Do you have a obsession for pearls? Do you buy pearl jewelry, and purchase strands and loose pearls to make your own? If you try to utilize pearls in your life, from including them in your sewing and craft projects to learning how to string and knot your own creations, then you have pearl passion!
And you are not alone. There are so many people out there who are pearl lovers. Most people don’t realize how important it is to string pearls correctly, but if you are a pearl enthusiast then you know how the knots in the line keeps the pearls from rubbing gether. Knotting also eliminates the danger that all of your pearls will go sliding of the string if it were to break!
If you really have a passion for pearls you probably have an extensive collection. Perhaps you have items you don’t wear anymore; you’ve grown tired of the style, or the color no longer matches anything you own.
In this case, why not recycle your pearls? Take your jewelry apart, and make something brand-new. A long strand necklace can be turned into a double row bracelet and a pair of chandelier earrings, or a bracelet can be combined with some extra pearls to create a choker.
Watch for specials on pearl strands and stock up on peanut, potato, baroque, rice and seed pearls. Vary the colors, and remember you can mix and match shades and sizes later.
Consider using inexpensive pearls to decorate your craft projects. Edge a lampshade with irregular pearls, or arrange a grouping in the corner of a picture frame. Paperweights are a great way to utilize a mish mash of cheap pearls left over from other projects; simply find a rock and use a hot glue gun to attach the pearls.
You can affix a seashell to a plaque, and encrust the edge with pearls for a conversation piece, or use seed pearls to accent a piece of artwork like a collage. The variety of colors available makes it possible to do almost anything.
If you carry a small pocketbook, running a row of pearls down the edge can really dress it up, or you can add a few larger pearls to the outside flap of a shoulder bag. Try sewing a few into a rosette and gluing to a brooch to hold a scarf or shawl.
Wedding finery is a traditional venue for pearl use, but have you considered putting pearls on other articles of clothing? Use a removable collar or a lace overlay to avoid having to wash it, and sew pearls and sequins on for a rich, glittery effect.
Pearls can be used to decorate a headband, barrettes or even strung on a heavy doubled thread with a loop on one end to thread a hairpin through. Braid them into your hair and add ribbons, or sew them to a snood for a demure look at formal events or funeral processions.
Indulge your passion for pearls and make them your trademark. Soon your friends will be clamoring for you to create custom pieces for them, and who knows - you might even be able to start your own business!
By Shelley Boswell