When I buy for me I buy huge vintage figural or modernis rings, the kind that most people pass by. I have charm bracelets for all occasions and a gigantamungous french bakelite bangle with amethyst. I have various figural rhinestone (favorite is a dragon) brooches that range from 5″ to 6″. And vintage bird brooches from Mexico in the 4-6″ range. Necklaces I make for myself because I so particular as to the size – vintage beads, sterling and solid copper gemstones from Lima Beads (of course). I’ve shared a modernist polish ring a 6″ bird brooch and cast Navajo ring

Sadly, we’ve had no art fairs near us this year.

My criteria for buying jewelry from other artisans is to look for items/designs that I don’t know how to create or something that is just so utterly unique that I am willing to pay someone else to have created it! Those wonderful, one-of-a-kind pieces we all aspire to own and/or create for others to own…..

Ali, I would say you have two keepers — your fabulous new bracelet and your full-of-surprises husband!

About the only art fair I get to each year is the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin each year. I’m always on the look-out for new ideas. I won’t buy anything that is strung…I want to find something original and “arty”. I ran across a very interesting booth last year but couldn’t afford anything. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get something from her this year.

I’m getting one of Lynda’s gorgeous pendants, too. I’m with Jeanne on this…it’s something I couldn’t make myself.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to go to any fairs this summer.

The one thing I bought for myself this summer is one of Lynda’s beautiful pendants ~ something I couldn’t make myself!

I have not been to any fairs yet, but plan on it.. I too love to look at what other people make you never know what will inspire you!

I like both fine jewelry and earthy, organic designs like the ones I make, but when buying jewelry, like you I’m always looking for something sort of in-between. Something that I can’t make myself but that definitely has an artistic flair to it, something that screams unique. I think that’s exactly what you got in that bracelet.

By the way, I’m SO glad to see all the new products and restocks! (I’ve been missing that amber for a long time now.) I was just on Green Girl’s website last night and thought it would be nice if you guys got the two peas in a pod piece and the raven tube, which is so cool. And those new red sponge coral beads are amazing. Definitely a favorite of mine. Thank you, Lima Beads!!