On the Fringe

The title refers to the earrings above and not to the state of my mental health, although some may argue that it could apply to either one of those or to both. I use 20 gauge pins that I purchased with balls on both ends, that I have twisted around my own hand forged bronze hoops. The twisted wires have been slightly flattened with my hammer and then lightly patinated with verdigris for an even more rustic look. Maybe one day I will work up the courage to fire up my torch that was a Christmas gift and is still in the package. Then I could make my own ball pins, but for now I am still buying them. On the fringe?

The earrings were inspired by a design on Etsy from The Purple Lily Designs.

Headin' for the Beach by bohobeader featuring a denim trousers

Lucky Brand boho tunic
lordandtaylor.com

AG Adriano Goldschmied denim trousers
farfetch.com

Roxy sandals
swell.com

Western straw hat
nrsworld.com

Vince Camuto sunglasses
$120 - kurtgeiger.com

Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire

Frida Earrings

Frida Earrings

In these colorful primitive copper earrings, I use a verdigris patina and then added a blue patina around the border. The red jasper makes a wonderful contrast to the cool colors.

It was only a matter of time before I made a pair of earrings in honor of Frida Kahlo. Frida surrounded herself with vivid colors, animals, and a lush garden full of birds that inspired her, and later her students. Her imagination was fertile with images that were authentic and primitive as they made their way to her canvasses in paint. To me, those images are exhilarating, haunting and unforgettable. More about Frida.

 Gloria Ewing on Etsy and Artfire.

Almost Barefoot

Teal Polymer Earrings

Summer is about staying comfortable. So if you have to don a dress periodically, you can find one that is loose and breathable but still presentable for the office.

My rustic copper earrings are designed around these unusual folded polymer clay components from Barbara Hanselman. I have added verdigris patinated triangular Greek copper beads, and then wrapped the clay components with oxidized copper wire. Loose and comfortable for work or play.

Gloria Ewing

Almost Barefoot by bohobeader featuring a crochet tote

Country Chic

Hammered Copper Earrings

Warm weather signals lots of outdoor activities, art fairs, bar-b-ques, graduation parties. . .  you get my drift. Comfortable and fashionable clothes with one of a kind jewelry are in order for these casual events. 

I made these rustic copper earrings with hammered sheet copper, to which I applied a heavy patina. Then I added snippets of copper bezel wire, African copper heishi beads and tiny little aluminum eyelets for contrast.

Country Chic by bohobeader featuring plastic sunglasses

For more rustic copper earrings, check out my shops on Etsy and Artfire.

Carefree Copper Earrings

 

Copper Arrowhead Earrings

We've waited a long time this year for an elusive spring to arrive. Now that June is nearly upon us, I think it is safe to say that it's here. Time to put away the sweaters and expose some skin. Nothing puts me in the mood for spring and summer like brightly colored earrings! So I used large Czech glass rondelles in orange/pink with accents of teal, along with these wonderful copper arrowhead components from Kristi Bowman for a striking combination.

Carefree by bohobeader featuring a beach bag tote

For more carefree spring and summer earrings, click here or here.

Santa Fe Earrings

Santa Fe Earrings

One of the places that I would love to revisit, Santa Fe has a very distinctive character that is unforgettable. The cultures of indigenous people, Spanish missionaries and frontier Americans were blended together in a facinating quilt of their heritage. The artists of the many pueblos in the Santa Fe and Taos area are know for their pottery, much of it designed and fired using the same methods as were used hundred of years ago. Contemporary artisans of all kinds are drawn to the "Land of Enchantment" and artists colonies have become well established and internationally renowned.

Terra cotta ceramic components in my earrings are from Pajego Art House . They capture the southwestern mood when accompanied by burnt yellow seed beads, turquoise sea glass, with gun metal and brass accents.

shop til you drop by bohobeader featuring t by alexander wang

T By Alexander Wang / Mango jeans / BC Footwear strap sandals / Leather handbag / Vivienne Westwood bandana scarve, $62

See more of my southwestern earrings on Etsy or Artfire.

Asymmetry

The Japanese are masters of using asymmetry in design. You see it in their lithographs, their architecture, and in their gardening techniques. Using asymmetry is one more element that can create interest within the composition of your design.

In these earrings, I use rusty brown Czech glass nuggets and transparent brown nuggets along with copper in an inverted asymmetrical design.

Monochromatic by bohobeader featuring leather handbags

Alice + Olivia summer top / Miu Miu / Paige Denim super skinny jeans, $345 / Sergio Rossi suede platform pumps / BCBG Max Azria leather handbag / Weston Scarves silk scarve, $275

Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis for the Curious Blog Spot

Waste Not

Mixed Metal Earrings with Turquoise

When you are always trying something new in your designs as I am, you are bound to have some results that fall short of your expectations. So what do you do, throw it out and start over or keep going and adapt?

I started these earrings with a completely different idea in mind, but then my stamping did not turn out well. I was going for a primitive look anyway, so I hammered over the stamping to get a roughened surface.  I continued to hammer the body of the earrings into a slightly domed shape and the finials until they were thin enough to punch holes through. Then I applied a heat patina that brought out a warm brassy tone.

Often the unplanned things that happen, turn out to be pleasant surprises. I love it when that happens!

For a coordinating outfit, I chose to go dressy instead of casual this time around. The earrings, of course, could work either way.

Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis Too on Etsy



Ralph Lauren Dress - $415
houseoffraser.co.uk

Ted Baker Blazer - $190
johnlewis.com

Burberry Pumps - $846
matchesfashion.com

Tote Bag - $3020

asprey.com

LibbySue Scarf - $18

amazon.com

River Island Belt - $29

riverisland.com

 

 

Going Tribal

African Krobo Bead Earrings on Etsy

 



My earliest pieces of jewelry were slightly southwestern in style. It is the tribal element in southwestern that is so appealing to me. Along the way I have discovered other tribal styles including Hill Tribe silver, Peruvian ceramic, Asian mala, Indonesian glass. I love them all!

 

My personal favorite for variety, vivid colors and imaginative use of shape are the African beads. Primitive hand painted Krobo beads are captivating and full of personality. Brass beads are cast using the same method for a thousand years and maintain that ancient character. Large and small trade beads (originally from Europe) in bright colors have circulated within tribal Africa for hundreds of years.  These amazing African beads are now becoming more readily accessible, and they inspire me to go more and more tribal.

Gloria Ewing

 

 



Rustic Copper & Trade Bead Earrings

Saturday Morning by Gloria Ewing

 

Yellow Sweater $390 - Henry Christ, Boot Cut Jeans $100 - Rock Revival,

Ankle Boot $155 - Mimco Rebellion, Scarf $330 - Etro, and Hobo Bag $395 - Brahmin