Crystal Dreams - Very Vintage and Victorian

I made multiples of the earrings below.  They are just so Victorian and vintage looking to me.  I call them Crystal Dreams, and I posted them today on Etsy.  Hope you like them!  Happy Independence Day!

Filigree Romance - Vintage Inspired Jewelry

I decided to update my Etsy shop that I called LeAllyson's Creations. It is now called Filigree Romance. I really enjoy the feminine look of Victorian vintage inspired pieces made with gorgeous Czech glass and Swaroski crystals, and then decorated with antique brass, antique silver or copper filigree beadcaps and beads. Have a look at the designs I posted at Filigree Romance. Several of my favorite pieces of jewelry are pictured here.

Rescued Treasures

Most of us are looking for creative ways to economize and save our hard earned dollars. None of us know what will happen next with our jobs, our investments, and our futures. We never really did know those things; we just felt more secure prior to this international economic crisis.

First and foremost I have faith that God is in control, and that he has a plan for each of us. From that perspective I try to look at the adventure and the good in all of this. As I have expressed before, I enjoy searching for quality old jewelry at estate sales and garage sales. I am beginning to create new pieces from the best of the old pieces. These are my "Rescued Treasures". Beads are rescued from a boring life at the bottom of a box or drawer, go through the pain of resuscitation via soap and water, are introduced to brand new youthful beads and findings, and take their places side by side with those new beads and findings, and take on new life in a brand new jewelry creation.

I have only posted a couple of "Rescued Treasures" on my website at this point. Check back often for more.

Filigree Romance Collection

I am creating a new collection of jewelry called Filigree Romance Collection. It will feature brass filigree and silver filigree pieces that are decorated with crystals and other beads. These all have a delicate romatic feel.

As part of this, I designed new jewelry tags and earring cards to display these pieces when I take them to my craft fair. I decided that each tag and card will provide a little of what inspired me. They will say -

Dreams of long ago bring thoughts of lace, flowers, intricate scrollwork ~ lots of lovely things. Dream away with this vintage inspired jewelry!
I hope this helps my business to develop more of a niche, and personality. From what I have read on marketing your jewelry, it is important to have a story or something to draw the customer to the design. What kinds of things do you do to bring your personality to the forefront in your online or in person marketing?

Personal Style in Jewelry Design

How do you decide what your style is for jewelry design? I have had difficulty with this. Do you? I've made lots of jewelry in a somewhat classic style, and most of it uses sterling silver. I find I am partial to Czech glass, Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls. I also enjoy lampwork beads. Although I like semi-precious gemstones, I don't use them as often as glass. I am trying to decide if it is because I don't enjoy them as much or if the cost of quality gemstones is a factor. I do know that the sparkle and glow of a lovely crystal, especially one that has multiple colors in it or one that has an AB finish that will make it sparkle and reflect colors differently depending upon the light really grabs my attention.

I've noticed the jewelry made in a vintage style with brass findings and find them absolutely charming and delightful. I am enjoying creating jewelry in that style now in addition to the other type of jewelry I've been making. The problem is that I should have a distinct style for marketing my work, and I don't want to decide on one over the other. Does anyone else struggle with this? Please leave a comment with your thoughts and ideas. I'd love to hear from other fellow jewelry artists.