Category: Jewelry

Sparkly Jewelry

Simply Sparkle this holiday season or whenever you want to jazz things up a bit.  Cute, classy, casual…..you decide.   Here are a few of the handmade sparkly necklaces and earrings available in my shop, https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudysTreehouse

“Every woman in this world wears a little sparkle, some in their dress, and some in their eyes.” – Shahla Khan

sparkly dangle drop earrings for women

https://www.etsy.com/listing/850665496/sparkly-glass-bead-drop-dangle-earrings

sparkly brown bead choker bohemian minimalist jewelry short brown bead necklace handmade adjustable short brown bead choker necklace

https://www.etsy.com/listing/555278593/short-sparkly-brown-beaded-choker

clear bead glass dangle earrings for women handmade short beaded necklaces for women sparkly brown bead choker necklace for women classy casual pink bead choker necklace for women sparkly clear glass bead choker necklace for owmen

sparkly brown bead choker necklace for women sparkly dangle earrings for women judystreehouse dressy dangle earrings for women short brown bead choker necklace short brown bead necklace handmade adjustable bohemian minimalist jewelry

Peace Love and Joy

Judy

“A Zen Garden – New Pendant Necklaces by JudysTreehouse”

A Zen Garden Pendant Necklaces.   A little Oriental Asian Pagoda Style!   Just finished creating these artsy eclectic necklaces.   Only three (so far).   You can find them at https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudysTreehouse

Cute casual oriental asian style necklace for women

These lovely pendants depict an oriental style garden with pagoda and ornamental plants and trees.    Inspires me to create such a place in one of my own gardens here at home.   Will need to start another Pinterest board to find and save zen garden ideas for next year’s planting season.

The pendants are raw brass, solid metal.   One can enamel them.    But, loving to patina as I do I decided to put a little heat to them to see what would develop.    Each one took on a different patina!   Perfect!   And, now I have a Sunrise, Sunset, and Twilight Zen Garden!

oriental asian artsy handmade jewelry

Pendants Complete!   Next on the hunt for some unique beads to complement them.    And where do I go to find such beads?   Absolutely….Etsy!   And my Etsy search did not disappoint.    I do believe I am one of Etsy’s best customers, from a buyer and a seller standpoint.

There were a few Asian/Oriental themed beads I was considering as I was perusing the beads Etsy’s search algorithms felt best matched my search terms.   And then the moment of GLORY!!!!!!

unique bead necklaces for women

These adorable, unique, artsy, eclectic, cool, unusual………paper beads!   Perfect!    I placed my order from this lovely Etsy Seller located in Scotland no less.   You really do find cool, unique items from all over the world on Etsy!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GillianMcMurray

The shop owner, Gillian,  immediately responded with a note letting me know she received my order and would ship it soon!   And it did ship soon!     And it arrived rather quickly, too!    Ordered them on August 20th.   Received them the first week in September.   Great customer service, great quality, and unique little works of art!    I was so excited and got to work on my necklaces the very next day.

short beaded necklace unique

Next to my bead stash to find some beads to enhance the colors in the paper beads and the pendant.   Sparkly, colorful Czech glass beads were the perfect match.

As with all of my beaded necklaces, I hand wrap the beads with brass wire which has been patina’d to darken the metal.   Then I hand polish the wire to even out the patina.     Between each beaded link I add a small jump ring.    This makes the necklace less likely to “kink” when you move around.

Next to determine the perfect length for this particular necklace.     Originally I had planned on long necklaces.   But after making the first one it just didn’t seem right.    So back to the worktable to make adjustments to shorten the necklace.    The short length was perfect.    The pendant and beads just “popped”.

unique cool unusual handmade necklaces judystreehouse

After I had the first necklace completed and was happy with the length I started questioning the bead placement.    Originally, I had the long oriental style paper cylinder beads centered with three Czech glass beads on each side.   It looked okay but……….ehhhhh.     So, I laid out the beads to create the second necklace, moved them around a little bit but couldn’t decide if I wanted to change the layout from the first necklace.    Decided to just go with the new layout I was considering.    Well, I liked the second layout so much better than the first one that I went back to the worktable to remake the first necklace.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.    Sometimes not always so cut and dry.      I might have an idea that I’m really excited with but then when I create the necklace if it doesn’t scream “I LOVE THIS” then I rework it until it does.     Sometimes that means I have to walk away from it for a day or two or maybe even a week until my creative juices redistribute themselves, and I know exactly what changes I need to make.

Happily, the design for these three necklaces evolved rather quickly.

cute casual short pendant necklace for women

So there you have it.   My most recent creations.    And, I love them so much I went back for three more pendants and a few more beads because maybe down the road I’ll want to make a few more of this style.   Only a few.   Because every day I’m different and so are the items I create.

I can’t wait for the perfect person to find this perfect necklace to go with their perfect outfit!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/720751728/eclectic-artsy-short-casual-red-beaded

Thanks for visiting!

Peace Love and Joy

Judy

“Serendipity”

Swallows Nest Pottery (Etsy Shop) meets JudysTreehouse (Etsy Shop) a unique and beautiful collaboration.

