The last leaves of Autumn

During a recent clear out and tidy up of my work area, I found these sterling silver leaf charms in my collection. I have had them for quite a while and when they arrived from my supplier, I thought they were a bit uninspiring (flat-shaped, cut-out charms with rough edges).

So I got out my sanding pads and started to sand and polish them to a lovely shine... they started looking better already. Then I decided to give them a more realistic 3D shape by creasing them in the centre and curling the edges a little.... yes, much better. (This photo shows the before and after.)

Feeling much happier with them, I think they are now worthy to be included in my jewellery for sale (Etsy and Folksy). I have teamed them with beautiful deep orange carnelian nugget beads to make these delicate, dangly earrings. They remind me of the last leaves of autumn waiting to fall.

AUTUMN LEAVES - Carnelian & Sterling Silver Leaf Charm Earrings

Autumn Walks & Carnelian Wire Flower Necklace

We are having a beautiful autumn in the south of England at the moment with some fantastic weather this week, which is just perfect for those lucky ones on half term holidays. I love walking in the local countryside at the best of times but autumn walks have to be my favourite just for the sheer beauty of all the different colours on show.

I also love the beautiful shades that carnelian comes in, from light shades of orange to deep russet red - a true autumnal gemstone. Here I have adapted my 'Wire Flowers' design to create this double petal flower with wrapped and coiled gemstones around the central bead.

As usual, you can find this necklace on sale in my Etsy and Folksy shops.