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Kindred Jewelry by dana


These bracelets, earrings, and necklaces are just a few of the many pieces I have designed and sold. If you see something you like, let us know.  I will be happy to try to recreate a similar piece just for you! (See pieces currently for sale.)
"References to bats are usually negative. Bats in the belfry refers to someone not all there. Going batty is a person driven crazy. In reality, bats help humans by devouring insects (like mosquitoes) and pollinating many food plants, without which we would have few fruits."

About this piece: This was one of two sets of bat jewelry custom created for a woman who loves bats. She did not want the pieces to look Halloween-ish or goth, she wanted them to be girly with lots of sparkle!
"Bats are so misunderstood and references are typically derogatory. Witches and vampires are often shown turning into bats to get around. Someone blind as a bat has poor eyesight. If you have bats in your belfry, be glad. They eat lots of mosquitoes each night and that's a good thing. Show your admiration by wearing this unique jewelry."

About this piece: This was one of two sets of bat jewelry custom created for a woman who loves bats. She did not want the pieces to look Halloween-ish or goth, she wanted them to be girly with lots of sparkle!
"A delicate gold cross necklace quietly speaks of faith, but sometimes you want a larger look while still letting others know where you stand. The colors say spring...time of renewal, of resurgence. Whether your faith is newly acquired or been part of you for life, this shows the world faith absolutely can be fashionable!"

About this piece: Though this necklace was created with a variety of spring colors, it could easily be worn year-round.
“The shore is nature’s regenerator when life drains our batteries. The smells, sounds, sights are like nowhere else on earth. Thoughts float in and out with the tide. Mind chatter is lost in the roar of the waves. The sun warms your soul as the breeze croons you to sleep. That which was lost is regained as the ocean wind whispers your name to the universe.”

About this piece: The highlight of this necklace is the stunning glass starfish with it's beautiful aqua and gold swirls. The pendant may be the "star" of this piece, but the double-strand necklace more than holds its own!
“The shore is nature’s regenerator when life drains our batteries. The smells, sounds, sights are like nowhere else on earth. Thoughts float in and out with the tide. Mind chatter is lost in the roar of the waves. The sun warms your soul as the breeze croons you to sleep. That which was lost is regained as the ocean wind whispers your name to the universe.”

About this piece: These earrings were made to wear with the Ocean Breezes necklace, though they certainly could stand alone, as well. The earrings are very pretty and the middle bead, being a crystal, give them a lot of sparkle. I kept the earrings fairly simple since the necklace had so much detail. They needed to compliment the necklace, not compete with it.
"You may love wearing classic colors, like black and white, but that doesn't mean you want to be dull and boring! Toss in a bit of animal print, add a dash of sparkle, and you have yourself one jaw-dropping look. You will get noticed without a doubt and double takes will be the norm when sporting this piece."

About this piece: This necklace is SO much prettier in person. It's frustrating having so much detail lost with most of these photos.
Butterfly Moments

About this piece:
Orange sunlight trapped in a jar. A touch of butter first, then the thick preserves spread across warm toast. The bitter peel combined with the sweet fruit teases the taste buds in a confusion of flavors and texture. You're not sure if you like it so you keep taking bites as you make up your mind.

About this piece:
Fighting For...Facing breast cancer is terrifying. You are flooded with emotions, including fear the disease is stronger than you. Put a photo in the charm of someone in your life worth fighting for. That picture, surrounded by pink & white beads and universally- recognized pink ribbons, will remind everyone why you are planning to win. You have loved ones to fight for!

About this piece:
“The evening was so wonderful, but didn’t last nearly long enough. The music filled you as the love of your life swirled you around the dance floor. First dance, last dance, and all those in between were reserved for him and only him. But there was something extra special about the last dance of the evening. He held you a little tighter, knowing the night would soon be over…and not wanting it to be. This bracelet brings back memories of young love. The black and white formality, the white leaves reminiscent of a pressed flower from that dance to save always so the music plays on…forever.”

