Turquoise, Rainbow Hickoryite and Assignments

Today I was feeling as if I needed to be a bit grounded. Somehow yesterday got away from me and all the things on my "to do" list just didn't get done. I felt a bit like a hamster on the treadmill -- running as fast as all get out but getting no where even faster. When I see and wear turquoise it always makes me happy -- and the Jay King Mine Finds three-strand beauty shown here with one of my rainbow hickoryite designs makes me feel very happy, relaxed and focused. I first started working with rainbow hickoryite several years ago after discovering it in Tucson; it felt lucky from the get-go. Don't ask me to explain it -- I just get these "funny feelings" at moments in my life that things are on the right path. When I held the beads that day I felt a warmth radiate from them. Maybe because they remind me of my dad for some reason -- he always took me along to buy the exotic woods he used in creating his guitars -- so my love of fine woods was honed at an early age. And, maybe because when I see beautiful stones like these, I am reminded of the greatness of Mother Nature, and I understand the importance of doing her proud with the jewelry I design. While my thinking makes me feel very small -- I understand that no matter my size I still have an important task to tend to while on this planet. I do believe that if I can make one person happy when they see or wear a piece of the jewelry I make then I feel as if I am doing the job that I was assigned. I know, I know -- maybe a bit philosophical for this time of day -- but one of the hazards of working alone -- I spend a lot of time in my own head without interruption or censorship. That can be a blessing or a curse -- today I think it's a blessing.

Treasure Hunt -- Part Two

It's true, a picture is worth a thousand words. My treasures have started to arrive here in my studio -- and they're lining up. I have to do everything in my power to not rip into all the boxes at the same time -- like a kid at Christmas.

Desert Oasis and Valentine's Day

Well, it's my last day here in Tucson. The gem shows are winding down and so am I! While it is so exciting to see everything and meet up with everyone, it is also hard for me to be away from home for any length of time. Yes, I am quite the homebody, it's true.

Chrysocolla -- Strutting It's Stuff

Thought I would share a few chrysocolla pieces with you -- since I did mention it in my last entry. It is really a neat gemstone (did I just say "neat" like Richie Cunningham or Annie Hall?) -- a relative of turquoise -- but in some ways I think it is more interesting. Maybe because it has more color to it -- or maybe it is the mix of color. Not sure -- I just know I have always been drawn to it.

Turquoise to the Right of Me

Turquoise to the left of me. Turquoise all around me! Yup, here in Tucson turquoise is a big deal and for good reason. This is just one tiny little vendor representing about three percent of what I have seen over the last few weeks. Sadly, I don't design with turquoise but that doesn't stop me from looking at all the rough and beads when I come upon them. I figure there are so many other designers out there doing such lovely things with this magical stone, that I just decided I couldn't compete in design or with cost.

And, the Creative Cactus Award...

Today the creative cactus award goes to this beauty -- nestled in the front yard of a beautiful home in a small community here in Tucson. Anyone who says that Mother Nature isn't a genius is just nuts. Would you look at this thing?

Pools of Pearls

No doubt about it, I just love pearls. Weird though, while I have always loved them, what I love most is the irregular-shaped baroque styles. Little oddballs, I suppose. Being a bit on an oddball myself, I guess I always identified with the little off-round oddities. We're talking pearls here, people!

There's a Moon Out Tonight

It's true, I was feeling stuffed after a steak, ribs and chicken cooked-over-an-open-mesquite-fire dinner with friends, including Jay King of Mine Finds fame and two of his lapidary associates from China. As full as I was on the drive home, I just had to stop to capture the mysterious full moon over the desert. It was so beautiful as it peeked in and out of the wispy clouds.

Hacienda of my Dreams

I am visualizing this super hacienda as my winter home. It would be the coolest way to beat the winter blahs of the Pacific North West. Lovely desert landscaping -- houses set on oversized lots. Wild bunnies running to and fro and curved-billed thrashers singing, singing and calling "whit wheet." It all feels like it would feel like home quite quickly. So, for now, it's a pleasant thought and one I'll keep.

Now That's a Front Yard

Since my usual route to the local Starbucks was washed out with Wednesday's rain, I had a bit of a windy detour this morning. But not to fear -- I was happy to drive through one of my favorite neighborhoods here in Tucson. The streets in this desert designed community are small, no curbs, single lane and are lined with the local trees (which i don't remember the names but I'll get back to you on that) and a wide variety of cacti. The homes are simply lovely, all different styles, all custom-built I am sure -- not your typical neighborhood where all the houses are lined up like soldiers wearing the same dreaded uniform.

Oh The Joy!

What a surprise. Today I was running in and out of the house and studio getting "outside chores" done in between the rain storms. At one point, I thought I caught a faint scent of Japonica but I kind of chalked it up to wishful thinking. So you can imagine my surprise, when on the next trip out, I got a whiff again which spurred me to look a bit further. SURPRISE -- there are beautiful blush-white blossoms on the big old giant bush out back.