Handmade Jewelry by JudysTreehouse Etsy

“Serendipity (noun) – the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way”

Etsy has been a joyous journey for me.   I’ve found some awesome treasures along my way…..not only material treasures but awesome people and treasured friendships I will forever cherish.

These beautiful pottery pendants were created by the most lovely lady, Eileen.   Our serendipitous friendship began around Christmas time last year when I found her lovely pottery shop on Etsy and purchased a few of the beautiful pottery platters she creates for gifts.   A simple question about internet providers and living in the country started a lively chatter and a new friendship blossomed.

I haven’t met her in person yet but we are cyber pals and chat weekly, if not more.

She sent me these gorgeous pendants she created and said, “Girl, see what you can do with these” and now we have a few collaborated pieces……so cool!

JudysTreehouse SwallowsNest Pottery

So the moral of my story is……”life is a journey and the people you meet along the way”.   And, for me Etsy has turned into more than just a market place of cool unique treasures.   It’s a cool people place, too.

Check out Eileen’s lovely pottery creations.    I have one of her gorgeous egg platters and the most awesome bowl and look forward to adding more of her beautiful pieces to my collection.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SwallowsNestPottery

Peace Love and Joy

Judy

Handmade Jewelry by JudysTreehouse Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/692166370/short-pastel-blue-statement-necklace–

Handmade Jewelry by JudysTreehouse Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/706033731/short-chunky-statement-necklace

Handmade Jewelry by JudysTreehouse Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/706023517/short-pastel-blue-statement-necklace

Handmade Jewelry by JudytsTreehouse Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/listing/692178202/short-chunky-statement-necklace

“Beautiful Patina”

Handmade Statement Necklaces for Women JudysTreehosuecuff bracelets by judystreehouse Unique Earrings for Women JudysTreehouse

What is patina?

Dictionary result for patina

/pəˈtēnə/
noun
  1. a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period.
    • a gloss or sheen on a surface resulting from age or polishing.
      “the dining table will acquire a warm patina with age”
    • the impression or appearance of something.
      “he carries the patina of old money and good breeding”

    I found my love for creating patina pieces about four years ago.     Starting with pre-cut brass and copper metal blanks, I did a little on-line research on patina how to’s and started experimenting.

    metal patina judystreehouse

    My first creations were patina’d earrings.

    cool long earrings judystreehousecool blue earrings judystreehouseunique earrings judystreehouseeclectic earrings judystreehouseboho earrings judystreehouseartsy earrings judystreehouse

    Don’t you just love their unique colors and asymmetrical designs!    So eclectic!  Little jewelry works of arts.     A must have for the jewelry connoisseur, don’t you think!

    From earrings, I went on to creating a few cuff bracelets and rings.

    cuff bracelets by judystreehouse

    Rather than purchasing pre-cut metal cuffs, I wanted to actually make the cuffs.    Hand-cut from a sheet of brass, copper or bronze.    I experimented with different gauges of metal 22, 20, and 18.     And, in my opinion, I think the 20 gauge has a nice weight and sturdiness to it.   The 22 gauge is a thinner metal and makes a more lightweight cuff.   The 18 gauge makes a somewhat thicker, heavier cuff.    And, like Goldilocks with the Three Bears, the gauge, weight, and size of a cuff comes down to a personal preference.    Yet, no matter the gauge of the metal, with a gentle squeeze/pressure each cuff adjusts to a desired fit.

    I also tried different lengths and widths for a variety of sizes.    Although the cuffs are somewhat adjustable, I noticed that a one size fits most isn’t always the case.  Not all of us are average.   Case in point, I’m 5′, 10 1/2″, above average height for a woman often leaving me with just wishful want of some clothes that are made as one size fits most.    So, with my cuffs I have a few different lengths; 5 3/4″, 6″, 6 1/2″, and 7″ allowing for a more encompassing one size fits most.

    handmade jewelry judystreehousemetal cuffs judystreehousejudystreehouse

    After cutting my metal strips into different lengths and widths, I then sand them, by hand, to smooth the edges.    I could use power tools to cut, sand, and polish the metal but there’s just something about creating a piece step by step by hand.  Realizing the strength of my hands as I cut through the metal.   Feeling the joy from that last snip as the metal falls away.      Sensing a slight heat as the metal warms up with the glide of the sandpaper over the rough edges.      The smoothness felt when I run my fingers over the sanded piece to rule out sharp edges.     It’s not just the end result that makes the piece special, it’s the process and the journey of the creation.    A little bit of heart and soul along with a bit of elbow grease goes into each creation.

    handmade jewelry judystreehouse

    Once the metal is sanded smooth the strips are shaped into cuffs.    This process requires a rawhide hammer, a heavy metal mandrel, a little stamina and a bit of patience.    Hammer, Hammer, Hammer not just to create the shape but to strengthen the metal, as well.    This will help the piece better maintain its final shape.

    handmade jewelry judystreehousecuff bracelet judystreehousejudystreehousecuff bracelets judystreehouse

    After the cuff is shaped it’s ready for the patina magic to happen.  Nope, I do not use patina paints, polishes, waxes or dyes.    I use a chemical process to expedite the development of the patina vs waiting for the every day elements of moisture, air, heat and humidity it takes for metal to develop its patina over time.

