Saturday, January 5, 2013

Earrings for My Sister, Sandra




Before I get started on the earrings, I'm going to give you a little history about my sister Sandra and hope she doesn't get mad or that I bore you to death.

I am the youngest of seven sisters and brothers. There were two half sisters, three brothers, my sister, Sandra and me.  Now, it's just me and Sandra and a half sister, Margie, who is nearly twenty years older than I am. I really didn't know Margie (she didn't get along with my mother) until well into my adulthood, so naturally we are not close.  Sandra lives in California. Unfortunately, the only times I have gotten to see her is when a family member dies and she comes to the east coast for the funeral.  But I have had a chance to visit her a few times since she moved to the west coast.

Years ago, Sandra had just started teaching when she took time off to go to her sorority's convention that was being held in Los Angeles, California. There, she met and married a guy (I can't recall his name) all in a weeks time.  She called home and asked me to tell my parents what she had done.  Needless to say, Sandra continued living in California far away from any family members. Early on, she taught in elementary schools, but when her second marriage began to fail, Sandra earned her master's degree and became a librarian for the city of Los Angeles. She is retired now, alone, and living near the Pacific Ocean.  Although I've asked her to come home, she will probably never live on the east coast again.

Sisters, Gail, Margie and Sandra
Our favorite brother, Bill, died this past April.  He was the nicest guy, so smart and talented.  Sandra came for the funeral. There's just the two of us left, plus Margie, in our immediate family.  Before the internet, we would call each other a few times a month.  Now, we keep in touch through emails and facebook.  Since I started blogging, Sandra reads what I'm up to and occasionally will offer words of encouragement. That's why I decided to make her a pair of earrings. Nothing intricate, just something for her to wear that says, "my sister, Gail made these for me."

Recently, Sandra emailed me a picture of a purple print jacket she had just gotten.  No, purple is not her favorite color and I was quite surprised that she bought it. And of course I had some randomly shaped beads that went perfectly with the colors in her jacket.


To get started, I gathered:
  • Two headpins - the longer, the more dramatic in appearance
  • Purple Beads
  • Two earring wires
  • Two jump rings ( to join the head pins and earring wires)
  • Round nose pliers
Adding the beads to head pins is quite easy, just make sure to keep the same shape of beads added for each earring.

Next, bend the headpin to a 90 degree angle with the round nose pliers.  The bend should be just slightly above the top of the last bead so that the earring dangles naturally.

Holding the end of the head pin, roll the pliers in a counter clockwise direction to create a small loop. Add an opened jump ring to connect both the small loop and ear wire and close it back up. Repeat to make the set.  

There, you have a beautiful pair of earrings in no time flat.

I know my sister will like them!
These are the easiest earrings to make.  And they really make a big impact!  Their size and shape gives it a funky look to even the simplest outfit, and I know the earrings will make a cool statement with Sandra's purple print jacket. Can't wait to actually see her in them.  Just send me a picture, Love!



Take a little time to enjoy
and
Happy Crafting!

































14 comments:

  1. Oh sisters are the best!! I love mine....most of the time!!! I'm glad to get to know a little more about you and your family. I'm sure Sandra will love getting those earrings, which are divine by the way! Nice project and welcome back!

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  2. Those are lovely earrings, and I know your sister will be thrilled with them. I love that I have the name of you AND your sister, my name is Sandra Gail!

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  3. You certainly are multi-talented Gail! The earrings are so pretty, and you make is sound so easy. I'm sure your sister will love them!

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  4. Those turned out really pretty! Thanks for sharing your siblings with us too :)

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  5. The earrings are great, but I enjoyed the story of your family. I have never had to be so far away from family - we live within a couple of hours from each other.

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  6. Thanks so much for linking up your gorgous earrings to It's Party Time! Thanks for sharing your siblings too!!

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  7. I love these earrings, Gail. Thanks for the tutorial. Gloria has been asking me for a while to try to make some jewelry. I've been putting it off. I know what's on my shopping list now!

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  8. What a nice tribute to your sister, she will treasure these beautiful earrings, they look perfect for matching her outfit.

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  9. these earrings are beautiful Gail! I love purple too so would be proud and happy to wear these! I know she will treasure them forever!

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  10. It's always nice to see sisters that are close and keep in touch. This is the prefect gift for your sister.

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  11. The earrings are really lovely, Gail; making them for your sister is even more lovely! I enjoyed reading this bit of your family history. Thank you for sharing your sister with us!

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  12. Very pretty and making them is really special. Great post, Gail!

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  13. Such a fabulous handcrafted gift. I'd be thrilled to get those lovely earrings.

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  14. Oh my gosh Gail. You always have something wonderful to share.

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