Pantone Summer 2015: Custard

Oh how I wish I could; but alas I can’t. Describe Pantone’s Custard, that is, any better than the creatives at Pantone. They make it sound so dreamy: “sweet and sunny...a cheery tone that brings thoughts of pleasant relaxation and comfort food…full of good feelings.” The writer in me is at a loss for words – what can I add? I suppose I can tell you I love all rocks and gems that are soft yellow aka custard in color…yeah, that’s what I can say. I could add that I love the neutral nature of the soft color – it works well with just about every color in the universe, right? Let’s see – thinking, thinking, thinking. Nope, can’t think of one that it clashes with…can you?

Inspiration: Spring, Longer Days & Invitations

I know that it’s on its way. Spring, that is. While we had hints of it a few weeks back these last few days we are back to rain, clouds and lots of wind. Funny, I do love the change of seasons; however, the winters in this part of the country just seem to drag on for some reason. I shouldn’t really complain, this year we squeaked through without snow or ice unlike many parts of the country. The no snow and ice thing was a really nice change from the norm here. During our spring tease I had a gigantic case of spring fever. The longer warmer sunnier days were so tranquil and the cute little bench in my garden was so inviting.

Pantone Fall 2014: Misted Yellow

Misted Yellow – with just a hint of spice. I'm thinking that sounds either very exotic…or a bit like Dijon mustard! And, for me, and perhaps all you moms out there, a third image comes to mind; but I’ll spare you those details! Yes, Misted Yellow is a color selection in the Pantone® Fashion Report Fall 2014. How do I feel about yellow? I really do love it, but I struggle with wearing big hunks of yellow, misted or any other hue, in my clothing. In fact, I don’t think I have one thing that is yellow…do I? Sadly my skin and hair color really aren’t that chummy with yellow – but pushing that fact aside I still sneak yellow into my look. How? You guessed it…jewelry and shoes.

Pantone Fall 2014: Cypress

Cypress, selected as one of the top colors by Pantone for Fall 2014, is mystically described as a majestic and powerful green in the Fashion Color Report. I have to agree. Many years ago, I remember saying to a friend that I really didn’t have much green in my wardrobe. What I didn’t realize at the time is just how much green I had in the way of accessories and jewelry! I still have the eyeglasses from the 80s and 90s as proof of my love of all things green – several of which are very, very green (keep your eyes open for an upcoming post on those specs). How can one go wrong with green?

Inspiration: Moss & More

My house and studio are designed in such a way that I almost never use my front door. Honestly, the only time I walk on my porch is when I get packages or the mailman can’t squish something in the mailbox so he brings it up to the porch for me. Really can’t remember why I was out there earlier this week; but glad I was. (Wonder if my not being able to remember my reason for roaming is problematic or just a sign of old-age? Stay tuned…as you age you will find yourself asking the same question!) Either way I am glad that I was forced out there; had I not I might have missed how pretty the morning sunlight was playing with the moss. I know, who really looks at moss? Me! I have learned that Mother Nature is about as good of an artist as one can be; and all of this moss is just another perfect example of the wonder of it all.

Ring Around the Carnelian - Item of the Week

“Oh-h-h, oh-h-h, oh-h-h!” That’s what you and everyone who sees you will be saying when they get a look at this necklace. There is no way I could get a full-length shot of this 48” beauty, so I wrapped it around Lulu, the neck, so you could see most of the beads.

It's so Easy Being Green!

Green Aventurine, Prehnite & Freshwater Pearl Bracelet

Maybe it’s because it’s St. Patrick’s Day, maybe it’s because Pantone has named Emerald the color of the year for 2013 or just maybe it’s because I gaze out the studio window and I see little touches of green here and there. I am so happy to see spring…so very happy. The winters in this part of the country are really tough – at least for this born and raised SoCal girl.

The Healing Energy of Rocks

Another month coming to a close - where or where does the time go? Another full moon and the celebration of the Chinese Moon Festival, which will actually be celebrated on October 4th this year. The weather in this part of the country has been gorgeous – make that Gorgeous…with a capital G! Nights in the 40s and days in the 70s and sunshine! All that clear sky means a good view of the moon and stars night after night after night.

What Story Will You Tell?

Unique or ordinary? Have you noticed that people tend to compliment and ask about the jewelry you're wearing? When it happens, and you know it will, you can respond with an "oh, thanks, it's plastic and I blindly picked it from thousands just like it at Brand-X department store just down the street." Well, that's exciting, right? I'm thinking...not so much. Now, let's rewind and look at the situation a little bit differently. Wouldn't it be much more fun to respond with a unique and interesting tale about the piece under observation, especially when the compliment comes from "the cute guy" standing in line next to you waiting for his venti Americano? (Interesting side note: no sugar, no milk, no froth...manly man. I'm guessing that just maybe you've noticed him before.)

OHSU & Mt. St. Helens

At the beginning of summer, I posted a pix of Mt. Hood popping up in the distance while I was outside of Fessler's. While I told you that I could also see Mt. St. Helens that day, I did not post a pix as you would not have really been able to see it...and so you would think I was nuts!

  

Cauliflower? Yes, Cauliflower.

Yes, that is cauliflower in purple, yellow and white. Mother Nature...once again pulls our all the stops. If I was going to do something with this inspiration in gemstones...what would it include?

It's About Green and So Much More

I'd be a fool to think I could surprise anyone by wearing green today...right? So here is what I have on my wrist in the way of jewelry -- one of my green jade soft bangle numbers, layered with a very early Judith Ripka multi-colored jade piece. However, what's not shown in the image is the green jade bangle I added to the bunch. A bangle that I was gifted back in 1967 -- yes -- 1967 by someone quite special!

Sunshine, Vineyards and Weddings

You know it's not easy finding a really good person to cut and color your hair. Well, at least for me it's not easy. I was so spoiled in NYC, having been lucky enough to stumble upon James Post and Mark Garrison, two fabulous hair wizards (and amazing spirits) who also became friends over the years. After hunting and pecking around Portland for a few months, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I finally listened to my spit-fire niece (yes, I said spit-fire) and headed over to Dundee to see Amy.

Daffodils -- Can Spring Be Far Behind?

If daffodils are blooming, can spring be far behind? I am so ready for some sunshine and warmer weather -- layering all of these clothes is getting a little tiresome. Funny, I seem to be working on jewelry with brighter gemstones -- yellow jade, golden rutilated quartz, and rhodocrosite. Maybe if I concentrate on the color of yellow long enough, the sun will get the hint and win out over the clouds and the rain.


And, maybe if I concentrate on the beach and all the joy it brings me, I'll be there. Well, a girl can always dream, right?