Day 151 - Next turquoise earrings

I think these are from Next but they are really old! I don't really get much stuff from there - not sure why to be honest as a lot of their jewellery is really nice. I like wearing this colour when its warm and sunny...it sounds like today is the last day of tropical weather so I intend to make the most of it! 

Day 150 - Accessorize earrings

These were a last minute purchase one day a few years ago now - I think the earrings I was wearing broke and I hd a big meeting so wanted to look a bit polished! I like that they are quite neutral and 'go with anything' plus they feel really summery too.

Looking at the flowers on these also reminded me of my fab friend's amazing paper bouquets on Etsy! Lisa runs Ribbons and Tulle and made the most stunning paper bouquet for my mum for mothers day and I'm also getting a little one for my god-daughter as a gift to remember her mum's wedding day in a month or so. I can't wait to see it - I love the fact they'll never die and are such a stunning keepsake!

Day 149 - blue and purple bracelet

This is the bracelet that matches the earrings I wore yesterday. It's made up of the same pale blue crackle beads, which are threaded on to wire with small amethyst chips and clear seed beads. I love the fact that the blue beads remind me of cracking ice - and with the weather as its been recently that's a sound we've all been enjoying!

Day 148 - Blue and purple beaded earrings

I got these at the same time that I purchased these earrings I wore a little while ago. They're quite similar but I really like the blue crackle beads in these earrings. I think if I saw them in a shop I wouldn't be that fussed but actually when they're used I think they look really fab. I also found the matching bracelet when I was looking for these so I think I'll wear that tomorrow!

The Sunday Summary

So, as I mentioned the Shop of the Week this week goes to the amazing Tru Diamonds. I had been coveting a ring from them that I had seen ages ago in a magazine but although I may have high tastes I tend to have a meagre budget so I don't really buy myself a lot of jewellery that costs more than a tenner - particularly in 2012. I have to say the 'no buying' rule really is killing me. I know I broke it once (ok, maybe twice) already but both items were in the sale and were using birthday or Christmas present money so I think I can just get away with those but I am really starting to struggle. And we're not even half way through yet - eeek! 

Anyway, they were kind enough to let me try out the very ring I have lusted after for so long and I have to say I absolutely love it. I don't think these photos do the ring justice - the depth of the central stone is incredible and the outer gems are bright but not too flashy. I know when I went on honeymoon I was really worried about losing or damaging my rings so I think having a piece from Tru-Diamonds is a great way of still having that bling but without the worry of them being lost, broken or stolen. I also think their range would make fab wedding jewellery for brides or bridesmaids.


I can't recommend Tru Diamonds highly enough. They have so much variety and the ordering system is so easy - I plumped for a ring but I have to say that I'm already considering them for pendants/necklaces and bracelets (next year obviously!) - their simulated diamonds are stunning and you really can't tell that they aren't the real thing. Their pieces are set on sterling silver which is then plated with platinum or gold. They source their stones from diamond producers in Switzerland, and because they are produced in state-of-the-art facilities they are not blood/conflict diamonds. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity as well as a 90 day money back guarantee, a lifetime quality guarantee and full replacement warranty. They've even got a Jubilee collection and a stunning version of the royal engagement ring too! Go have a look, you really won't be disappointed.

Day 147 - Tru-Diamonds ring

I'm not going to say too much about this ring as Tru Diamonds are about to feature in The Sunday Summary as Shop of the Week. But how amazing is this ring?! Its called the 'Some Like It Hot' ring and I am a little bit in love with it!

Day 146 - Oyster and pearl bracelet

The idea to do this came to me when I made the oyster necklace and I love the irony of having an oyster charm hanging on a pearl bracelet!


The pearl bracelet is just a simple one I made ages ago and I added the charm to it using a silver jump ring. Nice and simple and it makes me chuckle too!

Day 145 - Handmade birdy necklace

I've seen so many butterfly, floral or bird print dresses these last few days and its inspired my jewellery as you can probably tell!

I decided to wear this today after wearing my butterfly yesterday - maybe there might be some florals over the weekend! I made it using the supplies from Smitten Beads (again!) and think its perfect for this lovely sunny weather we're having.

The lighting is so bad in this photo, I do apologise!

