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: 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.

And, it’s Officially Fall!

Earlier this week I actually felt a chill in the air and as I pulled clothes from my closet for the day I automatically reached for my Donna Karan cashmere sweater. Over the years, this sweater has become the clothes equivalent of comfort food for me. There is nothing special about it really, just easy to wear, comfy, soft and over-sized – a deep charcoal gray. Last night I realized that I have had this sweater for about 17 years!

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.

Inspiration: Pure and Simple

People often ask me where my inspiration for my out-of-the-ordinary color mashes come from in my jewelry. All I can say is "I just keep my eyes open." Mother Nature seldom makes a mistake when it comes to mixing colors. Last weekend, on a hike on the wooded nature trail at Champoeg Park, I stopped for a bit on a lone bench overlooking the river. I was the only one on the path and happy for the solitude.

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.)

Softest of Greens

Between storms this morning, I wanted to breathe some fresh air so stepped outside to walk the property, breathe deeply and look for signs of spring. I say "walk the property" as if I am living on hundreds of acres, and like Desparado have to "ride the fences!"

Sure Signs of Spring

Would you believe there are blossoms all around here in my little corner of the world? It's as if on cue all flowering cherry trees and forsythia plants decided to step into focus. Pink is such a wonderful color -- so soft, so feminine and just lovely. I love working with pink gemstones, such as rhodonite and rhodocrosite -- so I am so happy when I find big stones to incorporate into my designs.

Thinking of Green Today

Spring is almost here -- if not outside, then here in the jewelry studio. This green aventurine necklace gives me hope that soon we will be seeing green all around. This necklace is bold -- the clear crystal quartz really shines. I've layered my necklace here with a linked necklace from my personal collection, just because I can. Thought it would inspire all of you to do the same. You know me -- I always say, the more the merrier. While it's still a necklace, this prehnite beauty has a much different feel than the aventurine. The green of prehnite is so soft and the style is a little less bold. Just beautiful...I think. If you click on the images you'll get a bigger view that shows you all the details. See, pretty, huh? Check out all the new pieces at my site.