Just a Hint of Fall

Oh boy -- there is definitely a hint of fall in the air today. For me, that's a good thing, as the long hot days of summer are not my fav. Fall makes me think of new beginnings and new things -- new clothes, a new "do" and new activities. I think it is a throwback to the old back-to-school days.

There's a Moon Out Tonight

Almost full, just a little sliver missing -- but clouds and rain are on the way, so I knew I would not be able to catch the full moon. I love the moon in September and October -- it seems that it is always a big harvest moon. And, since I love the fall -- for me the moon is a sign of cooler days and breathtaking colors. The sky in this pix makes me think of labradorite.

Hops and Elephant Eyes

"The hops are as high as an elephant's eye..." -- oh, where are Rodgers and Hammerstein when you need them? I guess if the musical "Oklahoma" had been set in Oregon, then the lyrics would reflect the hops crops, instead of corn. Well, thinking about it, I guess the musical would not be titled "Oklahoma" it would be title "Oregon" and I am sure would be a wee bit shorter since it doesn't take as long to spell O-R-E-G-O-N. My head is spinning.

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!

Strawberries and Cream, Please?

Whenever I see rhodocrosite it just makes me happy. There is something about the peachy-pink color of the stone that gets to me. And, you know me...I am in no way pinky-girly-girl. But I do love this stone. What's even stranger is that I love the gemstones that have some opacity to them -- stones that if you look at closely you can see the more transparent veins running through them; but they are by no means totally clear. You won't find rhodocrosite used much in jewelry -- one because it is hard to find; and two is that, when you do find it, most times it is over-the-top expensive. However, I have seen pieces designed by Jay King (Mine Fines) and Carolyn Pollack (Sincerely Southwest) that incorporated small nuggets and cabs which are beautiful. So when I found these big bold heishe-type stones in Tucson, I went bonkers and bought all they had! Here are the first pieces out of the studio -- they have my definitive look - opaque stones mixed with highly faceted glass beads of varying shapes. There are bracelets too at my Web site so pop on over there and check them out. If you click on the image here you'll get a good close up view of the stones -- sigh.

Voila! From This to This!

Yes, that is a big ol' hunk of crystal outside one of the venues at the Tuscon Gem Fair. Quartz, I believe. While I didn't bring this particular specimen home with me, I did bring home some outstanding quartz stones in some unusual shapes. Not to veer too far off the track, but why does the word "specimen" always make me think of urine and medical labs? Anyhow, back to the matter at hand. The necklace here just came off the work table and is really lovely in it's simplicity. A bit of the contemporary "downtown" flair -- and when the light hits the varying facets on the crystal quartz stones it's blinding.

So get out the shades and be prepared for lots of attention! And, just for the record, crystal quartz is often referred to as rock quartz. Whichever word you use, it's just lovely. Hey didn't Shakespeare have some line like that in Romeo and Juliet? You know..."a rose by any other name would be as beautiful" or something like that. That Willy sure knew how to make a woman swoon. Can you tell I've had a bit too much sugar tonight -- I can't seem to keep a linear thought?

Black, Grey and White -- A Stylish Combo

These black, grey and white striped sardonyx beads grabbed me when I was least expecting it. I was looking for something else totally not related in any way, shape or form to sardonyx and POW! -- there they were. Just two lonely strands of beads -- medium and large sized -- just tempting me to pick them up and see what I could create. Always one to accept a challenge (why do I think of Peter Sellers when I say that word? And, not the cheesy Steve Martin version of PS -- only the original PS.) I bought these beauties and brought them home. I must admit that they sat mocking me for a bit from their perch on my studio work bench -- then one day the inspiration hit. Here is what those beads morphed in. This bracelet now on my site and a necklace (and oh my what a necklace) still in the works. The bracelet just looks so sharp and classy to me -- it gives a twist of the "basic black" theory. I load one with some of my silver bangles and it makes quite a look. Now that the season is changing (well, hopefully some day it will change) you will wear this bracelet to punch up neutrals and pastels. Black is a nice change from the ordinary when it comes to pairing it with the lighter colors of spring and summer. So, for all you black fans -- this one's for you!

Unakite -- Captures the Colors of Venice

I love unakite -- unfortunately the colors of the stone don't come to life in photog for some reason. Well, perhaps they do for someone who really knows how to do the perfect lighting and settings on their camera -- but as we know, that's not me! Anyhow, I was going through some old pix and found one from Venice that actually looks like the colors you find in unakite. So, I thought I should post it here and then, perhaps, you will understand why I am ga-ga over this gemstone. Oh and it goes without saying that I am over-the-moon when it comes to Venice, as well.

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.