If I could choose - I would love to be known as the ergonomic earring designer. You know... one who considers what's comfortable... colorful and unique. : )

Granted, I have a few limiting factors. 1. I like that my earrings fit into either of two little plastic boxes I have... they seem to accommodate 1/2"dia rounds and others with reasonably similar dimensions. I think (just my humble opinion) that earlobes get to be exhausted if they're called upon to support anything that is much larger than a 1/2" diameter volume of glass. Granted this can be shaped otherwise - but - 3/4"d I just can't do. So - with that as a parameter - I create.

I love rounds... and often will make a matching pair on the same mandrel - mirroring dot placement so that even with random dot placement - they match (is that OCD?). I love balance, symmetery... and ease of wear (reads "comfort"). If it pinches or binds - you won't find me in it.

Last week my mother came over wearing a pair of black/white dotted earrings and I was so pleased with the design and how nice she looked in them. Inspiring me to make dotted beads. For those of you who know my work, you know that is NOT the norm... but it was this week.

Years ago, I was told that I needed to make all my findings, as that would allow me never to be at the mercy of a supplier - AND would give my work a distinctive look. Over time I have tried a few different style earwires - but seem to always come back to the round. People tell me that they stay in easily and they don't lose earrings! (Yay!!)

This week, I also revisited the lovely long & slender tapered cones. They are exactly matched in length and diameter top and bottom... the proportion of these was chosen among my existing beads as being the most pleasing to the eye - and easiest for most of us to wear. I like it when the reflection that shows down the barrel of the bead is unbroken and straight... indicating a beautifully reflective surface and sleek design element. Crisp lines, straight edges IMHO speak volumes! What are some of your favorite earring shapes and lengths? I'm always interested.... smiles, Jill