Earring Rack and Earrings

The necklace stand is still intact and helping me stay organized.  My earrings were next things on my "things to organize" list.  I found a simple photo frame with a slot for two sheets of glass in the middle at TJMaxx.  The generous depth of this frame allowed me to run three lines on one side and two sets on the other side to accommodate earrings with various lengths.

After attaching eyelets, I realized that I didn't have suitable wire for this project.  I could have ran to the hardware store nearby...but sometimes it's fun to experiment and try to use what I have at home.

After trying everything in my toolbox and supply box, I decided to go with hemp string and polymer clay beads I made about the time I bought the hemp string years ago.  The Gorilla glue was used to keep strings and beads in place.
 

 This baby blue-red pair was the first pair of earrings I ever made with my own glass beads.

 The multi-colored cube beads came from a craft supply store. 

These polymer clay beads were coated with away too much shiny coating.  I learned that I prefer polymer clay's natural look.

I've had these beads (top and bottom) for a long time.  Right after purchasing these beads, I found out that some people make their own beads(!!!) and jumped right into the wonderful world of lampwork beads. 

Polymer Clay Beads and Hemp Necklaces

When I was making a necklace for my niece for Christmas, I found three necklaces I thought I gave away years ago.  While I was in school, I used to make these simple square-knot necklaces when I wanted to take a break.  Doing something mindless is my favorite way to clear my mind.  That must be why now I love hand spinning.

I can't believe I found things I made 10 years ago!  I could cut the beads out and use for something else or ask my little nieces if they want them.  Do kids nowadays still like hemp accessories?

Crocheted Necklace and Earrings

When it's cold, I don't even want to wear accessories with lots of metal parts.  I crocheted a necklace with super-soft Lion Brand Microspun yarn in black and handmade polymer clay beads.  Although I hardly ever wear earrings, I made matching earrings only because there were 4 beads leftover. 

The advantages of polymer clay beads are that they never gets cold like glass or metal beads and are lightweight.    The surface of the beads are finished very smooth so they don't irritate my skin.  I think I'll be wearing this necklace quite often this winter.