About this piece: Length: 7" Clasp: Round toggle (color - antique silver) Made with various black,silver, and white beads complete with two white glass leaves. The silver really gives the piece that extra oomph.
"The blacks and grays of this snappy bracelet are set off by a touch of bright yellow, reminiscent of a bubbling cola with a slice of lemon floating inside. This is a very popular color combination now...an offbeat twist on timeless black and white. This will never go out of style. Wear it now, wear it ten years from now, this updated classic will look good no matter what decade you slip it on your wrist!"

About this piece: Length: 7 1/4" Clasp: leaf toggle (color- silver) As is typical, the iridescence and sparkle of the beads and crystals are not apparent in the photo. Neither is the texture of the center bead. Once you get it on, though, you'll see just how pretty it is. photo. The two medium size yellow beads are pearlized. This is a stunning bracelet that would look sharp with a business suit.
"There is nothing quite as breathtaking as a rosebush in bloom. It does not matter how many times we experience their beauty, it feels like the first. The deep red buds slowly share their inner secrets. The green leaves are like the setting of a ring...necessary to flaunt the diamond, but your eye focuses on the gemstone. At the end of each long stem lies a classic flower. What makes this bouquet even better? No thorns!"

About this piece: Length: 7 3/8" Clasp: Rose & leaves toggle (color- gold) As pretty as this piece is in the photo, it's stunning in person. The brilliant apple greens and reds (incl. some that are iridescent) make this a jaw-dropping bracelet. The unusual center bead is a deep raspberry and green. It's a completely unique and pretty piece. The beautiful goldtone rose toggle clasp sets it off perfectly.
"January Days"

"The first month of the year, a time when people make resolutions to be different, to make this year better than the one before. Days are cold and gray. Everyone bundles up in warm clothes, hats and gloves, grateful for a crackling fire. A cup of hot cocoa is welcome as it banishes cold hands and warms the body with each sip. You read books in January, dream over seed and plant catalogs, make plans. It is a time of renewal as the snow and ice keeps everything cozy until winter is past and spring arrives. But for now…for now it is enough to enjoy today. Tomorrow and spring will arrive soon enough."

About this piece: This was a custom piece. The lady wanted a bracelet with a winter theme. This lovely piece has a frosty look, so real you almost expect it to be cold to the touch! It really sparkles in person, too.

"Serene Snowfall"

"The snow gently blankets the earth. The dormant plants sleep, snug and cozy, under the ice and snow. The glare off the white is almost painful to view, but once your eyes adjust, you marvel at the crystal world that has replaced the dreary, bare winterscape. Shapes are still visible. If you look closely, there are footprints everywhere - a squirrel, a deer, a raccoon, all identified solely by their tracks. Each winter you think spring will never come, and yet, like clockwork, it always does."

About this piece: This bracelet was made for the same person who custom ordered"January Days" (above). One would be for her and the other for her sister. The pieces coordinate, but are two totally different designs.

"If the sight of our flag respectfully flown at half mast or waving magnificently at the Olympics or carried proudly during a parade causes a swell of emotion, then you are a proud American. Whether showing your support for a loved one in the military or just your love of this country in general, wearing this red, white, and blue piece will leave no doubt you are proud of the U.S. A."

About this piece:

“Any woman can wear a necklace with one or two colors or a particular tone, but that’s not enough for you. You know life comes in all colors, shapes, designs. Why wouldn’t your jewelry? You decide what feels right, what looks good, not some fashion designer or magazine editor. If you want to wear blue jeans and pearls, you will. If you want to wear a necklace with many colors, textures, and shapes, you will. Your style is all your own and you’re not the least bit embarrassed either, in fact quite the opposite. You’re proud of Your bohemian heritage!”



About this piece:
"This stunning two-stranded bracelet has, as its focal point, an iridescent glass leaf which makes a slight sound as you move your arm...reminiscent of a real leaf falling to the forest floor. The animal print beads give the piece a hint of the wild, just for fun. Otherwise this bracelet brings to mind apple cider, maple syrup, and crisp autumn days."

About this piece: The glass amber leaf is iridescent and really picks up the light. The amber beads are very deep and pretty in real life. This color and style bracelet has been ordered more often than any other. Though no two pieces are alike, if someone likes a certain look, we can make a similar (but still totally unique!) piece. It will also have a different name and poetic description, making it unlike anyone else's.

