Jolly Rancher, anyone?

A couple of weeks ago (on Father's Day, to be exact), the Rings & Things road show was in town. I order from Rings & Things all the time. They're one of my favorite suppliers. Whenever their package arrives, my mouth starts to water ... not just because of the beads, but because they put a Tootsie Roll and a Jollie Rancher inside every shipment. Sweet. Let me tell you, that little bit of penny candy scores big brownie points with me!

In addition to their catalog and online store, they have a road show that travels around the U.S. most of the year. They rent out hotel ballrooms, lay out thousands of strands of beads -- many of which are only available at the road show -- and give their wholesale customers great discounts. This was my second time going, and I was excited to get there early for the best selection. So were a lot of other people, apparently. Even though it was Father's Day, it was packed, and the line to pay stretched all the way to the back of the room most of the afternoon.

After picking up a bunch of Botswana agate (one of my favorite stones), freshwater pearls, picture jasper, and other goodies, I picked up a couple of strands of these foil-lined glass squares (above) totally on impulse. They reminded me of the little square Jolly Rancher candies that come in the drugstore packs. My favorite Jolly Rancher flavor is watermelon, followed by the green apple. What's yours?

I decided to make a bracelet and matching earrings, and they were the first thing to sell last week when I went to A.M. Best with my 'corporate trunk show.' I promptly came home and tried to see if I could order more from Rings & Things, but alas, it seems these are only available at their road show, and that doesn't come around again until the end of September. I'm bummed!

I had enough on hand to make two more bracelets and a few pairs of earrings, which should sell quickly, then that's it. I'll have to do some more web surfing to see if I can find them somewhere else. They're fun to look at, fun to wear, and they feel really cool on your wrist.

Finally, because I'm sure you can't possibly stand the suspense any longer, here's the pink crystal set the client picked for the bridal party, a classic necklace with a large baroque drop, matching earrings, and a three-strand bracelet, all made with Swarovski crystals (click on image to enlarge). They look so pretty on her! Tomorrow, I'm meeting with the mother of the bride to show her the ideas I've come up with for her jewelry.

Comments

[deb]

I've been missing seeing you post on the other blog, and then I remembered that you had started this other one, so I decided to come check it out. You have certainly been busy; and what beautiful things you've been making. YUM.

Loved the "jolly rancher" braclet!

Oh, and watermelon and sour apple, me too.

xo d

[Wedding Favors]

Nice bracelet.. I like it!