Day 144 - stunning butterfly necklace

My lovely friend Katie made this absolute belter of a necklace; it arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to put it on today. It really is beautiful...And another benefit is because it's mirrored you can use it to check your lippy too!! Multi-tasking jewellery - I likey!

Katie has a fab shop on Etsy and this necklace matches the wonderful earrings I bought from her last year and wore in January. She sources all of the acrylic she uses for her pieces from offcuts which means that the colours can vary from each design. It also means that all of her products are using up otherwise waste acrylic which reduces the amount of waste in the world. Which I think it pretty awesome especially when she can turn it into something so flipping beautiful.

Day 143 - Accessorize bracelet

I bought this bracelet to match the earrings I wore last week. I like the fact its got random chains and discs as it makes it feel quite tough which is nice to juxtapose with my girly bird print dress today!

Isn't it hot! This weather has made me realise that I do have loads of summery pieces but unfortunately I've worn a lot of them already...!

Day 142 - Sainsbury's bracelet

This is a bracelet from Sainsburys of all places! they don't seel their jewellery online which I think is a bit sad as some of their stuff is really lovely. Its quite dark in this photo but its made up of gold, green and brown chunky beads and feels quite tribal. The other good thing about their jewellery is its often discounted and I think this was only £2 - which is a bargain considering how versatile it is.

Day 141 - Accessorize earrings

I got these in the sale in Accessorize a while ago - I love the sales in there and often pick up a few bits when they are 70% off - and these were one of those bargains! They're a pale gold colour so are great for sunny days which I heard today was supposed to be...although I haven't seen anything other than clouds just yet...!

The Sunday Summary

It's been quite a week what with me getting poorly again (argh!) but I'm getting back to normal again at last which is great. My shop of the week this week is Tatty Devine, partly because I just love them so much and also because I really want to get my friend who is getting married a 'Bride' necklace. However 1) I can't afford it and 2) I think I'd enjoy it more than her and then we risk the situation when I fail to hand over the present again!! I also adore their bunting necklace too...maybe I just need to get saving! 


FYI - If anyone is wondering what I might want for Christmas though - its totally this.

Day 140 - 'Bubble' bracelet

I call this my bubble bracelet as I think it looks a little like two-dimensional bubbles suspended in the air. I also like the fact there are different sizes and they all mix together. I have no idea where its from but its really nice to wear and not at all jingly jangly like you might expect.

Day 139 - Silver star earrings

I think my mum and dad got me these as a present although I can't be sure. I have no recollection of buying them and they are sterling silver so I am willing to bet mum and dad got them on one of their 'trips'.


I like the fact that they are slightly battered which means they reflect the light a bit more and there's also something a little bit hippy about them too!

Day 138 - Accessorize earrings

These are initially a bit 'punky' for my tastes but they were a present and actually I really love them. Much like this necklace I wouldn't have picked them out but now I have them they've opened me up to slightly more tougher jewellery which I particularly like wearing with a nice girly floral dress.

Day 137 - Handmade bead bracelet

This is just a simple little thing I made a few years ago. The cubes a wooden and have been painted a bright fuchsia pink, ad then I've added a few small purple coloured seed beads between each one to break them up. As I'm still not feeling well its nice to wear something basic - but fancied up with brighter colours!

Day 136 - Marks and Spencer earrings

These were another of the advent calendar goodies. It's not a very good picture but they are small flower shaped silver and crystal drop earrings. Nice and simple - which was handy as I have been ill this week with a nasty bug that's doing the rounds (hence why these posts are all coming up a little late - sorry!)

Day 135 - Long knotted necklace

This is a Wallis necklace from a few years ago - and yes I am wearing the stripy dress again. Its pretty much the only thing I own with a relatively high neck so needs a long necklace and also it helps to break up the stripes too!


This necklace is like the Mikey one in that the tassels are really therapeutic to play with in meetings...!

Day 134 - Mikey wing earrings

As I mentioned, lots of earrings this week! these babies are from Mikey in Topshop - I only have a few things from there and these are a touch blingy so I don't really wear them much. I got them just before the whole 'wing thing' got big a few years ago, and I see it has sort of come back a bit recently. Maybe I should wear them a bit more...

