, and fun to wear for spring.

And Mother’s Day is coming πŸ™‚

New japanese kanji earrings that say “Love”

The kanji on these earrings says Ai – which means Love. They’re about 1-1/2″ long but very lightweight (and comfy – I’m big on that) – and they’re just super fun for spring πŸ™‚

Japanese kanji pink and purple paper earrings that say Love

I show them here in light purple, lilac and pink – but you can choose your own color combo (of course). Custom made, her favorite colors, and hmm, Valentine’s Day is coming.

This could be a big win-win πŸ™‚

Fun New Earrings with Crystal, Chain, and yes, Paper

I have to say, I am having a good time with these new earrings! Case in point:

Aqua, cream, orange, and green rystal, chain, and paper earrings
This is what jewelry ought to be: lightweight, comfortable, cute. And did I mention fun? These are made with several layers of lacquered paper (natch), silver plated chain (with an anti-tarnish finish!), silver plated jump rings for a little added movement and texture, and sparkling Swarovski crystals. And they’re only 1-1/2″ long. And they can be made as clip-ons too of course, and for those looking for jewelry for theirΒ  wedding, using the best mens wedding bands could be a great option for this.

Yes, they are not priceless diamonds – if that’s where you’re going my shop is probably not your first choice, and by the way may I say I admire your taste. But if you’d rather have Cool Jewelry than Ultra Fine Jewelry? You are going to love these πŸ™‚

(P.S. Yes, we can make them in your favorite colors. Or hers. You know that.)

New Glass and Paper Kanji Earrings

These kanji earrings use a new technique I’ve been working on – a way to combine paper jewelry with sparkling rhinestones, classic glass jewels, and glass cabochons. Paper + glass = sparkly earrings. And this new technique saves me time – which makes them cost less!

Here’s a new pair. These kanji earrings say Tsuma, or Wife:

Paper Jewels Glass and Paper Earrings with Japanese kanji Wife

The simple black kanji has a smattering of color as if adding a shadow; so you get a bit of depth, and in these earrings, a bit of sparkle.

Of course, since these are made with a paper design under glass, they make a great first year anniversary gift. Not that that’s a hint or anything πŸ™‚

(Yes, it is.)

Kanji jewelry with a ruby lacquered heart – and Love

Yikes, it’s been a while since I’ve posted! Don’t know how that happened but I am definitely getting into it lately. And I wanted to post a pic of a necklace I just finished.

Ruby Red Heart Necklace - the Japanese kanji says Love

The kanji Ai, or Love, is probably the most popular and requested kanji for custom work. Which makes sense when you think about it. When somebody is asking for a custom necklace or pair of earrings for a loved one, well, they want to convey that love! And hearts, well, to a lot of people in Western culture, hearts mean Love.

And that’s a nice sentiment for a present, I think πŸ™‚

Tutorial – Make Gift Bags – DIY

This is such a useful tutorial! I found it over at How About Orange Blogfrom Jessica Jones. She’s got tons of useful ideas over there. With her super clear pics and instructions, she teaches us how to make gift bags – from newspaper!

Tutorial - gift bag from newspaper - DIY
Gift Bag from Newspaper – Tutorial
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And of course one of the nice things is that you can use any paper (no, it doesn’t matter if there are folds or creases). Talk about saving money – and giving a gift where even the wrapping is special!

and did I say “saving money”? Hallmark will have to manage without our $$, thank you very much.

Green Paper Earrings – the Kanji says Eternal

It occurred to me as I was writing the title of this post that “green paper earrings” has more than one meaning.

The color is green, that’s the most obvious of course. But the materials are also green – as in eco friendly and non damaging to the planet. Also very sustainable. I use recycled paper for the inner layers of Paper Jewels – as well as for the padding inside my bubble wrap mailing envelopes. And I use post-consumer white recycled paper even for the ‘face’ of the earrings – it costs a bit more but of course it’s worth it.

Here’s my new design:

Japanese Kanji Ei or Eternal Green Paper Earrings

The Japanese kanji says “Ei”, or “Eternal”. And of course they can be made in other colors – her favorite, for instance!

Valentine’s Day crafts – Plate Decoration Revisited

Remember the white plate (with a recipe!) I blogged about recently? It’s here. The idea was to write a recipe on the plate, bake it, and voila! Permanent decoration. Well I have been seeing this idea more and more lately – and I wanted to share one more example because it’s so charming – and timely πŸ™‚

Decorate a Plate - Valentine's Day DIY Craft

What a darling idea for a Valentine’s Day craft that everyone will love! I found it at It’s Overflowing – overflowing with creativity, that is!

You might want to check out her Tips pages, too – she’s got some really useful ideas there. “How to remove sticky stuff” and “An easy way to hang art” and “DIY Microwave popcorn” (you know that one’s going to be used!)

Very cool blog. And I do love that plate idea!