Where Does the Time Go?

Wow -- here it is the end of July -- months since my last post. Life has been a whirlwind -- jewelry, jewelry, moving, working, jewelry, jewelry, working. Well, you get the picture. I have been having so much fun though. If you haven't read about it at my Web site -- Beatrix, a new little four-legged creature came into my life when I least expected it. What a precious spirit, that one. And, what a joy.

On the jewelry side of things -- I have been busy creating pretty baubles for some special people in my life. La's bracelet is shown here -- blacks and browns on gold. Maybe we should call it the Oh-la-la bracelet. It made it's debut at the anniversary fete for her parents -- 60 years I do believe. Amazing. With some of the leftover beads, I created the lariat for La's daughter, Sunshine -- my terrific niece. One major difference -- "I hate gold, thank you very much" meant that the beads had to work with silver -- and so they do.

Frantically trying to design a necklace and earrings for a friend to wear at her wedding and then doing the bridesmaids and maid of honor necklaces and earrings. I am having so much fun with it all. It's a bit nerve wracking, however, because it is such a special day, I want to be sure that my jewelry does the bride and her girls justice. The dresses are just lovely -- so I am working to design pieces that work with, don't overpower, but enhance the overall look. Once all is said and done, I'll post the pix here.

That's it for now -- glad the hot weather is behind us -- at least I hope. Moving in a few weeks, so will be out of touch for a few days while that changeover takes place. There are lots of new things for sale on my site, so check it out when you have some time to browse. I add things a couple times a week, so check back frequently. And, if you have done so already, add your name to my e-mail list from my home page.

Taking a Cue From Vintage

As you know by now, I am smitten with any jewelry that has a vintage feel to it. While I love the "estate" type jewelry -- you know, platinum and stones, lots of openwork and detail -- I really love the stuff from the 30s and 40s. It was chunkier, bold and oftentimes, quite colorful. When I saw these red glass beads the other day I went wonky. They looked as if they could have stepped right out of the 40s. So, I used a wire wrapping technique with them and then strung a few Czech and Japanese glass beads with them to get a layered look in one bracelet.

I put it on the other day and layered a few 14k linked chains I have and what a cute look. I like it because it makes a statement, but unlike many of my other pieces that are really BOLD, this one is lighter so it makes a quiet statement. I just love designing and creating jewelry -- it's always interesting to see what the end result will be with every piece. No two ever look the same.

It's Official -- I'm Going Nuts!

OK -- so whoever designed the "do-it-yourself site wizard" had no idea that someone like me would actually try to build their own site. While I am sure the concept of a do-it-yourself site is sound, in all actuality it's maybe not such a good idea. I'm going bonkers here. While I think it is coming together and I am learning a lot, I still have way too much to learn and so much more to do. Over the years I have had so much respect for those creative techno wizards who could create web pages and sites as easily as I color a page from a child's coloring book -- now, my level of respect grows exponential as each day draws to a close and I have only moved an inch or two closer to the finish line. All I can say to those tech friends of mine is "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy. You guys rock."

Anyhow, before I go back into that very bad place, I thought I would cheer myself up by looking at a piece of jewelry that I love. Doing so usually boosts my moral -- just holding it and fiddling with the beads takes me to a happy place. So, I wanted to share that with you.

And, here is a close up so you can really see the beauty in these mother of pearl and fire polish glass beads. All I can say is come on summer. Listen to me -- summer never was my favorite time of year; but, since moving to Oregon, I now long for it since it seems to be the only time of year when I see blue sky, feel sunshine on my face, and don't have to run from the rain. Something about the combo of these beads makes me think of warmer weather, ocean breezes and beautiful sunsets. Sigh.

We, My Friends, Have a Winner!

Eureka!

Time for some shameless self-promotion. A bracelet I entered in an international jewelry design contest won second place in its category! Yahoo! Yippee! So cheers to you all for lending your support and encouraging me over the years in this jewelry making biz. This pix provides a close up view of the beads I used in the winning “charm” style bracelet. I have long been a fan of laminated acrylic, resin and Lucite beads -- you can read more about that at my evolving website http://www.tanyalochridge.com. The bracelet also includes Czech pressed glass, crystals and sterling silver. It is really fun to wear. Big and bold and a bit flirty.

The contest was sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems, one of the largest suppliers of jewelry making supplies in the world. The bracelet will be featured in their catalogs and website and in various print ads. So, gosh darn it, that’s pretty exciting stuff. This particular bracelet is not for sale (boo-hoo), but there are cousins of it in the works. If you haven’t already done so, you can subscribe to my e-mail list http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101196181362 so you’ll be the first to see and buy new designs hot off the work table.

I just can’t get enough of the black and white combo – gee, now I’m wanting a big ol’ black and white cookie. Sadly, I’ve only found them in NYC. Hey, maybe an Oreo or two would satisfy my craving – although that might be dark chocolate and white. Oh, I’ll just pretend they're black and white. Perhaps you should get some and celebrate, too!

Pretty in Pinks & Purples Bracelet

This is a way for you to get up close and personal with the Petite Fleur Pinks & Purples Bracelet (005-0207c). The 3-strand bracelet uses those "dagger" style beads (I do wish there was a different word for them) along with the small pink flowers that have been designed to dangle as "charms." Colors include pink, pink opal, purple along with pearl and silver-lined Japanese beads. So as the cliche goes -- so pretty in pink. If you aren't on my mailing list yet, you can go to www.tanyalochridge.com to join. That way you'll be sure to see designs as they come off the art table.