Thursday, December 3, 2009

Handmade Holidays - Just Ice Jewelry


I am always on the hunt for original and stylish accessories. Pieces that tell a story are especially interesting to me.
Linda from Just Ice Jewelry some of the most wonderful and classy pieces with an unusual twist.
She creates earrings and necklaces using shards of antique china from the Ming, Shun and Qing dynasties. These broken pieces of gorgeous pottery were unearthed during construction digs as well as washed up from shipwrecks. Some of the pieces could be over 300 years old!
The small pieces retain the lovely handpainted artwork that the fine china is renowned for.
Each piece of the pottery shard jewelry at Just Ice Jewelry is lovingly set in silver plate to showcase the art, and suspended from sterling silver French hooks. The necklaces often feature coordinating semi-precious stone beads to accent the pendant.
I have a pair of the earrings, and they are so beautiful, and surprisingly light to wear. I don't even notice that I have them on - until I get a compliment on them (which has already happened a few times, and I have only had them for a few days!).
My pair was named Cecelia, and is a beautiful rich burnt orange and blue abstract floral pattern.

Just Ice Jewelry also has many beautiful pieces of jewelry made from other materials including semi-precious stones and genuine Swarovski crystal. The Twilight opalite and blackstone necklace is a must-see!

Linda has recently opened an independent online shop showcasing pieces that have never been listed in her Etsy shop . It is still a work in progress, but there are already several pieces there including a line of epoxy pendants and silver ball earrings that are lovely (and so inexpensive!).

If you have a loved one who has an interest in Chinese pottery, history, or just gorgeous jewelry, check out Just Ice Jewelry . The pottery shard earrings are only $13, and the necklaces start at only $18. Amazing gifts that have been handmade with love.

Happy Handmade Holidays!

The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated for this post.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Handmade Holidays 2 - CMS Designs

I met Chris aka crafty gurll on Craftster quite awhile back. She is always friendly and fun, and has so many crafty talents.
An Ohio native, she is a member of Cleveland Handmade
Chris organized her first craft show, Crafty Goodness, just last month! Hurray Chris! That is fantastic!
If you have never visited Chris's Etsy shop, CMS Designs, you MUST stop by and browse her gorgeous stoneware pottery. Her designs are very organic and beautiful, often incorporating nature elements into her work. With most of her handcrafted pottery costing less than $20, it is a great place to do some Handmade Holidays shopping on a budget!

Here are a few of my favorites from CMS Designs

Set of SIX stoneware appetizer/dessert plates, each one lovingly handstamped with a unique pattern and glazed in bright, happy colors.


Beautiful sushi serving set for 2. Includes chopstick rests in the shape of gingko leaves!



Leaf shape soap dish/spoon rest. This wonderful piece is only SIX DOLLARS! She even sells handmade soap, so you can complete the gift all in one place!



Chris has a lovely blog, Crafty Goodness . Pop by and see what she has been up to.

Happy Handmade Holidays!