Hi, I’m Sue, owner of yuju.co.uk and writer of this blog. My Twitter profile @YujuUK describes me perfectly ‘A jewellery junkie addicted to fashion, fitness and food’. I’ll be blogging about all things fashion related and my constant battle between my love of delicious food and staying slim. Hope you enjoy…………..
Hoop earrings seem to be on trend with all the celebs at the moment. Check out Rhianna and Beyonce in any of the current glossy mags and you can bet they’ll be wearing a pair of oversize hoops. Well the good news is there’s no need to lay out a fortune for a sparkling pair of your own……why not try making some? Once you’ve mastered the technique you can design a pair to go with any outfit.
Crystal Cut Silver Hoop Earrings
I’ve made the above using tiny crystal cut beads that reflect lots of light to give that added sparkle. You can use any colour to complement your outfit.
To make the earrings you will need
What You Need
First cut your wire
Using your wire cutters cut two full circles of wire with an overlap of around 1cm at each end.
Coil one end of the Wire
Using your pliers take hold of one end of the wire and bend it back until the tip meets the wire. This will stop your beads from falling off the end.
Hooped End
Thread on Your Beads
Thread your beads onto the wire until you reach the 1 cm overlap at the end. The number of beads will depend on the size of bead you are using. Using your pliers, this time bend the wire down towards the centre of the hoop.
Bend Wire Down Towards the Centre
Make a hook
Using the tips of your pliers curl the wire upwards to form a hook.
Place the Hook Through the First Loop
Bend the Wire to Close the Loop
Again using the tip of your pliers, close the loop so that your earring forms a full cirlcle.
Open your earwire loop
Using your pliers open the loop at the base of your ear wire.
Hook it through the last loop that you made
Hook the earwire through the last loop that you made. Close the earwire with your pliers.
Hey presto you have a gorgeous hoop earring. You just need to make the other one to match.
Once you’ve mastered this simple technique you can make many variations.
Handmade-Crystal-Cut-Black-and-Silver-Hoop-Earrings
Handmade-Crystal-Cut-Purple-Earrings
Handmade Shades of Pastel Hoop Earrings
When I arrived in Islamorada, Florida Keys I was expecting sun, sea, relaxation and spectacular views. I hadn’t realised there’d be so much company in the form of wildlife. It gave me a great oppotunity to get to grips with my new Panasonic DMC FS16. So here it is, a day on the beach at Breezy Palms…………….hope you enjoy
Sunrise on Breezy Palms Beach
Not sure what that is on the dock, but I don't fancy getting too close!
The beach is deserted but the view is breathtaking
A Kingfisher is up early fishing for his breakfast
WOW! I didn't realise I'd be sharing the beach with the reptile community. Isn't he a beauty?
And here's his mate. I thought they'd run away when I got close but they are real posers!
Ibis are pecking in the sand for food
And a Heron strolls past keeping his eye on me
The sun is out and it's blue skies all the way. Time to take to my sun lounger and get a few rays
Someone else has there eye on me
There's nothing like a good scratch when you wake up
Looks like he had his eye on my sunbed too!
For more sqirrel antics and pics of this little darling check out my blog http://yuju.co.uk/blog/jewellery/my-little-apprentice/
Decided to have another look at the ocean. The gulls here have an easy time
Just look at all the little bait fish they can eat any time they choose
This Anhinga hasn't moved off his perch all day...why would he?
This Snowy Egret is also thinking about lunch
To dive or not to dive?
I wonder what the pelican is eyeing up?
Whooa, those tarpon are scary....no snorkeling off the dock for me today!
The Mullet can't wait to get out of their way. They are even leaping out of the water
The Heron has decided it's safer to view things from up here
And a little Woodpecker carrys on regardless
Well that’s it for now……………….apart from the most beautiful sunset at my favourite bar The Lorelei
I'm sure there will be a lot more creatures about between sunset and sunrise but I'm not prepared to stay up and find out. Apart from it being a bit scary I need to rest ......after all, I am on holiday. Hope you enjoyed . Sue X
Hi folks, I’m curently on holiday in Islamorada, Florida Keys and loving every minute of it. I took some supplies along in case the sunshine and beautiful views put me in the creative mood. How do you like my workstation?
