This week I was interviewed by the school newspaper for an article on teachers’ interesting hobbies.

(For the record, my hobby is not writing.  I’ll tell you more about that another time, but for now I just wanted to make sure that was clear.)

One of my hobbies — which I used to do quite often back when I had the semblance of free time — is making jewelry.  It started off as a fun little thing to do with some of my friends who also made jewelry for fun.  My then-only child was less than a year old and learning to feed herself, captive in the high chair for an hour or so at a time.  I could make something, feel artistic, finish a project, have something to show for it, and get all my supplies cleaned away before my daughter lost interest in hurling Cheerios at the cat.

This turned into making earrings for all my girlfriends for Christmas.  Then it turned into trunk shows at art festivals.  Then it turned into a way to make extra money when I found out I was going to have another baby.  Then it turned into a little side business:  Everyday Diva Jewelry.

I’m not really doing it anymore, though I do occasionally make something lovely for someone as a gift or for myself.  Now that cereal-throwing little girl makes jewelry, too.  *le sigh*

Anyway, since jewelry is like hats and shoes in that it is one of the most delightful accessories you can add to your wardrobe (you know, in my humble opinion, of course), I thought this week I’d feature some pieces I’d made that I felt particularly proud of.

This parure (or, set of matching jewelry pieces) contains a necklace and a pair of earrings.  The findings are sterling silver.  The large green/blue/gold stones are labradorite, a stone particularly dear to me because of its incredible multi-layered beauty, but also because the first time I ever saw it was on my honeymoon.  The glowing white stones are opalite.  Interspersed among them are garnet-colored Swarovski crystals and pewter flowers.

So put on a wonderful piece of jewelry today, and then tell me all about it!