Who Do You Dress For? (For Whom Do You Dress?) Grammar Aficianados Take Your Pick!



Blue Chalcedony, Eagle Eye Agate & Czech Glass

Over the weekend, I spent a big part of my time working in the studio and, totally off subject, I have the jaw bruise to prove it! In short – sometimes life of a jewelry designer is perilous! One slip of the grip and pow! So this week it's Tanya zero and pliers one if you are keeping score.

R.J. Graziano Cozies Up

Yes, it's true, I do shop at both HSN and QVC (gasp!); mostly for items for the house, oh and okay, an occasional piece of jewelry. (Occasional...interesting word choice...thank goodness there is no lightening today.) While, of late, both venues have been offering a lot of "disposable jewelry;" however, if you're astute and really keep your eyes and ears open you can find some interesting and well-made items interspersed throughout.

Surprises and Geodes

This afternoon I will be on the hunt for gemstones. Kyanite is at the top of the list followed by carnelian, onyx, chrysoprase, calcedony, amethyst, crystal and smoky quartz, green quartz -- so okay, maybe I should just say "I am on the hunt for anything that catches my eye."

Gemstone Rope Style Hits the Site

All of those unfinished goodies I showed a few days ago are ready for posting to the site. I promise they will be on the site later tonight and all of the rope-style bracelets -- small, smaller and smallest will be ready to make the trip to your home. Here are two finished pieces just to whet your appetite!

Little Red Hen

Some days I feel like the Little Red Hen or the Dunkin' Donuts guy ("gotta make the donuts"). I'm not complaining because I absolutely love every part of it; but sometimes I just have to laugh at myself. I design the jewelry, make the jewelry, photograph the jewelry, promote the jewelry, process orders, pack up and mail the jewelry and then start all over again. But, I love it and I have all of you to thank for giving me the opportunity to do what I absolutely love and to share it with all of you. Today the challenge became on of capturing the beautiful color of the sodalite beads that make up this bracelet. I'm a bit closer, but still not there yet. This is definitely one of those pieces that you need to see to really get the color -- or that is my excuse for being a not-so-great photographer. Mixed with the Montana blue Swarovski crystals the sodalite is really nice. If you click on the image you'll see an bigger image -- I think the blue comes across better on the larger pix. For all of you who love the calmness of the color of blue, this is the bracelet for you.

The Party's Over -- in Tucson That Is

Packing up and getting ready to head out of Dodge. While it's a bit sad to say good-bye to my niece who did the show with me, I am so looking forward to getting all my new treasures home. And, of course, to see Beatrix, my little Cairn. I have a stinkin' suspicion that once my rear hits the chair in my studio, it may stay there for quite some time. While it was a bit tiring and dirty at times, my time here was really fun. Not only did I get to spend two weeks with my niece, I was fortunate enough to meet with Jay King and his oh-so-friendly crew and Shivan Sarna who is quite the little spitfire. That woman has incredible energy. For those of you who don't know, Jay sells his gemstone designs on HSN in the shows titled "Jay King Mine Finds." If you haven't had the good fortune to ever see what he brings, he is scheduled for Sunday, 2-15th throughout the day. Shivan is studying for her GIA and is a jewelry host extraordinaire on HSN. How lucky were we to be surrounded by experts who have a great time while they work? In my world, that's a good thing. I so thank all of them for making the effort to actually meet with me and share their ideas and laughter. it made the hunting that much more fun. See you back in Oregon.