Right, I've gone and done it. I used the word "Petalicious" in my earring names. I've always despised made up words like that, ones that end with "-licious" or "-tastic". Damn. The earrings are cute though, and I manipulated the filigree beadcap to flip out at the ends like a little blossom. I've done this in prehnite as well.

So this week, I've been making mostly earrings because I needed to get new items listed quickly after coming back from holiday. Another thing I managed to play with was oxidising my sterling silver pieces so they turn black. I can then either buff them, leaving the metal a bit grey with blackened bits in grooves and depressions, or leave them completely black for a really nice contrast against lighter-coloured materials.

A word on oxidisation: It's a chemical patination treatment which involves dipping sterling silver into a Liver of Sulphur solution, which reportedly smells really bad because it gives off a sulphide gas. I've had my little tub of LoS for about half a year and hadn't dared to use it as I read about how foul and dangerous it is. Yes it is dangerous so I wore a mask and goggles but basically did it in my high-rise kitchen with a fan blowing out from behind me so I hardly smelled a thing. And I suppose if you've been to Rotorua then you know what to expect... haha. Getting rid of the used solution is the yuckiest part yet.

Here lie the unsuspecting victims. Snigger snigger.


Wisp (in store now)
Pink chalcedony and Swarovski crystal on a delicate sterling silver chain which has been brushed for a weathered feel.


Froth (coming soon)
An iridescent freshwater Biwa pearl on a textured sterling silver chain that has been left black for contrast. I just love how pearls look with patinated metal!


I'd probably want to avoid immersing the entire finished item into the solution in future unless it's made of glass, crystal or acrylic. Was hesitant to dunk the pearl but I saw other people had done it without any problems. So I gave it a shot.

That's all for now... been thinking of bead designs when I try to sleep; I hope insomnia is not slowly creeping back.