"Shhh, walk softly. You've just entered Tiger Island. Every day is wild and unexpected here. You never know what will peek out from the underbrush. So keep your camera and binoculars handy because only adventures are around the bend and you definitely don't want to miss anything!"

About this piece: Though you can't tell from the photo, the ambers are breathtaking. The dark oranges, white, silvers, and ambers really give this piece a different look. The center bead is clear with orange and copper swirling inside.
"Is it just a coincidence that a beautiful girl named Summer would have a birthstone the color of life, of beginnings? I think not. For a life already proudly established, yet just beginning, here's to Summer."

About this piece: These earrings were ordered by Summer's mom to match a bracelet I previously made. So now Summer has a set as pretty as she is! The blend of apple, mint and olives with crystal (clear) and a dash of purple is just perfect.
"It is rare in today's frenetic world for adults to kick back and enjoy a summer day. Remember as a child lying on the grass, looking up at the blue sky, making pictures from the clouds? Often we'd have a daisy in hand, plucking off petals to learn if the boy we had a crush on felt the same about us. Wrong answer? Just pick another daisy! Why can't we grown-ups let go and have a lazy daisy day once in a while?"

About this piece: This colorful and fun bracelet is perfect for spring or summer. The gorgeous aquas and bright yellows make this a sunny, happy piece. The center bead is fimo clay and covered in cheerful daisies.
"It's no wonder there are so many terms that utilize the word "cat" - the cat's pajamas, let the cat out of the bag, cat got our tongue? Has the nine lives of a cat, like a cat she always lands on her feet. Cats are very special creatures who work their way into more than just our vocabulary, they wriggle right into our hearts! So proudly display your love of cats by wearing this beautiful bracelet. It's as fun and playful as they are!"
"When you learn someone is a dog lover, you really don't need to know anything else about them. Dog lovers realize no home is complete without a dog (or two or three or seven!). After all, who else jumps up and down for joy every time you walk through the door, whether you have been gone days, hours, or minutes? Proudly show your love back every time you wear this darling bracelet. It's as cute and playful as a warm puppy!"
"As you spread the old quilt out on the floor to examine the faded pieces, you see the dress you made your firstborn, the shirt Grandpa wore on fall days, the curtains that hung in the bedroom, the pretty gown your teenage daughter wore to the prom. All these memories sewn together in a well-loved quilt. If you close your eyes, you are transported back to each of these moments in time as you wrap the quilt tightly around your shoulders." 

About this piece: This colorful and bold bracelet is made of a variety of size, shape and colors, each so different and yet playing off the other beautifully.  Some beads (like the red and purples) are transparent while others (like the aqua, green and yellow) are swirled.  The bracelet features a toggle clasp.
"Back in the good old days, a soda pop wasn't something you drank daily...it was a special treat for a special occasion. There was orange soda and root beer and, yes, of course, grape pop. The sound of ice clinking in the glass, sparkling with anticipation. Then the purple soda splashes its way over the cubes until the cup is filled with a purple liquid you can't wait to taste. As hard as you try to make it last, before long all that remains is the tell-tale grape moustache...and a satisfied palate."

About this piece: This is definitely one of those pieces where the picture does not show this to advantage.  This is a gorgeous, sparkling piece, you just can't tell that from the photo!  The bracelet consists of stunning crystal beads in various shapes, sizes, and textures.  Some are iridescent, some are crackle glass, some are faceted.  Those pretty crystal beads are then set off by a few very pretty purple beads.  In the photo, the purple beads appear black and lifeless, when in reality they are very pretty.  The center bead is a very lovely swirled white with an almost moonstone appearance. It is finished off with a sparkling marcasite heart toggle clasp.
"Although I have never been, pictures show the most beautiful variety of blue and green waters. The centermost bead captures the essence of sparkling sand as waves send it swirling into a different dance each time they hit the shore."

About this piece: This bracelet consists of mostly larger beads in various shades of blues and greens. The center is particularly unique and pretty. It's copper "glitter" in the middle with clear blue exterior and truly looks like sand and water.
"Iced tea is popular all across our country, but nowhere is it more appreciated than the South. Here it's simply "sweet tea." The beautiful amber and steel blue beads bring to mind an ice-filled glass. You alternate between sipping and holding to a sweaty brow after a hard day's work. I can almost hear the squeak of the porch swing now, can't you?"

