I am still working on the integration of paper into this new line I am creating. Button Pendants! These are some of the easiest yet fun things to make! Using jewelry wire as the thread, I connect the buttons together in an attractive pattern or design (it usually evolves as I am “threading” it), make a loop for a necklace to go through and voila! - a thing of beauty to wear around your neck. A lady saw me working on these at my table this last Saturday and was ready to purchase one on the spot! Several have been created so far with hopes of getting another dozen or so done before my next craft market date. Price range is currently $8-$10 each. Look for them at the Reston Craft Market on September 11th.
Can consistent adrenalin rushes affect one adversely??? Every time I create a new pendant, another idea comes along and sometimes, it really is too much for one person to bear!!! I have been known to run around the house in an excited frenzy as I put the finishing touches on a pendant and admire its beauty.
This happened most recently when I decided to use some glass rectangle shapes that had holes pre-drilled on the top. I bought them because they were on sale but I wasn’t sure how I could use them. It occurred to me that I could save on using bails by using jump rings through the holes of these rectangles. So, I set to work and put together a few of the rectangle pendants. When I finished though, the tops of the pendants seemed a bit plain and boring. They needed something… hhhmmm… the first pendant I was working on is one I’ve dubbed Young Love. I remembered some charms I had bought recently on clearance and ran up to see if one of them would work. Mind you, this was well after 10 (or 11) at night but when I put the little heart charm on the jump ring and saw the effect… well, let’s just say, I had a “moment.” It was just about the most darling thing I had seen in awhile. It was so beautiful! And alas, no one was awake to share in my joy! They sure heard about it the next day though.
This is what caused my smiles
Many more have followed since that wonderful night. Here is a small collection of them. They will sell for $15 each and come with a ribbon in a corresponding color.
Today is a great day! I figured out how to feature my Etsy shop on my blog! You will notice a cute little widget on the right hand side of this page with my pendants being shown on a slide show. Just click on any that interest you and it will take you to my full Etsy shop. Any of you who have seen my inventory know that these pendants are just a tiny fraction of what I have available. I am working on correcting that so be sure to check back on my progress (nothing like putting myself in the pressure cooker). At any given time, I usually have 150 pieces in inventory. The goal is to always have 400 in inventory. Yep, I got my work cut out for me!
Wow! So, the pendants are flying out the door and I am trying my best to keep up with the demand. I currently have 4 special orders with more promised. People are already starting to think about Christmas… so I guess I better start too! If you want to place a special order in time for Christmas delivery, please contact me sooner rather than later. My deadline for Christmas special orders will be December 5th. I do not want to disappoint anyone (especially during my first Christmas ordering season), so we will err on the side of caution with the Dec 5th date. This gives plenty of time to complete each order and get it in the mail at a reasonable time for Christmas delivery.
Additionally, I have a lot of craft shows lined up for the fall schedule so I will be one busy beaver from now until Christmas. I plan to post the schedule so you can plan to attend one of the events where I will be showing the pendants.
See you at the Reston Craft Market on Saturday, August 21st, from 9-1. Weather forecast is looking good so we are expecting nothing but a great day!
Having lived in Reston for a couple of years, I had visited the Farmer’s Market near Lake Anne on several occasions. I ventured over to the market near the shops as well but was unimpressed. It seemed as though it was all imported souvenirs and trinkets being sold for high prices. As I recall, there were not very many vendors either. What was reality and what was my impression, I cannot say for sure but I had not made an effort to go back – until this morning.
With my new venture, I have been researching markets, fairs and festivals conducive to my craft. The Reston Craft Market did not enter into that picture (based on the above history) but a friend encouraged me to set up there. I duly followed her advice and I am so glad I did!
The vendors and wares are diverse, creative and numerous! Although the temperatures propelled us into Code Orange air quality, the crowds were out at the market and interest in my pendants was high. It was an encouraging and affirming experience and I look forward to many more Saturdays out at Lake Anne.
My current schedule will find me at the Craft Market on these Saturdays: July 31; August 7; August 21 and August 28. Will post beyond that once I know my schedule in September.
Thank you for your support! Please comment if you stopped by my table on any given Saturday. I look forward to seeing you at Lake Anne!
While I have not officially started selling my pendants, I have already sold over a $100 worth just because people experienced love at first sight when they see them! Woo hoo! I have gifted close friends and family with a “starter” pendant and cord. By wearing them occasionally, interest has been sparked and sales made. Soooo… I attend my first craft fair this weekend in hopes that many more folks experience this love at first sight phenomena. I have close to 150 pendants finished and ready to roll. I will try to make an album available for viewing the different designs. Orders can be made here by using the Contact Me page. I already have a special order for a bridal party’s jewelry!!! SOOO excited about that!
Craft Show Details
Knox Presbyterian Church in Falls Church, VA on Arlington Blvd. Saturday, June 26th from 10-6
This elegant, patriotic stamp is part of our Stamp series collection featuring famous faces and places. Three cent stamps are a thing of the past but we have preserved it in this beautiful pendant. Stand proud with Lady Liberty and wear this piece around your neck! Suspended from an 18″ voile ribbon/cord. Lobster claw clasp. Limited Stamp Series Edition
This vibrant pendant is part of our Floral series collection featuring beautiful flowers of all varieties. This striking gerbera daisy will catch the eye of everyone! It’s a great summer accessory – sure to complement your bright wardrobe. Suspended from an 18″ voile ribbon/cord. Lobster claw clasp. Limited Floral Series Edition Cost: $10.95 plus S&H
This vibrant pendant is part of our Floral series collection featuring beautiful flowers of all varieties. This striking gerbera daisy will catch the eye of everyone! It’s a great summer accessory – sure to complement your bright wardrobe. Suspended from an 18″ voile ribbon/cord. Lobster claw clasp. Limited Floral Series Edition Cost: $10.95 plus S&H
This patriotic stamp is part of our Stamp series collection featuring famous faces and places. Six cent stamps are a thing of the past but we have preserved it in this beautiful pendant. Wear your American pride around your neck! Suspended from an 18″ voile ribbon/cord. Lobster claw clasp. Limited Stamp Series Edition Cost: $10.95 plus S&H
Button Pendants! These are some of the easiest yet fun things to make! Using jewelry wire as the thread, I connect the buttons together in an attractive pattern or design (it usually evolves as I am “threading” it), make a loop for a necklace to go through and voila! - a thing of beauty to wear around your neck. A lady saw me working on these at my table this last Saturday and was ready to purchase one on the spot! 
Several have been created so far with hopes of getting another dozen or so done before my next craft market date. Price range is currently $8-$10 each. Look for them at the Reston Craft Market on September 11th.
