A Little Cottage in the Country

I'm just getting back into making some bits of jewellery for myself as my tools and wire that survived the destruction of my studio had been stored in boxes for some time. Really I left them there as we packaged what we could from the wreckage and it was so painful for me having to throw things out some boxes I just left as I didn't want to face it, and it's been over a year. However I enjoy regular breaks from drawing so did the last boxes and it got my making bug back. These earrings are simple hoops made from copper wire and carnelian stones. Most of my stones come from Jewellery Maker TV, they guarantee authenticity and to be honest on eBay, and even other shops, stones are frequently mis-sold, a lot of carnelian is actually dyed agate for example. They're very transparent about any treatment the stones have had as well. The other thing I like about Jewellery Maker is their ethical sourcing, mining is not only environmentally destructive it also employs poorly...

Okay, I know it's a bit late but the first version of this macramé bracelet was slightly on the small side so I re-made it. It's made with sunstone and moonstone, the shimmer and sparkle didn't really show up on the photos but it's really pretty. The cord is 0.4mm S-Lon. It can be an issue with natural stones finding those with a drill hole big enough for cords, usually the 8mm round have a hole that will just fit your two holding cords through if you stiffen the ends with nail polish. It's a very simple design using larks head and square knots. I love these little bracelets, they look nice stacked and are a quick, relaxing make.