About this piece: The picture doesn't begin to do this bracelet justice.  The gorgeous ambers set against the steel blues are just breathtaking. 
"The dark beads represent the plants and flowers at rest. The crystal beads are the ice and snow of winter, blanketing the earth. Yet even whilst the land seems void of life, the early crocus spring forward through the cold ground as if to promise spring is coming, we must just be patient and believe. Each year it seems spring will never come, but it always does."

About this piece: The picture does not show this bracelet off to advantage. The pretty crystal (clear) glass beads are very sparkly. The apple green beads catch the light. The center bead is a teardrop shape crystal. A substantial and lovely piece.
"The gorgeous ambers bring to mind so many sense-tingling things...a steaming mug of mulled apple cider, warm honey drizzled over homemade biscuits, caramel apples, a tasty butterscotch quietly unearthed from a pocket to pacify a restless child. These are not just things you can see in your mind, but can taste and smell as well. Grandma's kitchen held more than good food. It held a lot of love."

About these pieces: The necklace and earrings were commissioned to go with a previously-purchased Kindred Jewelry bracelet with the same title. Because both the necklace and bracelet were double-strands and had a lot of different beads, I purposely kept the earrings simple. Otherwise I thought it would be too much. This was my first necklace, but given how beautifully it turned out, it wasn't my last!
"The waters surrounding Alaska are dark and mysterious. Watching the floes of ice make their way through the currents is mesmerizing. It appears so simple and uncomplicated, yet is one of the oldest and most complex ballets on earth. Wear your bracelet and just let your mind float along on one of the sparkling icebergs, your cares temporarily forgotten."

About these pieces: This is such a pretty bracelet, I almost kept it! The aquas, pale blues, and touch of black play off the golds, coppers and bronze. The center barrel bead is frosted and the perfect compliment to an already lovely piece.
"The gorgeous color of amber resonates throughout this piece. It is like being in a forest at the peak of autumn. IF you sit very still and watch closely, you may just see a deer or squirrel or other wild animal wander past. A sound catches your ear and you perk up before realizing it is simply another leaf falling to the forest floor. It appears iridescent as a single ray of sunlight hits it."

About this piece: This bracelet is similar to Wild Amber, but is uniquely different. The ambers are very beautiful in person. This piece also has browns, coppers, golds, and just a touch of cobalt blue. I especially like the center bead on the strand without the leaf. It reminds me so much of a root beer barrel (candy). Remember those?
"Standing beneath a waterfall, you see it from a whole different perspective.  The cascading water hits the sunlight and creates rainbows and prisms everywhere you look.  If not for the mist gently hitting your face and the deafening sound, you would think you were in a fairyland.  The rocks at your feet are slippery so when you leave, you must choose your steps carefully.  But for now, you just want to linger another moment or two.  After all, it isn't every day you get to see the world through crystal droplets."

About this piece: These stunning drop earrings feature sparkling crystal, along with several shades of blue - from dark cobalt to the palest baby blue - and a touch of silver.  The oval crystal beads are crackle glass and really play off the light.  The French wires are made of sterling silver for those with sensitive ears!  Although long, the earrings are not too heavy.  These are really quite stunning.
"Even as the garden sleeps under a blanket of ice and snow, we dream of the first crocus popping its cheery head above ground. We imagine the first leaves unfurling on the trees. In our mind's eye the brown earth is again filled with green. The crystal blue sky beckons to all hidden plants and flowers - come here, it's time to stretch your winter-stiff limbs and brighten the world. - Every winter we wonder if spring will ever come, yet every year, without fail, spring arrives, reminding us that even when all seems dismal and lifeless, just beneath the surface is beauty and wonder."

About this piece: This stunning necklace is 22" long with a lovely dangle clasp, allowing you to alter the length. The center turquoise and green leaf, although all glass, is solid and heavy duty. This is an original design, all top-quality glass beads. In person, this necklace sparkles like you wouldn't believe. The clear beads have different textures, facets, some have an aurora borealis shimmer. Frankly, I'd love to keep this necklace, but the wildlife need the money.