    I patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, check my pieces to see what designs the patina is creating.    Sometimes I pull them early.   Sometimes I leave them overnight.   Sometimes I remove the patina and start all over.    But after it’s all said and done each patina comes out as a unique, stunning work of art.   Some I like better than others.    And I love to watch how other people are attracted to one design over another……..decisions, decisions!

    patina cuffs by judystreehousepatina cuffs judystreehouse

    After the patina has dried, I then apply a wax coat to seal and maintain the patina.   The wax adds a nice shiny, glossy finish.

    cuff bracelets by judystreehousecuff bracelets by judystreehousebohemian cuff bracelets by judystreehouseboho cuff bracelets by judystreehouseartsy jewelry by judystreehousebohemian cuff bracelets

    Lately, I’ve moved on to creating unique patina pendant statement necklaces.      Following the same process I did for the cuffs, I created the pendants.    Each is hand cut, hand sanded, patina’d and polished.
    handmade jewelry by judystreehouse

    artisan jewelry judystreehouse handmade pendants judystreehousejewelry by judystreehouse jewelry by judystreehousehandmade jewelry by judystreehouse jewelry by judy rebman

The next step with the necklaces was finding the perfect gemstones.   Sigh, I just love gemstones!    Then came the Match Game!    Picking the perfect gemstone to complement each patina pendant and adding a bit of fancy chain for the finishing touch!

gemstone necklaces judystreehouse judystreehouse

And, finally, these cool, unique, and unusual Statement Necklaces!   No two are exactly the same!   They are artsy, eclectic, classy and eye-catching.    Sure to grab some attention and start a conversation or two!

statement necklaces by JudytsTreehouseeclectic statement necklaces by judystreehouse artsy jewelry by judystrehouse copper statement necklaces by judystreehousewomens statement necklaces by judystreehousebig bold statement necklaces by judystreehousejewelry by judystreehouseblue statement necklace for women

And there you have it.     A few of the steps involved in creating some of my unique jewelry pieces.

The jewelry I create is available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudysTreehouse

Thank you for your interest!

Peace Love and Joy

Judy

It’s A Harvest Time of Year

Fall, Autumn……my most favorite time of year.      The days get shorter, the sky takes on a different shade of blue, the leaves start falling; to me, things just seem to slow down a bit.

We’re in full harvest mode here at the farm.     Picking corn and cutting beans.

Here in the Midwest the days are still long and hot.  But, soon, the nights will take on a chill, the leaves will turn brilliant shades of colors, comfort foods will start simmering on the stove, sweaters, jackets and boots will come out of storage.

Are you ready for the changing season, too?     Here are a few pieces I’ve created to spice up your fall wardrobe.    The beautiful fall, autumn season will soon be upon us!

Purple Decor Gifts Jewelry JudysTReehouse Earthy Jewelry Gifts Judystreehouse Fall Autumn Jewelry Gifts for women JudysTreehosue Pastel Fall Autumn Jewelry Gifts JudysTreehouse

Peace Love and Joy,

Judy

Cross Necklaces

Years ago, before I even thought about making jewelry, I was in a restaurant in downtown Springfield, IL. The hostess had on a long necklace with an awesome large cross pendant that totally caught my eye. Determined to find one, yet unsuccessful at the time, I am happy to now have a nice selection of long and short, large and small cross pendant necklaces for men and for women to offer here at JudysTreehouse.

 

Large Silver Cross Necklaces by Judystreehouse Long Large Silver Cross Necklace for Men for Women Long Large Cross Necklace JudysTreehouseBoho Bohemian Large Cross Necklace JudysTreehousereligious cross necklaces for men judystreehouse short layered cross religious necklaces jewelry judystreehouse mens boho cross necklace judystreehouserosary style beaded cross necklaces by judystreehouse Pink Beaded Rosary Style Cross Necklace by JudysTreehouse unique large cross necklaces for women for men

long layered cross religious statement necklace judystreehouse unique long boho bohemian layered multi strand necklace

tiny cross necklace for women Judystreehouse Tiny Cross Necklaces for women judystreehousesmall cross necklaces by judystreehouse small casual cross necklace for women judystreehouse

Find these and more at:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudysTreehouse?ref=search_shop_redirect&section_id=19605676

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudysTreehouse

Thanks for visiting JudysTreehouse.

Have a terrific day!

Peace Love and Joy

“Do You Dream In Color?”

Do you dream in colors?     Check out these cool, eclectic, unique, funky dream catcher necklaces I’ve created.    Each is its own one of a kind pop of dreamy color.     I call them “A Dream and Three Wishes”!      They make a great gift……and, you’ll want to keep one for yourself!    You can find them in my treehouse @ JudysTreehouse.etsy.com

Unique Necklaces by JudysTreehouse Statement Necklaces for Wome Eclectic Jewelry by JudysTreehouse Bohemian Jewelry by JudysTreehouse