eBay Amusements; Jewelry Projects

I have to say, buying charms (to make jewelry with) on eBay is a nightmare for anyone irritated by misnomers. Companies in China are understandably worse, but humorously inappropriate labels can show up anywhere, at any time. At first, I'd actually send messages intended to be helpful: "The charm you say is a wombat is actually some kind of wild pig, probably a warthog." But there is too much to correct, and my corrections probably just annoyed the companies anyway.

Unlike in other web venues, where obvious rat charms are often called mice instead, "rat" on eBay may turn out to be a squirrel, an armadillo, and once even a lizard. The only mistake in this direction I've seen elsewhere is one online company calling a beaver a rat. This is different from charms labeled both mouse and rat, which I endorse.

But the best is "girl," which includes anything remotely feminine or in a dress. Mermaids (not also called mermaid, just girl) and Red Riding Hood (same lack of specific name). A guy in long trousers, tunic, and a fez. Medallions of the madonna (OK, she's a girl) and (I swear) one of a cardinal or pope and one of the baby Jesus in a long nightshirt. However, my favorite "girl" misnomer is Cute Ghost Girl, for values of "cute" including "OMG is that disturbing."

Also, since when did "Tibetan silver" become the term for lead-free pewter?

But eBay is a great place for charms, with a wider selection than any one online company & inexpensive lots of four or more of the same charm. Some people obviously have bought such lots elsewhere and repackaged them, at only a somewhat higher price, by theme, such as Alice in Wonderland charms with a top hat, little girl, playing cards, crown, rabbit, mirror, and so on. A worthwhile service.

I'm very excited about some of the jewelry I am and will be making. I'm assembling a necklace with horror charms; I had to buy multiples of most, and I'll have cards to hand out if people at the ICFA are interested in ones of their own. I've found some new rat charms & will be putting up rodent-themed jewelry on eBay, maybe before the ICFA but probably in late April. Swamping out the dining room, I found a bunch of my old rodent-themed earrings, and I'm actually pretty pleased with them.

Status: waking up, ready to shower