"From the moment she wraps her tiny fist around your finger, a daughter steals your heart. Every minute of every day she carries her parents' hearts wherever she goes. It matters not that she turns 18, leaves home, gets married, or has children of her own, she will never stop being your little girl and you will never stop worrying about her. But at the same time, when you watch her as a parent now, too, you see her in a whole new light. For eternity, you and she will be joined at the heart."

About this piece: I had the honor of creating jewelry for a friend whose daughter was getting married. This lovely bracelet and earrings set was for the mother of the bride. I also got to make bracelets for the matron of honor, the matron of honor's daughter, and the bride. The ladies wanted to wear something completely unique, as well as help the animals on such a special day.

"Today you join hands, recite vows, make promises, exchange rings and "with this heart, I thee wed." Your heart...filled with love, memories, tears, life experiences-with all that you were, are, and will be...you give to this man. May he always handle with the tenderness it deserves. As you stand before him, your children, friends, relatives, mother, and father (yes, he's there, too) stand with you, sharing your joy."

About this piece: As you probably guessed, this was created for the bride (see A Daughter's Heart for details). It was designed to coordinate with the mother of the bride's bracelet. I used many of the same colors and intentionally used the same pink hearts in both (thus the names of the pieces). To make this bridal bracelet extra special, I used 2 pink Swarovski crystals, as well as several vintage beads. I must have undone and redone this bracelet two dozen times, but it had to be just right. It finally felt perfect (I think it looks a lot like a wedding cake).

"A bouquet of cut flowers are, oh, so gorgeous. But, alas, they quickly die, leaving nothing but dry, brown petals. When you plant perennials, however, they last. They survive the cold, dreary days of winter, their roots spreading deeper and stronger, then return with a renewed spirit each spring. Some friendships are like a cut bouquet - great while they last, but quickly fade. There are some friends, however, that remain true through all the seasons of life. Those are the kind you ask to stand with you at your wedding."

About this piece: This bracelet is very different than either the bride or her mother, yet I did use a few common elements. I was so honored to do these pieces and very pleased with how they turned out. The picture doesn't do justice because, as usual, the deep purple shows up as black in the photo. You also don't get the full effect of the textures and facets that sparkles in the light.

"The sky is blue, endless, and filled with limitless possibilities. The sky's the limit, people say, and that is true. But the purple flowers, like irises, violets, lilacs, and lavender remind us that beauty and growth can be found right here at our feet, too. It is a good reminder to keep both feet planted firmly on the ground, yet never stop looking to the sky and believing in your dreams. You can do anything if you just try and believe strongly enough."

About this piece: I was very happy with how this turned out. I think the blues and purples go together so well and I especially like the frosted blue center bead. It was worn by the daughter of the matron of honor at the above mentioned wedding. She is a tween, so I wanted the message to be thought-provoking without sounding "parental."

"Reminiscent of a fairy tale ice castle, the only color in this stunning piece (not counting the rainbows picked up by the facets) is the aqua in the two gorgeous Swarovski crystals that surround the "ice textured" center bead. This pretty frosty piece is so realistic, you truly expect to see your breath when you breathe, but believe me, this piece is hot, hot, hot."



The aqua beads are genuine Swarovski crystals. They are the perfect touch to this lovely bracelet. The glass teardrops have an aurora borealis exterior, which creates rainbows. A very unusual and pretty piece.
"The boat rocks gently, like a mother rocking her child.  You are surrounded by the most beautiful blue waters.  The sun is warm.  It is difficult not to fall asleep.  The sounds of seabirds is the only thing keeping you awake.  The water is so sparkling and clear in places, it is almost blinding, so you close your eyes.  Unable to see, your other senses are heightened.  You know the day will soon end, but for the moment, you are completely at peace."

About this piece: This bracelet has a lovely blend of aquas, with just a touch of black, amber and copper.  The center bead is swirled while the other aqua beads are faceted and transparent, playing off the light. 
"This colorful and lighthearted piece brings to mind the serenity you find at North Carolina's Outer Banks. The gorgeous greens, aquas and blues can change during a storm to churning, swirling grays, a reminder that the Outer Banks protect the coast from the most vicious weather, valiantly giving a little of itself each time. After the storm passes, you may just find a starfish among the scattered shells."

