I’ve noticed that I don’t have much handmade jewelry for my own wardrobe. I do a test run on all my pieces, but beyond that my goal is to keep them smoke-free and pristine. This may sound like a paltry concern, but as a jewelry designer (which I can’t type without squirming a little. It just looks pretentious) I need to be able to market my wares. Oh, like my necklace? You do? Can you have? No, but I make especially one for you. Pretty lady. My card I give for you. Now big kiss; no running! That is how I talk to strangers. My Lecherous Yoda impression works every time.

Finally, after whipping something up for a friend’s birthday, I realized that I could do some very simple pieces in the same style. I call it a “braid,” which is a word that I made up.

These are pretty easy for a seasoned artist like me to make (Pretention: start!). I can do what I’ve been wanting to do for a while: put items on Etsy that are within the price range of my target market. Though this and likely a couple more are meant for my neck only, it gives me a good basis for a signature style. We’re looking at shiny, bold, and unobtrusive.

I realized that my skin is the same tone as a paper grocery bag.

Wait! I see how you’re trying to figure out my secret. “How does she make it?” you ask aloud, because you’ve called all your friends and coworkers to see the streak of sunshine on my goosebumpy chest. “Could I make one if I had beads, string, chain, a clasp, and beading thread?” Answer I you right now. You CAN’T! No one can. The Braid. Trademarked! Don’t steal my original genius ideas.

The Braid™

Can you have? No, but I make especially one for you. Pretty lady.