Kanji earrings say Shikara, which means Strength

The Japanese katakana (kanji) here says “shikara” has the context of strength – or power, which is a pretty interesting connotation.

And either way, these are pretty earrings! A customer requested the light purple, or lilac, color… and I thought the petal shape worked well with the delicate shade:

light purple kanji earrings that say Shikara, strength or power

And not that this is a suggestion or anything, just as an idea – paper earrings are great for the first year, or paper, anniversary. And if your wife is a new mom, well, “Mom” really DOES equal strength and power.

But you knew that already πŸ™‚

New pansy earrings

These are a more modern version of the traditional “first anniversary” pansy earrings that are so popular. They’re clean-lined marquis ovals, almost abstract – but still recognizably pansies. And pretty, lightweight, and fun πŸ™‚

modern pansy earrings in my Paper Jewels shop

As shown here, they’re about 1-1/4″ high, though I’ve almost made them quite a bit smaller (about 3/4″) – and one time, almost 3″ high! The customer wanted big lightweight earrings, and she loved that she could wear them all day in comfort.

Because I totally believe in comfort – And style, of course πŸ˜‰

Pansy earrings – the traditional first anniversary flower

This is something I hadn’t known till recently: pansies are considered the traditional “first anniversary” flower. I’ve always thought pansies were beautiful, with their wonderful variety and colorations. Now I have another reason to love them πŸ™‚

And they’re probably the most popular flower in my shop, for earrings and necklaces – and now I know (another reason) why. Tradition. Wedding anniversaries. Pansy flowers. They go together like, well, love and marriage.

pansy earrings at Paper Jewels...with amethyst and Swarovski crystal elements

Plus: girly, pretty, and feminine. Just like flower earrings should be πŸ˜‰

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!

Kanji earrings that say Bijin – beautiful woman

I’m having fun with color right now – case in point, these kanji earrings that say bijin, or beautiful woman – and with the connotation of hot babe πŸ™‚ A nice gift for your girlfriend, don’t you think?

purple and green paper earrings with the Japanese kanji that says bijin... beautiful woman

Yes of course these can be made using other colors – but I have to say, I do like this rich combo. These aren’t huge – about one inch high – but they’ve got a lot of impact. Which is kind of fun, for a lightweight pair of earrings.

And we can all use a little more fun, right?

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™‚

Lacquered Paper Penguin Pin – fun customer favorite

Oh dear. That title makes it sound like it’s a favorite of “Fun Customers” when what I meant is, it’s a fun pin that’s a customer favorite. That makes sense, right?

Penguin Pin closeup

I’ve made this little guy (or girl, hmm, I think you have to be a vet – or a penguin – to tell for sure) in several sizes. Mostly the same colors of course, because I’m trying to be sort-of-realistic…. but you know, it tells me that a lot of people love penguins. I know I do – so it kind of makes my day when someone requests one – it’s always a joy to make one of my Penguins 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.)