Sharma Designs - Behind the Scenes of a Handmade Jewelry Business

New Lucite Earrings

I have become a little obsessed with lucite lately.  I just love the funky colors and shapes.  They make really fun earrings.  Lucite is super light so they can be big and they don't weigh your ears down.

The lucite I have purchased was made between the 60's and the 80's.  Geez..that makes me feel old.  Something that could have been made when I was a kid is considered vintage.  I'm old!

I haven't finished posting the complete stash but there are a few new vintage lucite earrings already available and more to come in the next few days.

Sticks!

The fun thing about making one of a kind jewelry is that I can make different pieces every time I sit down to work.  A few nights ago I made lots of "stick" jewelry.  This necklace is super funky and while not for everyone, it is definitely an eye catcher.

This coral colored necklace uses pretty drops and the effect is more feminine and yet still has a bit of funky to it.  I think it's perfect for spring and summer.  Add a little burst of color to your neckline with your summer dress.

These sticks are made from horn.  Simple earrings that can go with anything.

Now, here is the funny part.  I am making all these somewhat delicate stick pieces the other night and late into the night I do a 180 and create this:

When I first got these pendants I was shocked.  I had no idea they would be so big!  Then I made a necklace with one and had it for sale at a jewelry party.  A tall girl tried it on and she rocked it!  I thought, hey this necklace looks awesome on taller women.  And it really does.  I kinda want to keep it for myself.  It looks amazing on.

I have some new earrings that I am very excited about so keep an eye out for those today!

Have a great weekend!

New Listings!

Everyone in my house has some nasty cold.  We have had it for days!  That is why there has been a lack of listings as of late.  When your kids are sick and not sleeping you go to bed right after they do.  Hopefully, we are reaching the end.  A sick 7 month old is a sad little sight.

So here are the recent listings.  I just posted some funky lucite hoop earrings last night.  My supplier had called them amber so when I got them I was surprised to see that they were quite orange.  I held onto them awhile because of that.  I can't wear orange at all!  Then the other day I thought "Hey!  Just because I can't wear orange doesn't mean that other people can't"  I know, seems like a no brainer right?  What took me so long?

They are very pretty.  Lots of colors in these ones.  They remind me of a tangerine amber.

These ones are a sienna color (you know like in your crayola box).  They also have a lot of great colors.

This pendant is called lucky jasper.  I just love jasper (as I'm sure you've realized by now) and this one is no exception.  I realize I don't do a lot of red but this one comes kinda close.

My other favorite stone is of course, agate!  This one is called crab fire agate and it's very pretty!

I have more stuff lined up to post in the next few days.  Hopefully we all get better and things can get back to normal!  Look tomorrow for part 2 of the jewelry holders!

Have a great Wednesday!

Funky Retro Pendants

I am loving these pendants!  I rarely make jewelry for myself but I am definitely making myself one of these necklaces.  I love the retro feel of them.  They remind of something from the 70s.  So far I have two necklaces made but more will be popping up soon!

Lots Going on Over Here

I have been making jewelry like crazy!  Things have been starting to move in my Etsy shop too. 

I have been lucky enough to snag a few treasuries too.  Treasuries I made that is.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Etsy a treasury is collage of items from different sellers.  They usually have some sort of theme and color scheme.  The really good ones end up on the front page of Etsy.  They are really hard to get which make them really enticing to me.  I am ALWAYS up for a challenge!

I think that's why I always loved Ebay.  I loved the challenge of winning.  I had to cut myself off from ebay because I was winning things I didn't need just because I liked the challenge!  The treasuries are a much safer bet because they don't cost a thing!

So all that to say that here is my treasury.  I wanted to show you because I was thinking about something the other day as I was putting it together.  I always get lots of compliments on the unique stones I use in my jewelry designs.  I love stone pendants. 

I think that love comes from my youthful days of rock collecting.  While most young girls (mine included) play dress up and princess I was collecting rocks for my "Rock Garden".  I had this patch of yard in the backyard that was mine for all my treasures.  Anywhere we went I was on the lookout for pretty rocks.

