I know I know, I just did my last post less than 24 hours ago… and now I’m posting again. =) I realize that I’m liking my Aperture-Priority mode much better than the macro flower setting on Auto. Aperture is a wonderful thing. =)

So these pictures were from yesterday and this morning. Better than the previous ones? (I did a big jewelry photography no-no by not using a tripod, because I was too lazy to go upstairs to get it and set it up.)

Top: Lucite flower earrings; lucite flower petals with Swarovski crystal centers, sterling silver chain, handmade sterling silver ear wires (with matching Swarovski crystal).

Middle: Swarovski briolettes with sterling silver frame; handmade sterling silver ear wires (with matching Swarovski crystal).

Bottom: Sterling silver hoops with Swarovski crystals/briolette dangles; handmade sterling silver ear wires (with matching Swarovski crystal).

**I hate describing my jewelry. I was told not to get technical with it (bead size, wire gauge, etc.) but I hate vague descriptions either. And I don’t know how to give those ethereal type names - you know, like naming a pair of blue earrings “ocean breeze” or something like that. =P

I’ve been doing a lot of jewelry stuff this past summer; mostly earrings. I haven’t really posted much on them because photographing them is so difficult. So be forewarned - these pictures are not the greatest (aka: they suck), but they get the point across.

I made these two pairs back in early July. I was playing around with making earring drops with sterling silver wire frames. The first one is with amethyst briolettes with a hammered-flat wire frame. I plan on gifting this to a friend. The second is with freshwater pearls; this one I may keep for myself. =)

This pair I whipped up just a couple weeks ago. It was from this pair that I decided I liked to make my own ear wires, personal to each project (rather than purchase them). This pair is with Swarovski flat briolettes.

I’ve made a couple dozen more earrings in the past week, but I have yet to photograph them properly. I don’t know what I’m going to do with all these earrings. I love designing them, making them, and even the satisfaction of seeing the end project. But after that, what next? There’s only so many earrings I will wear (and I’m not a big jewelry person either, believe it or not). This means, I’ll be setting up shop fairly soon (once I figure out the photography thing).

So after doing some research, I realize my “macro” pictures aren’t really under the true definition of “macro”. They are actually just “close-up” pictures. Kind of a bummer, because this as close-up as I can get without a macro lens. I’m just going to have to live with it until I actually get a macro lens. My birthday IS coming up in a couple months, not to mention Christmas right after that, so maybe I might suggest it to the hubby… we’ll see. =)

In any case, I have a “close-up” picture for you - a dinner plate dahlia bud. The flower itself is beautiful when in full bloom (ours is a dark lavender type). But as a flower bud, it looks kind of creepy. Or maybe it’s just me. But you can judge for yourself:

There’s something really beautiful about it, but there is an element of fierceness and/or aggressiveness in it. Maybe due to the numerous petal points that resemble something right out out of a horror film… almost teeth-like. (e.g. Doesn’t it look like it’s going to open up and eat your head??)