Oh Boy -- Here Comes Fall!

As much as I grumble about the rain and gray skies during the non-summer months here; these past few days I find myself feeling happy that the weather is changing and fall is upon us. I think what I like most about the cooler days, is the fact that I can wear my uniform: t-neck lightweight sweaters -- the perfect canvas for jewelry. Today, I donned my uniform for the season. As you've probably figured out by now -- I love bracelets -- mainly because I can admire them all day long. Talk about self-absorbed; but it's true! However, when I put on a oatmealish heather-like sweater this morning, I figured it was the perfect day to give my poor old neckline a treat. So, that's just what I did. I started with a rutilated quartz number (#0302) similar in style to the yellow jade one shown here. Then, I added the yellow jade dazzler. Thinking that would be plenty of pizazz, I stopped there...for a moment. Then it hit...a flash of brilliance; and, it wasn't from the light coming off of one of the stones on these necklaces! It dawned on me that I don't remember ever...as in ever...layering the rainbow hickoryite necklace with either of these two necklace styles. In the blink of an eye, I had my sample nestled in with the other two and I love the look. If you like the look of wood, which I do, you'll love the look and feel of rainbow hickoryite...as it looks much like wood, but has gemstone weight which makes the entire piece feel rich to me. I tried to get a pix of all three necklaces on Monica the Mannequin; but they wouldn't stay as I think she doesn't have the strong square shoulders I do (!!), so I finally gave up and went for just two. I think you get a pretty good idea of how they all came together.

While I was taking the first shot in the natural light of the studio, I had another flash of brilliance. (Do you think it could be all the Pure Inventions green tea I've been drinking lately making my brain fire a bit faster?) The second pix is the result of that moment -- yellow jade meets carnelian -- in a lovely mix of vintage-inspired gold links. You know, when it comes to jewelry, I do think the styling options are limitless. That's what I love so much about it all. I don't care what the particular piece is -- there will always be a variety of ways you can wear it. It's my hope, that all of you are encouraged to be as creative as you want -- like I said in my last post -- I never color within the lines -- why would I want to do that when there are so many unique options just waiting to be discovered?

Color Outside the Lines

Clearly having one of those days where I am working the split personality deal. But, in a good way -- at least I think it's in a good way. As you know, I love to layer bracelets -- case in point, while chatting with a jewelry buyer this morning about carrying my line in their chain of stores, I kind of snort-laughed when she asked if I really wore more than one bracelet at a time. Once I regained my composure (honestly, no one likes to snort during the first conversation with a potential buyer) my response was "isn't that why there's so much space between my wrist and my elbow?" There is no real science to it, I just like to get them all stacked so they feel good while they are in place.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Yesterday was a good day -- I spent a few hours at the Beck Farm playing with Cairn Terriers, visiting with good family-friends and eating a chicken Oktoberfest sausage sandwich and finishing it off with apple strudel. Yum. The Cairn Terriers in the pix here were rescues from a variety of different sources.

The Special Souls of Firefighters

Today I remember those special souls that I loved and lost ten short years ago. Their spirits reside within my soul. I remind myself to be grateful for, and cherish, every moment we have with the people we love. This morning I cut these beautiful roses for an arrangement in the studio.