And my inquisitive little friend?
WOW! He’s not shy. I think he wants to help.
I’ll give him a couple of nuts to keep him occupied.
Maybe he prefers the healthy option?
Ahh…this is more like it!!
I’ll just sit and watch for a while…
Hmmm, maybe I could have a go at making something pretty for me?
Maybe not, you can’t improve on perfection
Isn’t he gorgeous?
Swarovski crystals are so beautiful they don’t need complicated settings to make them look good. If you are a fan but find jewellery a strain on the old purse strings why not have a go at making them yourself? The crystals are available at most online bead suppliers and on ebay. Just follow these few easy steps.
Materials: Two x silver plated earwires, 4 x silver plated jump rings, 2 x Swarovski crystals
Step 1: Using long nose pliers hold a jump ring still with one set of pliers then gently pull the ring towards you with the others so that the gap is wide enough to thread through the hole in your crystal.
Step 2: Thread through your crystal but before you close the jump ring insert another closed jump ring so you now have 2 jump rings attached. Close the first jump ring.
Step 3: With your long nosed pliers gently open the loop on your earwire and thread the top jump ring onto it.
Step4: Close the loop again with your pliers making sure there’s no gap (you don’t want to lose your crystal after all your hard work) Repeat for the other earring.
If you’d rather buy the finished product
Have you ever seen a pair of earrings you really like but would love them in a different colour? It’s so frustrating. If you learn the basics of making simple styles you can re-style a pair of your own earrings or make some the colour you want from scratch. This is how I made these pretty but simple blue and silver earrings.
Materials
2 x beads in your favourite color, 2 x silver headpins, 4 x small silver beads, 2 x silver tube spacers, 2 x silver earring wires, pair of round nosed pliers.
Thread 1 silver bead onto the headpin, followed by your bead of choice, then add the other silver bead.
Thread the siver tube spacer bead onto the wire. Take the end of the wire with your pliers and bend it over a t a 90 degree angle.
Use your pliers to bend the wire back into a loop. The end should fit neatly into the head of the tube.
With your pliers undo the loop on the end of the earwire then hook your handmade loop over the end. Close the earrwire hoop tightly to secure the earring.
And there you have it, your own pair of designer earrings in your favourite colour.
Dramatic Eyes for the ‘Young at Heart’
Ok, I’ve never indulged in the nicotine habit, I’m old enough to have children who have fled the nest, I enjoy a glass of wine or two on a regular basis (I justify this by telling myself that alcohol is a preservative). I exercise on a regular basis and eat healthy around 70% of the time. HOWEVER, I still scare the life out of me when I catch my reflection in the mirror first thing in the morning on my way to the shower. No matter what words of wisdom I read, or programmes I watch that tell me going without makeup is all about confidence and learning to love yourself, I will not step out of the house without applying my eyeliner and two good coats of mascara. That naked face in the mirror just IS NOT ME!!
My Magic Tools
In the morning speed is king and I have managed to get my make-up application fine tuned to 10 minutes flat. Amazing when I think of all the hours I used to spend on it in my youth ( when I probably didn’t need it half as much). I keep the look ‘natural’ using Olay Hint of Foundation and dust a little powder blusher on my cheeks for a healthy glow. I spread a primer all over my upper lid, with my finger, to make sure my eye make-up stays in place. I can honestly say that the transformation of my eyes is a work of art I’m proud of. My lashes are very fine so I have worn eyeliners of every sort for many years now. I think, at last, I’ve found the type that suits me, and my lifestyle, best.
This is the ‘before’ picture, not a pretty sight!
Using a flat eyeliner brush coated in Stila Gray Eyeliner Gel I sweep the brush along the top lashline and along the outside corners of my lower lashes. I don’t need to be precise because this gel takes a couple of minutes to dry. Are you paying attention now because this is the clever part? Whilst the gel is still wet I use a cotton wool bud to gently smudge the upper edge of the line on the top lids and the bottom edge under the eyes. The great thing about this is that you can have the line as fine or as thick as you want it without getting that painted on look, and there’s no need to spend ages with the brush trying to get a perfect line. A faint narrow line is ideal for everyday and you can easily create a much more dramatic look for an evening out. Slick on your mascara and you’re ready to go.
