Love, actually.

How could I not? Whether you think it's the most romantic day of the year, or a load of old cheese, you can't ignore St Valentines Day, and it's tomorrow.  Him indoors better shape up - no garage flowers in this house, please!

As is usual, there are varying accounts of the origin of St Valentine's Day but the  most widely accepted is that it is dedicated to St Valentine of Rome, a priest in the 3rd century under Claudius II who was put to death on 14th February for assisting Christian marriages.

Observed as a feast day since 496 AD it gained popularity in Victorian times when the tradition of giving cards, chocolates and trinkets to your loved one really took off. Fat cherubs abounded!

So here are my earrings. A simple design using stoneware hearts and beads by the lovely Jana Bliznakova, with African turquoise and chain dangles, I like the way they hang. Just not quite traditional.  

If you haven't anyone to buy a card or gift for (and I admit to buying all my grandchildren a little something - him indoors wants yet another new bike, so he can wait) then take a bag of goodies to your local food bank and make a family's day special instead, or buy a homeless person a hot drink.

                                                              See you in two weeks

                                                                         Lindsay x
                                                              
                                                                      My Etsy shop
                                                                 
                                                                  My facebook page

A Fine Romance

So. It's Valentine's Day - do you 'do' it or not? This year I'll have been hitched to him indoors for 47 years. For most of those we have exchanged cards, for many he's bought me flowers - ok, sometimes garage afterthoughts, but flowers nonetheless. Last year we made a conscious decision to cut down on 'stuff ' we didn't need. We have a house full of  'stuff' that at some point our kids are going  to hold up their hands in horror at; so let's not add to it.  Cards are a casualty of our cutbacks.  Beads however, that's a different matter! But let's quickly gloss over that....

In honour of St Valentine, patron saint of courtly love, I asked Helen Backhouse to make me some 'hearts that aren't really hearts'. Heart cockle shells - subtle.  Then I turned them upside down - because that's what love can do.

 Gold and black/gold chain dangles from the rear and bright blue Czech glass really brings out the blue in them.

  Whatever you do today, make a point of giving someone a big hug, because love comes in  many forms.

                                                                  See you in two weeks
                                                                          Lindsay x

                                                                      My Etsy shop

                                                                  My Facebook page

Heartthrob Earrings

With Valentines Day approaching, I thought some heart themed earrings might fit the bill.

The Heartthrob Earrings feature delicately pink transparent glass beads that have a swirled pattern on the surface.  I topped the beads with Swarovski crystal bicones in a more intense pink. Valentines day seems to call for that touch of bling that crystals bring to the composition.

I used cranberry color Artistic Wire to create the heart shaped head pins and suspended them from sterling silver ear wires.

Wishing you lots of love - from kids, grandparents, pets, friends and family - all year 'round!

Linda Landig Jewelry

Boho Love

Happy Valentines Day everyone!  Well, I knew this post just had to include some hearts and preferably red ones! The patinated copper pieces are by Melinda Orr and unfortunately I do not remember who I bought the red lampwork hearts from since they were one of my first purchases at a bead show when I started making jewelry several years ago. I have hoarded them for quite some time!

These earrings are available here. To see more of my designs please visit my website.

***We're having an inspiration challenge and GIVEAWAY here at Earrings Everyday! If you missed Erin's post then just click here. ***

Thank you and have a fabulous weekend,

Kristy Abner

Kristy's Kreations

I Heart You

My original plan was not to post a Valentine inspired post,

but things don't always work out as planned.

I love these earrings so I'm happy to share them in the end.

Copper Hearts and Wonderful Lampwork Beads by SueBeads!

There are also tiny bits of Sari Silk tied below the beads.

While I'm at it I may as well go for it huh?

Here are a couple other Valentine themed items!

Can you tell I'm hungery?!?!?

Source: sixsistersstuff.com via Kristi on Pinterest

Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com via Kristi on Pinterest

These Heart Earrings and other jewelry and components available in my Etsy Shop.

I'm also Celebrating my 1,000 sale in my Etsy shop
 by having a sale Friday 27th-Saturday 28th
15% off everything using the coupon code CELEBRATE

Kristi