Nature-Inspired

This azalea graces the walkway leading to my front porch -- totally beautiful. While orange is not a color I have in my wardrobe; it certainly makes an appearance in my jewelry collection. When it comes to the colors of carnelian, fire agate or hessonite garnet -- I say "let the orange shine through." With orange being such a strong fashion color this year -- a good way to get the look but not feel like your auditioning for the role of the Great Pumpkin might be to pop it with a piece of jewelry like the one I've posted here. Paired with white, khaki, tan, browns and yes, even black, the "creamsicle" feel of the design gives your wardrobe the hint of the orange trend without being fashionista trendy. Gosh, I am so happy that spring is really here. I can't wait to see what blooms tomorrow. Seems that once spring comes to this part of the country there is no slowing it down.

Tulips and Fricadelwurst -- A Mighty Combination

I took a break yesterday and went to the Tulip Festival here in town. Yes, there is such a thing and it is pretty amazing. Acres, and acres and acres of tulips. Beatrix and I went with three friends -- two humans and one canine! We attempted to get some good photos of the dogs and the tulips for a Cairn Terrier calendar that is in the works. Not sure what I got yet -- but this is just a snippet. Of course, there was food involved. I had my first fricadelwurst sandwich (we call it "frickin' chicken") from the Mount Angel Sausage Company. Oh my gosh -- YUM! With sauerkraut and spicy mustard -- double YUM! I was taken back to the dirty water dog vendors in NYC. Sigh -- memories are sweet...and tasty. The weather was beautiful and it was fun to be transported to another place for a bit. I have learned that this is a beautiful part of the country when you know where to look.

The Beauty of Spring

Yes, these are real tulips growing on my friends' property. Like I said there is no better artist than mother nature. Breathtaking. I don't have the nerve to post a piece of jewelry here that is "inspired by" -- it just doesn't seem right.

Rainbow Hickoryite - An Old Friend Revisited

I did my Jay King Mine Finds marathon on HSN over the weekend -- so many pretty things and such fun stories. When he presented his new hickoryite designs, I had to go through my inventory and take a look at the few pieces I have for sale on my site. I fell for this stone when I first saw it in Tucson. I hadn't seen them for a bit and it felt as if I was visiting old friends. I love how the gemstone looks "glitzed" up with the Swarovski crystal and gold-plate chain in the 3-strand design of the bracelet. But, I love the simplicity of the necklace as well. This pix shows it layered with a multi-layered link chain necklace from my own jewelry box. You can wear it alone or layer it. You get to be the stylist. I do think the hickoryite necklace and bracelet play off of each other really well.

If you didn't get to see Mine Finds this time around -- check out the new Lake Victoria Jasper necklace he offered. I honestly think I swooned when I saw it. Luckily, no one was in the room to see that! While I don't have this gemstone yet, believe me as soon as I find a source for it I'll add it to my stash. Stay tuned!

A Real Boardroom Statement

I don't know what came over me today -- just thought I would go out on a limb and make a statement about some real boardroom jewelry. With all the hoopla these days about the boardroom (and you know which one I am talking about), I thought it would be fun to post a few real gemstone statement pieces from my TRL Jewelry Trunk Show Collection. The faceted carnelian gemstones on this necklace are big and bold and mixed with the "melting ice" look crystal quartz you are sure to get the attention of everyone in the place. Remember red is the ultimate power color!

Maybe you want to wow them in a more subtle fashion -- nothing says calm like the beautiful green color of natural aventurine. The gemstones are amazing placed with natural crystal quartz and big freshwater baroque pearls. The aventurine rondelles are hefty; but the design and color make the necklace look feminine -- in a powerful way. Let's hear it for women in the boardroom!

Click on the images to get a BIG look!

Cherry Blossom Time

Cherry blossoms everywhere in town -- a sure sign that spring is really here. It was a long time coming this year; but, with fingers crossed, I am hoping it stays. I've lived in Oregon long enough now to know that it can all change on a dime; but while it is 75 degrees with crystal clear blue sky, I'll be the optimist and trust it will stay forever.

Time to get out the pink bracelets and watches -- the perfect way, at least for me, to wear pink. Since the clothes are usually black, I can add a splash of pink this way; it seems to say "spring is here" in a slightly sophisticated and grown-up way.

For a different look, this pink with brown and frosted bronze is a stunner. It's would be hard to look at this piece and not think spring?

Let the Sunshine In!

Sun, glorious sun -- it's been high in the sky for two days in a row. And, the temp has moved into the high 60s. That's no small feat for Oregon. YAHOO! Maybe the fact that I finished making and then posted this new yellow jade coin necklace with a glittery over sized gold vermeil toggle clasp to the site on Friday made the weather goddess grin. These beautiful big yellow jade coins look like the sun, don't you think? All I know is I am so happy to see that yellow globe in the sky -- it means I can take off a few layers of clothes. Want to see more sun-inspired gemstone designs? Visit my site, http://www.tanyalochridge.com/. Maybe wearing one of these new creations will bring sunshine into your life, too! A girl can always hope, right?

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?