The Sunday Summary

Sorry its a bit late, as you know I was on a hen weekend so I'm only getting a chance to post this now. Last week and the week to come feature quite a lot of earrings as I found a load that I had forgotten I owned so I've been wearing them a lot. 


There is no shop of the week this week in honour of the amazing earrings I wore today. Today's 'shop of the week' is more about cherishing pieces that mean a lot to you, ones that have been passed on top you by friends and family or ones that hold special memories for you. You can't put a price on these things (well I guess you can for insurance purposes) but they are invaluable to you because they are so special and no one shop will ever be able to give you that.

Day 133 - Vintage pearl and marquisite earrings

These are stunning aren't they? They were from my great aunt, who was also my godmother (I wrote about her before here and here). I don't really wear these as they are clip on earrings and I worry about them coming loose and losing them. I think its sad when that happens as jewellery was made to be worn not hidden away but some things are just too precious. They really are so beautiful...whilst I do tend to buy a lot of costume pieces I sometimes stumble across some vintage gems like these and you can just tell they will outlive everything else. I have no idea when these will have come from but I know that they've probably had one hell of a life!

Day 132 - Accessorize green earrings

I have a confession to make...I bought these for a friend and it was only as I was about to give them to her that I noticed she actually didn't have pierced ears! Eeeek! They were only part of a present so she still got the stunning bracelet that matches them. But I did keep these for myself. I am glad I did as they are really beautiful earrings and also now that same friend lives in Australia so whenever I wear these I feel a little closer to her. Not that she knows this obviously...I was quite an in unobservant friend to have never spotted that she doesn't have pierced ears!

Day 131 - Swarovski bracelet

Whilst I was busy making the necklace I wore yesterday, I made a bracelet too..! The lighting isn't great but you get the idea!

Day 130 - Handmade purple swarovski necklace

I confess that I made this last night when looking at my outfit for today! I used a left over Swarovski crystal (I had some left that I bought last year to make my bridesmaids' jewellery) and using a chains that arrived last week from Japan. So the majority of this necklace comes from eBay!

You'll recognise the simple style from the one I put up on here on Sunday in the jewellery masterclass. I'm wearing quite a busy outfit so I wanted something simple.

Day 129 - Wired heart necklace

This was another of the pieces I made using the findings and pendants from Smitten Beads. Just a simple and classic necklace but I like the punky twist of having the heart made of twisted wire. I never used to wear non silver coloured jewellery (unless it was the rare piece of gold) but I really like the antiqued brass style of these pieces. Which is good as I got a few bits n bobs and I'll be wearing them!

Apologies in advance for the next few days. I have my friends hen weekend so I will hopefully get a chance to post tomorrow but after that I probably won't be able to until Sunday, or more likely, Monday. Hope you have a fab rest of the week and enjoy the weekend!

Day 128 - Multi-bead drop earrings

I have been trying to work out where these are from and I still have no idea. They are sterling silver so must be from a jewellers or maybe one of those jewellery stands you get at train stations maybe? I really like the different coloured beads and because they are glass they have a nice 'clink' to them when I move my head. I am clearly very easily pleased!

The lighting in this shot is realyl bad but in real life they are really vibrant and pretty.

Day 127 - Accessorize bracelet

I did say at the start I am a big Accessorize fan! This is another of their pieces - I don't wear it much because it's very dangly and can get annoying but its nice to wear something a bit fancy on a bank holiday!

This is an antique brass effect charm bracelet that has a number of different leaf charms as well as the odd bead or two. Its a few years old now but I still like it!

The Sunday Summary - jewellery master class

I wanted to do a bit of a jewellery making master-class this week so my mini focus on shop of the week this week is eBay. I know how random that is but as all of my supplies used in this post are from either Smitten Beads or eBay (and Smitten Beads has already been my shop of the week) so eBay it is. You can get some great bits on eBay, and good deals if you buy in bulk - for example I get a load of silver chains from Japan for much less than you get them from sellers in the UK! I'm making my friends bridesmaids jewellery for her (I am one of said bridesmaids!) so I thought I'd show you how I made the simple, classic, necklaces we're each wearing. It's really easy - there are only 3 steps!


