Inspiration: Sunshine (Kind of), Clouds & Shades of Gray

I was once asked where I find inspiration for my jewelry designs. My response was quick and rather concise -- “By keeping my eyes open!” It really is that simple. Not quite sure if it is the rockhound in me or just my strange way of thinking; but it seems that when I look at every day things, like the sky, I see gemstone combos. Curious to see how others think, I threw out a little test several months ago on Instagram. I posted a pix of a gorgeous blue sky with big white fluffy clouds with a caption that read “I see chalcedony and pearls. What do you see?” Most responses went something along the lines of “I see a pretty blue sky and white fluffy clouds.” Which, I guess, just goes to show that my brain works in unusual ways – I almost said weird ways; but now that would be not so nice, right?

Sure Signs of Fall

I don't care what the color Gods have to say about it -- to me fall will always mean burnt oranges, browns, deep russet and greens. In jewelry those colors translate as carnelian, red agate, green aventurine, smoky quartz and deep green freshwater pearls. Of course, I have to toss in some glittery Czech glass fire-polished beads to represent the sun as it bounces off the colors of autumn.

A Design Fit for Shirley

The other day I caught a rerun of Boston Legal. One of my all time favs, no doubt about it. Full of interesting characters, timely topics and good humor as only David E. Kelley can do. Well, maybe that is not a fair statement, since I watch so little TV that perhaps I am not qualified to judge what other writers have or have not done. But, I do know this -- I loved the characters In Ally McBeal as well as Boston Legal.

Wearing Some Sunshine

One thing that I find most difficult about living in the Pacific Northwest is the lack of sunshine in the long, long, long months of winter. It's funny the things I take for granted day in and day out and when I don't have them I realize how much I depend on whatever it is I don't have at that moment. (If you're a trooper and want to experiment with that concept, turn off your water for a day and see just how much you depend on it.)

If It's Good Enough for Mother Nature

People are always asking me where I get the inspiration for my jewelry designs. I know it sounds vague but I am inspired by all things around me. I feel like a giant sponge (no cruel jokes please) in that I seem to absorb the energy of what's going on in my world. Much of that energy is passed on to my jewelry.

Botswana Agate

I have been working on some new designs for a darling bride-to-be. She is so excited about the fact that I am able to make a special bracelet for her in orange to wear on the big occasion. Yes, orange. Since orange is not that common of a color in gemstones -- she was thrilled when she saw the Botswana agate design I had on my site.

Time for a Stretch

Where does the time go? June is here and I am just getting used to writing 2009 on things. One good thing about June -- roses are usually up and running. These are the first from the yard. Aren't they lovely, and, oh so fragrant.

The jewelry designs just keep coming -- I was on a stretch phase last week. So many friends have been asking for a few stretch designs so I decided it was time. I figure if stretch works for jeans it should work for jewelry, right? There is dogtooth amethyst, Russian amazonite, Botswana agate (shown here in orange), and smoky quartz. Of course they are my signature 3-strand style with sterling silver or gold-plate links and charms pulling them together. I have to say, I put a few in my jewelry box. Some days the ease of just slipping one or two on just makes sense.