Layer or Stack? Stack and Layer? Neither or Both?

So much confusion – do you layer or should you stack? The question is are these two very different styling mantras or are they really just different words for the same thing? Personally, I think I use the words interchangeably; but maybe I’ve been wrong all these years? Sure as heck wouldn’t be the first time and I am sure it’s not going to be the last! Do you layer necklaces but stack bracelets? Head spinning? I know mine is…well, it does all the time; but that’s another story best left for another day! Back to the jewelry and I’ll try to stay on track here! Lay down your bets now!

Not Your Daughter’s Baubles

I know, I know, the line usually goes something like “not your grandmother’s pearls” – but in thinking about jewelry, I believe there comes a time in our lives when we move out of the disposable jewelry and clothing category and step up to the investment clothing and real jewelry category. I’m not saying that we limit ourselves to just wearing precious stones and own just one or two pieces that we wear every single day; but I do think that, as women, we want to not only make a statement with our jewelry – we also want to leave the right lasting impression with it all.

Anatomy 101: Patterned Agate & Onyx Bracelet

As I “stroll” through the jewelry departments of some of my favorite stores and boutiques, one of the things that I find fascinating is the way in which high end designers toss in a variety of beads and components. I love the juxtaposition of components in unexpected ways – that’s what inspires me. In turn, it makes me so happy when someone looks at my jewelry designs and says “I have never seen those gemstones used together. I would not have thought to mix it up like this.” I always take it as a positive observation and not a criticism.

Fashion, Trend & a bit of a Throwback Thursday

“Trends are in and out in a flash; fashion comes and goes; but style always stays.” Not quite sure where I heard that and I know I have probably really made a mash of it – even so, it is a good and true comment, at least for me. With all the energy around New York Fashion Week it’s hard to avoid the buzz.

Yes…I am 64! Vent or Rant?

Why oh why do I let people’s comments bug me so much? This morning while scrolling through my twitter feed, I came across this little tweet “How good does [famous person] look at 60? Stunning!” At what point in time are people going to stop using an age qualifier in a comment in a description of a female? Isn’t it enough to say she looks great or she is really fit – I say it’s time to drop the “for her age” and “she is 60” silliness.

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!

The Touch, the Feel

The touch, the feel...no, surprisingly I am not talking about cotton. You're probably thinking "come on it is jewelry and it is all about the look, so what's with the touch and feel stuff." Well, while the look is important, for me jewelry serves another purpose. You see, I am a "fiddler" -- not the kind of fiddling associated with a musical instrument; but the kind of "fiddling" that happens when my fingers have to be busy. I've never been able to sit perfectly still -- no matter the location (frequently to the dismay of those in close proximity). I can't help it, I have busy hands and I am an annoying foot wiggler as well -- so I doodle and I knit and I wear jewelry all while wiggling my foot. Be forewarned - you might not want to sit next to me on a flight and I am okay with that!

Diversity -- it's a Grand Thing

I'm in the studio today, checking inventory and doing some odds and ends -- nothing unusual for Monday. In the silence of it all, I had another one of those "it was there all the time you just didn't see it moments." While all of my jewelry designs are similar in that they have a distinctive feel to them (at least I think they do), in many ways they are really quite diverse. Case in point -- this gorgeous pearl, aquamarine and patina starfish number (which sorry to say is not for sale) keeps me company on a bust across from my workbench.

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.)

2010 -- It's Here!

Another new year to celebrate -- how fun is that? While I am not one for partying for the New Year, I do love the idea of a clean slate, new beginnings and everything that comes along with each new year.

Mother Nature Inspired

The hawthorn tree in my back yard is loaded with berries this year. They start out green, over the last few weeks they have changed to the most glorious color of red. While the tree has the worst spikes on the branches, somehow, during the icy winter, birds by the hundreds eat the berries all season long. I don't know how they do it without impaling themselves -- but they have the knack. The colors of the berries and the leaves on the tree right now are so pretty. I just had to share.