After…now that’s the me I recognise.
The good thing about the Stila gel is that once dry, it doesn’t smudge at all and if you wear it with 100% waterproof mascara such as the one made by Rimmel, you’re safe to hit the beach, the sauna or even the swimming pool. How good is that?
There’s no doubt about it, Statement Jewellery is going to be around for some time yet. Magazines and advertising companies such as ghd, Elle and Vogue have all featured well know celebs looking fabulous in gorgeous statement necklaces….
Most of how your wear your favourite statement piece is down to your own personal taste and rules are always meant to be broken. But for us ‘not so creative’ lovers of fashion jewellery, here are a few basic guidelines :-
Don’t forget, the above are only suggestions and many stunning outfits have been created by accident or by experimenting with different looks. Be bold, try something different and create your own personal style.
A few of this season’s statement necklaces from Yuju
Statement jewellery is not all about necklaces although you’ve probably guessed, they are my favourite. There are plenty of rings, bracelets and cuffs on the high street. What will you choose?
Walking through Leed’s busy shopping centre I couldn’t help but notice the crowds of people gathering around the front of Harvey Nic’s. I got excited. Were there huge bargains to be snapped up? Was some famous celeb updating their wardrobe? I had to get nearer to see what was going on.
Not quite what I’d imagined. People were looking at the window display itself…..
A tree made of everyday drawing pencils! A very clever work of art. Harvey Nics say:-
‘ the scheme is a celebration of mundane items that are so every day you almost ignore them without noticing their true beauty and design worth.’
It has to be seen full size to see just how spectacular this sculpture is, and the reflections in my photo don’t really do it any justice. But, fantastic though this is, would it ‘draw’ you into the shop? (pardon the pun). Perhaps Harvey Nic’s are so well known these days that tempting buyers inside by displaying their latest collections just isn’t necessary?
Would this ‘draw’ you inside?
Just had to tell you about this idea I’ve had to get the most out of the many styles of jewelled scarves that have appeared on the high street this year. There are so many to choose from, it’s difficult to decide which type or colour to go for. Well here’s my tips that will not only enable you to wear your scarf with many outfits but will also save you money!
Look out for the jewelled pendant scarves that have removable jewellery. This not only allows you to wash the original scarf after it’s been worn a few times but (this is where I get clever) also gives you the oppotunity to thread the jewellery onto other scarves that you may already have.
The scarves come in several different colours including black, pink, midnight blue and violet but if you are a little bit crafty you can buy ‘cut-offs’ of material from most fabric shops quite reasonably priced and make a scarf to match any outfit. It’s best to choose a fabric that won’t fray such as t-shirt material, (unless your handy with a sewing machine) and just cut it to length of scarf you want. Hey Presto….an accessory to match your whole wardrobe!
Have you any money saving ideas to share?
No matter what your views are on animal print there’s no doubt that it’s back in fashion big style this Autumn. High street stores are bursting at the seams with shoes, leggings, tops, coats, handbags, scarves and even luggage. The questions I’m asking are:-
How do you wear animal print? 
How much is too much?
Is there an age limit?
My opinion is, if you are under 25 years old Go for It. If, like me, you are hmmm a little bit older, and don’t want to end up looking like our old friend Bet Lynch it’s better to stick to one item of clothing and one accessory such as a belt or some jewellery. Shoes and a belt can be a good look or maybe shoes and a scarf.
I took this photo in Top Shop at the White Rose Shopping Centre near Leeds. I don’t think I could get away with those leggings!
This cape from Miss Selfridge is more my style. I like it worn with the vest and black skirt. I think any other animal print item with this outfit would look over the top.
Now this combination would be great for a weekend festival. I spotted the wellies in USC and the tiger hat in River Island’s window display. Can you see yourself in this hat?
Shoes and accessories have got to be my favourite. (I know, I play it safe!) Here are a few I spotted on a shopping trip this week.
I can see myself in these earrings, an oyster coloured top and pants, and finished off with some leopard print killer heels…….oohhh I can feel another shopping trip coming on!!
How would you wear yours?