made in the heartland : NTD Jewelry

So, if you guys haven't noticed yet, I can't sit still. If I don't have anything to do, I DIY! Well, a couple of years ago, I got home for Christmas break and was rearranging my room when I found all my jewelry making supplies. I made jewelry when I was younger, but to the same extent as every other girl (i.e. elastic beaded necklaces, etc. Nothing fancy. Nothing anyone should actually wear.). However, when I came across those supplies, I think the fact that I had a couple weeks of a downtime and was already antsy with nothing to do made me re-dive head first into the world of jewelry making.

Like I mentioned, I had only created very simple jewelry. You probably couldn't even call it jewelry; it was more of something that would fit under the word "crafts." This time, I decided to go big. I bought supplies that were a little higher quality (semi-precious stones, gold plated, etc.) . I started out with a pair of earrings. I was actually able to make them (hooray!), but they were not pretty. They definitely looked like someone's first attempt! However, I kept trying and quickly started receiving compliments from people who saw my work! I was so excited!! There's such a high you get when someone likes what you created!

I ended up making a few dozen pieces over that break and had my first trunk show at my apartment once I got back to school...just in time for Valentine's Day. And, guess what? I MADE MONEY! I was floored! People were buying things I created. Hooray! Well, this fueled this fire and I kept making pieces, had more trunk shows, and here we are now!

Lately, I haven't had much time to devote to my jewelry making, but today I came across all the pieces I have for sale. I'm going to have a trunk show in a couple of weeks, but I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces (sold and available) with you guys. I hope you enjoy them!

If you're interested in any of the pieces, shoot me a message at madeintheheartland@gmail.com!
If you'd like to see more, head on over to www.facebook.com/ntdjewelry -check out the "photo" section and they are all listed there! I'll keep you guys updated with the new pieces once the trunk show rolls around!

Have you ever made something you love sharing with friends and family?

Freshwater Pearl bracelet-I love pearls.

Cloissone beads with 16k gold plated envelope with letter that comes out and reads "I love you"-It reminds me of something my mom gave me, so I love it :)

Chalcedony tusk with various stones. This one is really unique and those are usually my favorites! They are sassy and I love sass!

The previous three have freshwater pearl bead clusters at the top-I'm obsessed with those, so naturally these are three of my favorites!

This was my first try wire-wrapping and I LOVE the way it turned out. Girly yet a little edgy!

I still love two-tones!

I think these are some of my favorite stones. I love that color and the quatrefoil studs. Le sigh :)

These look so elegant on. And the studs have cubic zirconia in them, so they add a little luxury to the piece without being too expensive!

This piece is CRAZY. It reminds me of candy and I freaking love it. The stones are actually pink jade, citrine, and howlite and the chain is 24k, so it's little more expensive than a candy necklace :) but just as fun!!

These are both jade stones. These pink ones are to die for, but a customer was drooling over them so I felt bad keeping them for myself...

I got really into bib necklaces before they got popular and made this necklace (and a black/brown one) and the one below out of the blue with just my imagination :) I think making necklaces like these is one of my favorite types of jewelry to make because the creative juices are definitely flowing!