building a nest...

I love creating handmade jewelry... and enjoy doing business via my Etsy shop, valleykat designs. I'm addicted to Etsy by the way, spending hours clicking around the different shops looking for new ideas and inspiration... after coming across a somewhat popular bird's nest design in pendants right now, I decided to give it a try. There are many shops selling different versions of this, but I wanted to create something that looked a bit more realistic. Using wire that was antiqued before I began really helped add to the organic feel of this piece. After forming the nest I used steel wool to polish the raised areas of wire, while the recessed areas remained darker (antiqued). Please click on pictures to enlarge if you'd like to see more detail.

One of my first bird's nest pendants... and I just love the way this one turned out! Antiqued brass wire was wrapped and formed around three vintage swarovski crystal oval pearls in a creamy ivory color. The bail was made with the same wire in a heavier weight so it won't bend or twist.

This little treasure measures 3/4's of an inch in diameter and is suspended from an antique brass chain that measures just a tad under 22 inches.

Handmade hook and loop closure.

This particular necklace was purchased by a super-sweet young woman who planned to wear it on her wedding day! She explained that it was to be an "unconventional" type of wedding with a bird's nest theme, as they we're beginning their new life together and "building their nest".  I was thrilled to say the least, what an honor to think that someone chose one of my little creations to be a part of her very special day. Anyhow, she emailed me this morning to say thanks and that everything was just perfect for her big day... she was even kind enough to include a picture of herself wearing her bird's nest necklace.... talk about absolutely glowing with love and happiness!!!

"The wedding was beautiful! Perfect, in my opinion. I couldn't be happier with it. The necklace was the absolute perfect touch! ...I often think of what you said about building the nest one piece at a time. I wear the necklace nearly every day as a reminder that I get to build my own home now. Every action and word builds it. When I feel the necklace around my neck at various times during the day it reminds me that I have a peaceful, happy place to go home to and continue to create. Thank you for making such a sweet, beautiful piece and for being so thoughtful in the way you sent it to me. It makes the experience all that much more special!"



Currently for sale in my little cyber-shop, valleykat designs, here are a couple of handmade bird themed jewelry items... unique gifts with whimsy and vintage flair...
If you are interested in a nest necklace please don't hesitate to contact me for details, I have many types of wire and different colored pearls as well.

Fly Away Home... handmade earrings featuring faceted amber glass beads, antique brass filigree charms and sparrows. $15.00 
to view the listing for this item please click on the link below
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/54274160/sparrow-earrings-amber-glass-antique

Perfectly Perched... handmade earrings featuring vintage coral swirl glass beads and antique brass birds.  $15.00

to view the listing for this item please click on the link below

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54641688/bird-earrings-vintage-coral-swirl-glass