Would You Believe Eight Years?

Wowza! In February 2006, as a way to showcase and sell my jewelry designs, I officially started my blog. At that time technology offering budget-friendly formats that made it possible for little guys like me to have a fully functioning website/online store didn’t exist. Hard to believe, I know; but it’s fact! So I figured that a blog  was the next best thing. Fast forward eight years and not only is my blog still up and running (three hundred and twenty-two posts) but there is a fully functioning very lively separate website and online store highlighting about two hundred jewelry designs along with stories of their inspiration and creation!

Sparkle and Shine

As you know, I love to shake things up by designing jewelry that combines the unexpected. That thinking carries through when I style my look by layering pieces from my collection that play off each other.

Grey Skies and Inspiration

Yes, all of those clouds and rain actually inspired a few designs this past week. While in Tucson I bought the loveliest large silver-gray mother of pearl beads.

The Real Red Carpet

Something about all the red carpet hoopla over the last few months intrigues me. I know, I know...it's a huge industry this business of fashion. I just find it interesting that it takes much more than a village to dress one celebrity these days. Yes, I'll admit, it is kind of fun playing dress up; and in another life, I did get to be dressed by "stylists." Oh, not in the glamorous kind of way -- but in the soccer-mom-next-door kind of way. Yes, its' true, I worked as a commercial print model (oh and commercial actor) in NYC. Surprised?

Mixing it Up with Joan Rivers

Today, I was listening to Joan Rivers on QVC and it hit me -- I have been collecting her jewelry for 19 years. Yes, 19 years and I am not afraid to admit it. I started with "just the enamel bangles" and that lasted about one visit.

Willamette Woman -- Peek in a Purse

Well, yes it's true, looking inside a woman's bag can be a scary thing. And, so it goes with mine. When I was asked to do the "Peek in a Purse" feature for the September-October issue of Willamette Woman (part of the Statesman Journal in Salem) I thought it would be fun. Well, it certainly was -- but, now the world knows I am somewhat of a kook!

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!

Choose Me! Choose Me! Choose Me!

I had a bunch o'bracelets all lined up on a work tray and they looked like so much fun, I had to snap a pix and post it here. I love making this particular style. Something about the repetitive nature of creating the "rope" is very Zen for me. That is the reason I so enjoy knitting -- it's not so much the finished product, in that case, it is the very nature of the knitting technique. However, it is both the technique and the finished product when it comes to these bracelets. Picking just the right gemstones or glass beads for the "charms" makes me happy. Interesting, I am so easily entertained.

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.