About this piece: This pretty bracelet has a stunning cobalt blue starfish as the center. Flanking both sides are unusual aqua and green swirl beads. This is a very colorful and fun piece.
"Each spring department stores filled with the prettiest pastel frocks imaginable. Pinks, apple greens, aquas, yellows, as far as the eye could see. Easter Sunday the churches overflowed with girls in pastel dresses so stiff they could practically stand alone, their heads topped in frilly bonnets. Little boys were dapper in their white or blue suits and bow ties. As beautiful as everyone felt in their Sunday best, the children squirmed in their seats, anxious to get home to that Easter basket filled with sweets."

About this piece: Perfect spring piece. The unusual blue center bead has ribbons of white swirling across its exterior. Just a couple beads away on both sides are unique and detailed metal beads (all the rest are glass). The pink disk shaped beads (toward the clasp) have an aurora borealis exterior which plays off the light like crazy. This is just a lovely bracelet.
"You don't have to be Irish to appreciate this gorgeous bracelet. It is reminiscent of sitting on a lush green hillside first thing in the morning...the sun sparkles off the dewdrops. If you close your eyes, you'll feel tiny kisses on your hands and face. Pay no mind...it's just the leprechauns proving what loving beings they are. But we knew that already, didn't we?"

About this piece: It's hard to describe this sparkling bracelet, but I'll try. It is created from various sizes, shapes, and textures of crystal (clear) glass beads. Some are faceted, some are swirled, some have silver interior. One thing they all have in common is their sparkle! The touches of emerald include the two small tubular beads near the clasp, the "cat's eye" beads, the beautiful square beads with an aurora borealis finish and last, but definitely not least, is the center bead. It is green with a crystal clear exterior, making it almost look like a shamrock frozen in dew. Just the thing for a lovely lass.
"One of the most extraordinary aspects of love is the fact we can love more than one person "with all my heart" without detracting or subtracting from that other person.  When we fall in love with our soul mate, it does not take away the love we have for our parents.  When we have the first child, it does not take away from our soul mate any more than the birth of a second child takes away the love we have of the first."

About this piece: These pretty earrings are silvertone medium hoops with white and silver beads along the hoop itself.  Dangling from each hoop are deep ruby red, small white "pearls" and stunning clear, white, and red swirled hearts.  These pretty earrings are perfect any day of the week.
"These playful earrings prove you don't have to take life too seriously. You should always take time to smell the roses, er, daisies. Life is too short not to laugh and have some fun. So kick off your shoes, wiggle your toes in the soft, green grass, and seek out a daisy or two!  Don't fret over weeds or think about the lawn needing mowed.  Just enjoy the afternoon.  The weeds and grass can wait another day."

Price - SOLD (plus shipping if applicable)

About this piece: These cute earrings consist of small beads on a small silvertone hoop - copper, apple green, and cobalt blue.  The center bead is a die-cut flower with blue and green spikes of color emanating from the center, giving the earrings a fun look from the front, back, and sides.
"I see beautiful handwritten letters lovingly and painstakingly scripted in black ink, spelling out undying passion and plans for eternity. The letter is lightly misted with pale pink rosewater. Tucked between the scented pages lies a single pressed leaf from the flowers he recently sent to her. The letter is sealed and bright pink lipstick kisses added for good measure. The envelope carries much more than love and desire, it carries a young woman's hopes and dreams for the future."

About this piece: This is one sharp piece. The center glass leaf has a hint of shimmer, making it really play off the light. The square black beads have an aurora borealis finish, so they never look the same twice. Several of the hot pink beads are crackle glass. The marcasite heart toggle clasp is the perfect finishing touch.
"Sitting in the soft glow of candlelight, you feel beautiful. The light flickers and plays off your face and his. He listens intently and watches your every move. The people around you fade into the distance. In your minds there is no one else, just you, just him. The soft blush on your cheeks doesn't go unnoticed by those around you, even if you don't seem to see them. They recognize love when they see it."

About this piece: Such a pretty bracelet with the sharp, crisp black beads set off by the pink, mauve and white glass pearls. The center bead is a medium pink crackle glass. A very sweet look.