So I've been thinking about these for awhile now and had to give them a try. Admittedly, while I'm not a big jewelry buff, I saw the Filigree Brads and use so many of the Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads that I just put the two together in my mind. Here is what happened as a result of that "vision".
Keep in mind that these are actually my first two attempts and this hasn't been refined. But for a first attempt, I was pretty happy with the result.
On the left hand side, I used clip-on backs. The back is actually a bit too big for the earring so I had to punch a 1/4" circle of Pale Plum and adhere this to the back, but actually, they are really pretty. The picture is a bit dark, but if you see them in person, they look really good. (You can click on the picture to enlarge it.) I used one of the images from the Hostess Set in the Holiday Mini to stamp the holder onto Shimmery White cardstock. I inked the image in Perfect Plum and Mellow Moss before stamping and then applied the three dots in the center of the flower with a gold marker. I would, and probably will, wear these -- very light in weight, but I love the sparkle!
On the right hand side, I used a kidney shaped Euro-Wire to adhere the back. This is the same size Filigree Brad; however, I used a bit smaller Fire Circle for the center, just to vary it up and see what the result would be. These things are so light and yet they really sparkle in the light. My conuundrum was how to package them. This isn't perfect, but I've got ideas to refine. Unfortunately, yesterday, Thom needed me to create about six football ticket cards and they do take a while because I create them from punches and have to assemble them -- many steps, but worth it with final presentation to our clients.
Here is a picture of the backs.
So, what do you think? Would you wear these? Please leave me a comment so I know if I should further explore this possibility. I laid awake for a good long time last night thinking about creating earrings with the Build A Brad Set. I know there are some fabulous possibilities there and I already have two really inspired ideas for pins that could be worn on a coat or a jacket. In addition, there are some lovely headband ideas swirling around in my mind. Do you know of any babies or young ladies who enjoy headbands? If so, watch and wait. I've got some ideas of how to create a few of these running around in my mind as well. I'm hoping to work on some ideas for my nephews today when I get home from work. So many ideas and so little time -- I need to write them down or I will totally forget them!
Just so you know, the Filigree Brads would make 8 pairs of earrings and they cost $5.95 per package. The Fire Circles come in a package of 80 rhinestone brads for $10.95, so you would have colors and sizes from which to choose, and you would definitely be able to use the remaining brads on other projects as well. The earring backs are extremely inexpensive and I was able to purchase them at half price because I'm one of those sale watchers, but even if I had purchased them at full price, the backs would have added only about $3.00 to the total for 8 pairs of earrings. So, before tax and packaging, which I can easily teach you to make, you've got an investment of about $20. Could you afford $30 for 8 separate gifts for the women in your life? What do you think? Please leave me a comment and let me know. I value your opinion and am wondering if this is an option for an upcoming class on Hand-Crafted Holiday gifts.
Have a fabulous day! If you have ideas about gifts you would like to create, drop me a line. If I don't already know how to do it, I know I absolutely can come up with an idea that we can tweak to be the perfect hand-crafted gift you'll enjoy giving this holiday season! Blessings!
Congratulations! I just wanted you to know that your project will appear on the Yahoo Group Late Night Stamper’s blog finds of the day for Oct. 29. Want to receive your own copy of the blog finds of the day? Join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stampinuplnstampers/
Posted by: Kelly Mayou | 10/28/2009 at 01:41 PM