Sea Urchins and Seashells

You know I love all things pertaining to the sea. So, when I saw these darling little green sea urchins, I had to have them. I had no idea what I would even do with them, so they have been hanging out on my shell shelf since I went to the shell shop with Momma P back in late July/early August.

I knew they were going to be too fragile to use as is. I thought about this for a while, and decided to fill them to make them solid. After I made those last two seashell and flower headbands, I knew what I wanted to do with some of them.

I now have a pretty new headband to put in my shop!

The little urchins are still very lightweight, but far less breakable than they were.

The cream and white flowers accent the urchins beautifully!

I'm not much of a headband gal, but I would wear this one, too!

It is perfect for a beach wedding, though. Bridesmaids would look lovely, and flower girls would be so darling in this. I don't think I would wait for a wedding to wear this! I'd wear it anytime!

I have a few more of these cute little urchins, and will probably make another headband, and I don't know what else yet. Right now I have too many ideas, and too many things to play with....but I'm not complaining!

I have a couple of custom orders I'm excited to get started on, I'm just waiting for the rest of my supplies. I also just finished a couple! I can show you one of them. The other is a gift for someone, and the gift giver should have a chance at posting about it first, I think :)

These earrings were made to my customers specifications! Those blue green pearls really pop with the shells! She got the idea from another pair I posted a few weeks ago. You know my pics don't do them justice, and I'm really kicking myself for not taking more pics.

The only pics I took were on the whale tail :(
In my haste to get them listed, I failed miserably in the photo taking department.

These three pics are the only ones I have of these earrings. Shame on me! 

I do love the soft pink in these shells, and the crystals match perfectly. That little pop of sea colored pearls is mesmerizing, and gives these earrings a nice beachy vibe!

You may have noticed I haven't listed much of anything new in my shop. Between my custom orders, selling other things, and getting ready for the craft shows (and doing some serious playing! see my last post!) I just haven't made the time. But I have really enjoyed the time off from being a photographer lol. You know that is so not my favorite part of this. I really do need to get on the ball and show you some of the neat necklaces I've been making....and my new ideas and plans for the next show!

But...today I am taking a couple of hours to take a wire wrapping class! If I do a good job, you will see the results, if I don't...you will never hear about it again. LOL!

I'll see ya tomorrow!

Always have a beachy kind of day :)

Big Seashell Barrettes

You know I'm a sucker for something pretty to put in my hair, whether it's cute seashell bobby pins, hair ties, hair sticks, or barrettes.

While buying some big shells recently for necklaces, I found some really big ones and thought, "Man, these would be awesome hair barrettes!" So I bought them just for that purpose.

upside down view

right side upwards view

I really like these simple single shell barrettes! Call it a statement piece for your hair :D

With long hair in the summer heat and humidity, I am always pulling my hair back, or up. I can't stand it down for very long. It acts like a blanket and keeps the heat in, and that's the last thing I want when I am burning up. As I write this, my hair is in a bun, with a paint brush stuck through it like a hair stick. It's a quick option when I am in the craft room, and since my crafty space is in my garage, it gets hot out here. I do have a really big fan that helps make it bearable, though.

But I like to use something pretty when I go places!

These big white scallops are really fun, and make me think of mermaid hair styles. I made myself a barrette with a large polished flat Irish scallop. I can't believe I don't have a picture of it. It's so cool!

I really love hair accessories!

Now, you would think that it is oh so easy to just glue a barrette inside or to a shell, wouldn't you? Let me tell you that isn't so. Some shells are too curved, some are too flat. It takes just the right amount of curvature and flatness to make a shell into a barrette. It doesn't always work, and I swear I'm gonna start taking my clips with me when I shop for these things so I know right off if it will work or not. I have a couple of shells I'm trying to repurpose because they didn't make good barrettes because of too much curve in the shell.

My first show is coming up soon! Only 3 more Saturdays, and the 4th Saturday is IT! Which will be the 2nd Saturday in September. I am working on my tables, skirts, canopy, banner, and displays! So much to do, but I am so excited for this. Wait til you see what hubby found to make a display out of. It's so beachy looking!

Kim sent me some clear acrylic sign stands, and I think I know how I want to use them! Also some earrings cards for sterling silver earrings! Thank you Kim! I just bought an earring display stand for my table too....it's slightly used, but was a real deal at $15!

I'll show you what my crafty space is looking like these days, and some of the neat things I've been gathering for the shows.....in another post! Crafty space this week...show items next week. I'll be squeezing new jewelry (and shells!) in between.

Please see my POLL on earring preference in my sidebar and VOTE!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!