Creepy Crawly Accessories -- They are not just for Halloween!!

With it being the day before Halloween, aka Mischief Night, I think the timing on this post is just right. Yesterday, I was doing a little light reading on the latest in accessory trends.

Okay, full disclosure, I was flipping through slide shows on the computer. :)

What I came across surprised me, at first. According to InStyle magazine, one of the latest fashion trends for Fall 2014 is "Critters and Crawlers." And they are not talking about the cute little butterflies or lady bugs.

Who Wore It Best?

I thought that we could do something a little more fun and pick sides...pun totally intended. The eight year old inside of me just giggled at that.

The image to the left shows two of the newest Simone pendants. In case you are not familiar with my process, I'll just briefly explain. When I start conditioning clay, I dye or mix colors to obtain the desired color combinations for what I plan to make. Once the colors combinations are created, they are given a series name. In this case, the series is Simone.

Then after that point, every item that uses those colors is named after the series. This enables you to buy coordinating items and know that the colors will be an exact match.

So back to the initial question...who wore the Simone series best? The mini or the standard pendant?

What a difference a good sanding makes!

You would hardly know that the picture above is the exact same hair slide as the one pictured on the next page. Clearly, this piece was a diamond in the rough.

To make this piece, I created a single cane and then reduced it to two different sizes.

What is that thing called??

If you've seen me out and about, you've probably noticed one of these things stuck in my hair. As a mother of three, its the fastest way to get ready in the morning without having to sport the dreaded "messy ponytail." It's easy to do and covers you should you run into anyone during your dash to the grocery store. This look could even roll right into a night out. Have I mentioned it's my favorite style?

For the longest time I have worn one without even the slightest clue what it was called.
It was just fine for me to call it a hair thing, barrette, or hair stick.

Once I started selling them in my shop, I knew that I needed the actual name for it!

Weekly Sales

Introducing Deal of the Week!

That means that each week, we'll be having a new sale in the Etsy shop!

To find the weekly offer, you can look on Etsy or Facebook. Sales will be listed in the shop banner on Etsy. If you are a fan on Facebook, just click on the tab labeled "Deal of the Week." Hint..you must like the page in order to unmask the offer. 

This week only...since it's our Grand Opening...ALL merchandise in the Etsy shop is discounted!!! 

Why Polymer Clay?

You may ask, why, out of all the mediums available, I have chosen polymer clay. Or, even more bluntly, "what is polymer clay anyway!?!"

Polymer clay is a mix of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), plasticizer, and pigment. So basically - - it's plastic! Now you are probably thinking, by why plastic?

Several reasons, actually...

1. Durability - in addition to it NOT being able to be shattered by the accidental drop on the floor, this material has a great amount of flexibility. With the hair slides, this is especially important! In order for it to hold, it needs to be somewhat stretched and then spring back to a tighter position. Keep in mind...this is durable...but not indestructible...so still use care. :)

Welcome!

Audrey Series Oval Pendant

Welcome to Cascading Gems! We just opened our Etsy shop and are excited to show you one of the newest items posted for sale!

The Audrey Series Oval pendant is eye catching to say the least. Warm reds mix with ivory and tan to create a stunning piece! This pendant could be a focal point in your fall wardrobe.

Piece is made from 100% polymer clay. The clay is first conditioned and dyed the desired colors. After that, I create canes, which are sliced and laid out to form pattern sheets. The pattern sheets are flattened for a smooth finish and draped over the form - in this case an oval. Then the piece is smoothed to remove any flaws and fired. After baking, it is sanded, buffed and polished to a high gloss shine.

The result is spectacular!

You may find yourself starting with this pendant and molding the rest of your outfit around it!