You will need (pictured above):

• A pair of round pliers (you can get these from craft shops)
• A necklace (I tend to use silver chain and like 1mm or 2mm snake chain especially)
• A silver head pin (you buy these in bulk for next to nothing)
• A pearl (you can get these from bead/craft shops or by recycling existing pieces!)
• Possibly some wire cutters (not pictured)

Step 1 - Threading the pearl

It really is as simple as it looks like it's going to be - there really isn't much science to it! You simply thread the pearl on to the head pin, like so... The pearls all come pre-drilled, I got mine from Smitten Beads and these are the 10mm ones in sage green, you get about 20 for £1.

I always thought that making your own jewellery was really hard but actually its pretty simple. You can learn a lot by watching videos on YouTube or by trial and error - I suggest just getting a starter kit online (or from craft shops) and trying it out to see if you like it! 

Step 2 - Attaching to the necklace

Now take the chain and hold it under the head pin. Using the pliers, loop the head pin over and then under the chain to create a loop and then bend the head pin, using your fingers, over the pin to seal the loop, like the picture to the right. 

See, this is all still pretty basic stuff, and actually writing it down makes it sound more difficult than it is - its kind of common sense once you're doing it!

Step 3 - securing the head pin

Finally you can either use your hands or another pair of pliers and simple twist the wire round itself to create a pretty swirl - see photo to the left. Depending on the length of the head pin you may need to trim the end with some wire cutters. If the loop is a bit off centre you can use your pliers to tweak it or to flatten the wire swirl so its flush against the pearl. And that's it! Told you it was easy!

The finished piece

Day 126 - handmade amber crystal necklace

I made this a couple of summers ago - I wanted something that worked well when it was nice and sunny and I really liked these stones. Its three strands strung so you can wear them all tangled together (like I have here) or at different lengths. It's really tactile and I love wearing it - if only we had the weather to match...

Day 125 - Marks and Spencers bracelet

This was part of my aforementioned M&S jewellery advent calendar - in fact, if I remember rightly, this was one of the early pieces and then in some of the other boxes were individual charms to hang on it - I'd forgotten that when I wrote the earlier post! The major design flaw being that you can only attach the charms on the one small hook by the T-bar clasp - the clasps used to attach them are too small so you could never wear the charms attached to the actual bracelet like a full charm bracelet. I think this is a huge flaw and a real shame as I would have worn more of the charms together. However this round one is the only one that I count as being a 'go with everything' classic...its my favourite one as its sparkly! 

Day 124 - laser cut earrings

I've had these for ages as I love the Lara Bohinc-ness of them but I rarely wear big earrings. However its Friday so anything goes! I think they are from Dorothy Perkins but it was probably about 8 years ago now so not sure if you can still get them. I still see similar styles around so I am sure you can find something similar!

Day 123 - silver Accessorize earrings

Yes, another Accessorize purchase - these are really old but nice to wear if you've got your hair up. I Like the fact there is a pattern on the sliver hoops and they look nice and worn - almost vintage. Not much more I can say about these really - good classics!

Day 122 - Purple beaded earings

I didn't make these! These were a pair of earrings I bought from a friend of a friend a long time ago, way before I thought of making jewellery myself. It seemed like something you needed some qualifications or expertise in and I had neither - just a passion for accessories! I found them again recently and tried to remember how much I paid for them as they are really simple but using really nice quality beads so they look quite expensive. They are a lesson to me about how I should price my own pieces if/when I do sell them (I tend to do commissions for friends rather than having my own site but I'd like to do that one day - maybe I'll start with a shop on Etsy or Folksy). I often under-price my pieces and I need to remember that people are paying for your time and creativity and not just supplies!

Day 121 - Scissor necklace

Just like yesterday, this is another piece I made over the weekend! It's a scissor charm strung on antique silver chain and yes, I am wearing the striped dress again, but I took a rather arty shot this time (which makes my boobs look even more mahoosive-r than they already are!)

In other news my favourite pair of shoes broke today - these are the ones. They're really old and actually from a charity shop (Clarks originally). They were the most comfortable shoes ever so I am really sad to say goodbye! It's the elastic and the clasp that has broken not the shoe so I'll see if its fixable but I think they're destined to go to the big shoe cupboard in the sky (sob!).