It sounds a lot like I am today.  Instead of a rock garden I actually make them into something.  Easier on the back..let me tell ya!  Anyway, I just wanted to share my observation because I thought it was cool how my obsession with pretty rocks morphed over the years!

I have added a few more things in the shop over the weekend.  Also, be sure to check out the Rare Bird Finds post announcing my contest winners.  There may be a discount in there for you!  It's only good for today too!

Click on images to see listings

Pretty Pretty Pendants!

How great are these pendants?  Seriously, I think I've dreamed about them before.  Anyway, I have a few more of them that I am waiting on some beads for but in the meantime enjoy these!

I want this one for myself.  Of course I do right?  Isn't that what I always say?  But seriously this time I do!

Out of Supplies!

I hate it when I don't stay on top of ordering supplies!  I ran out of some important vital supplies yesterday and now instead of making use of the fact that my sister is in town to help me with the girls (that's not why she is here..it's just a perk) I have to twiddle my thumbs.

I guess we will just have to go shopping instead.  Maybe it's not so sad.

I did upload a few new necklaces/earrings last night including the necklace above which I really love.  I have always adored those beads.  They are so dainty and pretty.  The perfect necklace for a black shirt or dress.  Also great for those of us who don't look good in a red shirt but love the color.

Here are the earrings that you can buy to go with them.  So small and so cute.  I just love this set.

So many things!

Wow!  I forgot how much work it is to run a little store and have a life!  I have utilized every spare moment for the last few days.  Nap time is no longer nap time/computer time for me.  Now it is picture time!  Fortunately my older daughter is totally into it.  She loves looking at all the jewelry and loves watching me pack things up.

Anyway, I have been busy making lots of pretty things.  I honestly made some of my very favorite pieces the other night.  Those of you that know me are rolling your eyes and saying "They are all your favorites!'  Which is true because I truly do love every piece I make but some have a special place in my beady heart.

Like the one above.  I had to rip it out of my own evil clutches to take the picture.  I LOVE it.  Yes I could keep it for myself but I never do.  I like to spread the love. So enjoy!

I also changed up my Etsy banner and added more pendants and beads so go check it out!

At Long Last

I had some of these fabulous pendants a few years ago.  The website where I bought them sold out of them pretty quick.  I have searched for them high and low for years...seriously spending hours upon hours.  This week through a lucky twist of fate I have some more in my posession.  Finally!

The above necklace is the purple jasper.  I think the website I got them from originally called them sugilite jasper.  I might call them jaspagate.  Jasper is quartz that it is opaque.  I did a whole post about it here

These pendants are mostly opaque but they do have some crystals/translucent parts to them.  They kind of look like crazy lace agate beads that have been drilled vertically instead of horizontally across the bands.  But hey...I'm no gemologist.  I just love the pendants!

The turquoise one is especially pretty.  It has many colors in it and reminds me of water.  When I bought it before it was called "Sky blue jasper".  Very pretty!   

I also uploaded some vintage lucite earrings.  I have had a thing for lucite for a long time.  I especially love the marbled look some of the pieces have.

All of these beauties are available in my Etsy store!

More New Pretties

I added 2 necklaces tonight as well as some pendants and beads (ie supplies).  I know more than a few of my friends/customers dabble in jewelry making and I have quite a stash.  I am selling them basically at wholesale cost.  I need to de-stash big time. 

Hi.  I'm Sharla and I am a beadaholic.  The first step is admitting you have a problem right?

Anyway, there are some great deals for the hobbyist or designer.  My pictures are so pretty that it makes me want to buy them!  See?  I am sick I tell ya!

Here are a few of the beads/pendants:

Matte Onyx Flower Pendant

Pink Crazy Lace Agate Pendants and Beads

16 inch Strand of Brown Shell Beads

Carved Brown Shell Flower Necklace

Carved Brown Shell Necklace