Scrabble Earrings, Charm Bracelets and Keychains new at Pieces Of Me Pendants.

Charms, Earrings and Keychains are made from wooden Scrabble® tiles (approx. ¾” square), decoupaged with graphic images that are sealed with a high gloss non-toxic finish.  Your charms, earrings and key chains can all be turned into necklace pendants.

Each item will be gift packaged in a bag (colors vary) making them ideal for gift giving.

Match your key chains, earrings and bracelets with your favorite pendants or mix and match!

Fun handmade gifts for all occasions for family, friends and coworkers!

Forged Iron Necklace

Originally uploaded by leonfangs

I have yet to blog about a forged piece, and that is probably because I don’t know much about forging nor do I know anyone who makes forged jewelry. But I stumbled across this piece and many other really exciting pieces by Leonfang on Flickr and it sure made me want to learn and see more.

I love the fluidity of these pieces and the naturalistic inspiration for her work.

I love the classic look of this pearl and flower necklace, especially on a simple black sweater like this.

This one comes from Infarrantly Creative and has excellent instructions and illustrations.

Think a beading project for slow days at the office or a good recycled materials project. It is fun and drapes in a pretty cool way.

I’d like to see this project taken even further with some creative wire work or a bit of beading.  Could be a fun task.

I like the use of mixed tones of metal and how relaxed and easy to make this project seems, yet still having an edge and a bit of glam.

Plus I often find that I have odds and ends of chain that doesn’t really have a use yet, and this would be a good way to put it to use.

Pictured here is one of her experiments on everyday objets such as steel washers and wire from the hardware store.

There are funky large beaded necklaces, one of a kind pieces and my favorites, these up-cycled chunky necklaces, like this “tangled up in gold” necklace, assembled from chains, earrings and a brooch.

Definitely a fun way to revive old pieces and good project if you want to set yourself a treasure hunt at local yard sales and flea markets.

The great news is that she gives lots of tutorials for us fans and you can also buy some of her creations over on Etsy.

Here is this weeks tutorial for this lovely layered flower pin.  She also shows variations on color and additions such as rhinstones.

Instructions are included, and I really like the look of this clasp – would be great with some chunky, funky beads.

Ornamentea have new ceramic beads by Elaine Ray and have posted them with cool earring ideas.  I love these dangling earrings and variety of colors and possiblities  that they show.  It is also great that below the image on their site, they show you exactly which beads, finding and tools you will need to complete the project.

But if you are looking for a holiday gift idea, check out her sterling silver Christmas Card necklaces which come in a selection of styles from the gingerbread man shown here to Christmas trees and snowmen.

Also, check out her blog here.

Also nice about the tutorial is that they give links to suppliers for everything from the beads to the ribbon.

For some color and pattern inspiration check out this excellent beaded bracelet by Snapdragon Beads, a UK artist.

The designs need to be based around the moonstone illustrated here.  The top five designs will be posted on their Facebook page and can be voted on to find the winner.   The winning design will be made into an actual piece by David Kodner Personal Jewelers and will be on display in their showrooms.   The winner will receive $500 and the publicity of having their design made and displayed.

Check out the terms and conditions here.

Feeling inspired?  Why not submit your latest designs to the “Your Designs Rock”  Contest at Rings & Things.  You could win in a number of catagories and receive great gift certificates and the possiblity of having your creation featured in their catalgoue.  That would be great coverage for any designer.

Remember, your submitions have to be made mostly with products available at Rings & Things.

Here is what they have to say about the competition:

Boost your inspiration! Start designing now for Rings & Things’ 2010 “Your Designs Rock” Contest! It’s not just a jewelry contest — your entry can be anything, as long as it includes components sold by Rings & Things.

Entries will be accepted January 1 through February 28, 2010, but don’t wait to start designing. Enter by February 5 and we’ll include you in our Early-Bird Raffle for the chance to win a goodie bag! Never entered the contest before? Enter for the first time and we’ll include you in our New-Entrant Raffle for another chance to win a goodie bag!

The five 2010 design contest categories are Glass & Crystal, Gemstones & Pearls, Mostly Metal, Metal Clay and Found Objects/Miscellaneous. Winners will be announced in June.

The 2010 Grand Prize is a $750 Rings & Things credit. Five First-Place Winners (one for each category) will each win a $250 R&T credit. Honorable Mention Winners will receive $75 R&T credits. Plus, winning entries (with credit to the designer) might be featured in Rings & Things’ catalog and promotions, providing exposure to an estimated million people worldwide per year. You can use this for “as seen in” promotions of your own.

For full details, visit www.rings-things.com/contest. Rings & Things’ beads and findings catalog, plus the latest catalog supplement, is available for $5 (US), or for free with any order. For help and information, Rings & Things Wholesale is available 24 hours a day at http://www.rings-things.com, or by phone at (800) 366-2156.