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.

Inspiration: Snow & Pearls

When it comes to jewelry, pearls have always been a long-standing classic, sometimes even accompanied by a bit of mystique. Walk through any legendary art museum and you’ll find portrait after portrait of intriguing women wearing pearls – necklaces, bracelets and earrings – sometimes just one pearl earring (talk about your mystique!) I have had a long time infatuation with all things pearl.

Seven Years & Celebrating!

Yes, it’s true. Seven years ago I sat down and posted my first blog entry. Back then it started as a way to showcase my jewelry designs since technology was slightly different in those days and on online presence was not quite yet in the cards. Fast forward, seven years, and here we are – all of this techno-stuff makes it possible for me to stay in touch with all of you – from anywhere in the world. Isn’t it amazing? Baffling, yet amazing. I love it all. Well, maybe it’s better to say (and a bit more truthfully) that at times I have a love-hate relationship with it! But most days…it’s pure love.

Opulent Gemstones or Rocks in my Head?

Honestly, sometimes when I am working in the jewelry studio I think I am nuts. Why you ask? Well, let's see: is it normal for a person to actual gasp when she sees a piece of pietersite? Does a sane person swoon over kyanite or labradorite? Does a woman with even a modicum of commonsense get giddy over a pile of rocks? To tell the truth...I'm not sure. But I do know this - what other people might see as just rocks, I see as opulent opaque gemstones in so many varieties that no one person has counted or seen them all!

Kyanite -- Wowser, Wowser & Wowser

Yes, wowser -- if you've seen kyanite, then you understand my choice of words. I know, not a very dignified word for such a dignified gemstone; but it is what pops to mind when I see kyanite of this quality. High on my list of favs -- there is something rather mystical about this gemstone.