http://www.nschristen.etsy.com

This week I am featuring another Etsy store - http://www.nschristen.etsy.com.

This full time teacher from Illinois works with "children with special needs in a high poverty and majority minority area." She says "I hope by helping kids learn that they will have access to more choices and hopefully work to improve the community."
Dark Moon & Starry Night Necklace

Her hobby of wired knitted jewellery can be seen in her online store...
"I started knitting jewellery this summer. I love knitting but it's too hot to work with wool and cotton during the summer. I'm inspired by nature. I love pearls and semi precious stones. I love greens, blues, whites and silver. I make things that I would want to wear."

"I love PEARLS! I Love them. They have such luster and life and they match almost everything. At the moment I am working on a thick curled knit wire necklace. It is peridot, pearl and mother of pearl. It really is a statement piece."

Abalone Pearl Crocheted Wire Necklace

"Jewellery can really upgrade an outfit to fabulous. Funky and one of a kind pieces can be a great conversation starter."

"My mom did lots of crafting with my siblings and I, growing up. Besides knitting clothes and jewellery, I like to be active, playing soccer, tennis and running. I live with my rescued mixed breed dog and boyfriend."

NSChristen's favourite pieces are her Dark Moon and Starry Night Necklace,Twisted Amazonite Necklace and her Abalone and Pearl Choker.



Twisted Amazonite Necklace

You can find more of NSChristen's designs at her online store at http://www. nschristen.etsy. com and she is also hoping to do a few craft fairs next year.


Mermaid Blue Green Necklace

Vintage Jewellery

It's been very quiet in my store over the past month and my time has been taken up elsewhere but one thing I did decide to do this month was trek around car boot sales and antique fairs looking for any bargains that I might be able to use, either to make something new or to sell in my Vintage section. At one antique fair, I was like a child in a sweet shop; there was so much jewellery, maybe too much. My favouite piece I picked up was a colourful brooch which caught my eye immediately. Even though it had a slight imperfection the colours and 3d effect shape stood out for me and I had to buy it.




My Vintage section has become quite successful and this just gives me an excuse to visit yet more antique fairs. Here are some other vintage pieces that can be found in my store http://www.charmedjewellery.etsy.com








To be included in my Vintage section, a piece has to be over 20 years old. The three pieces here are from the 1980s. The necklace and earrings set is made of diamante. Diamante is a diamond simulant made from rock crystal, glass or acrylic. Simulants are distinct from synthetic diamond, which unlike simulants is actual diamond and therefore have the same material properties as natural diamond. A diamond simulant may be artificial, natural, or in some cases a combination of both.

So, if you are looking for something slightly different, come and check out my store. At the moment I am having a Christmas Sale!! Buy One Get One Free - Buy one item and choose another of equivalent or less price and get it free. http://www.charmedjewellery.etsy.com