Facts & Care
Materials: The base of every pair is made with leather, glass beads, and wire, but I often include precious metal clay charms and occasionally stones and porcupine quills as well. The stitching is done with nylon thread selected to match each color scheme. Most of the leather I use is recycled from upholstery swatches, discarded projects I find at secondhand stores, or scraps that stores can’t sell at full price.
The beads are Japanese glass delica beads. They are ideal for stacking because of their uniform shape. They fit together and allow for easy symmetry and even lines.
The metal charms I make by hand with my Mom in her shop that I affectionately call “The Craft Theory Workshop.” In her workshop she has all the tools and molds for making a wide variety of charms and jewelry. She also happens to have an affinity for creating molds of organic patterns such as tree bark, grasses, flowers, and seed pods, which are my favorite for making charms.
How They’re Made: For some pieces the beads are stitched separately from the leather, then added on once the beaded portion is complete, but for other designs I stitch the beads directly onto the leather. I don’t often have designs planned when I start, so I might begin with a shape of leather I want to add beads to, or I may bead a design first that I then cut the fitting leather shape for. Once the beads and leather are combined I fix the stitching with clear nail polish on the back of the leather. This also helps stiffen some of the thinner and more malleable leathers. Because of this the back of each piece will have some darker and often shiny areas. When the polish is dry I fashion each wire piece I want the earrings to hang from, and punch holes in the leather to place the wire. For some I place jump rings between the wire and leather to create a little more motion and movement. Lastly, I select the appropriate ear wires, attach them, and they’re done!
Earring Wire Alternatives: The main earring wires I use are copper, silver, and gold filled, but I have niobium metal earring wires as well. Niobium is a hyper-allergenic metal which is perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies to metal. They are darker in color, but have one metal bead on each to match the color scheme of the earrings. If this is an option you would like, or need, send me a message with your purchase and I will swap them for no extra charge.
Storage & Care: The best way to store your earrings is by hanging, but second best is laying them flat. Try to avoid crumpling or squishing as that will misshape the leather and wire and strain the thread and stitching. Over time that kind of strain can break the threads holding everything together.
Wear & Tear: Over time the leather on your earrings may darken from the oils on your skin. This is completely normal and won’t damage the integrity of the leather or the stitching. The wires and charms may tarnish, which is also normal. You can shine them back up at any time with a polishing cloth or just a little bit of tooth paste and a paper towel.
Lost or Damaged Pieces: If you lose an earring, or one becomes damaged, I can remake one for half the price of the original pair, given I am able to find the same beads and leather. Just send me a message at twobelowhoney.crafts@gmail.com and include a picture of your earring.
Gift Packaging: Each pair is packaged in a jewelry box, displayed on an earring card and prices are not written anywhere on the packaging. If you are buying earrings as a gift, and want them sent to your intended recipient, include their name and address as the shipping address and I will mail them directly for you. I can also write a card with any message you might want to include.
Shipping & Returns: Unfortunately, I do not take returns. Being a solo operation it is difficult to organize returns on top of creating and shipping new items. However, if you have any questions or concerns prior to purchase, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate. There is no charge for shipping unless you would like your order shipped Express. If you would like express shipping there is a flat rate of $18.00 and you must select the “USPS Express” option at checkout. Otherwise the shipping fee is $0.00, and all orders are sent out via USPS Priority every 2-3 days. Since I live in Alaska shipping to others states (and countries) takes a little longer, so please keep that in mind for your expected arrival date!