Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Sitting here in limbo -- waiting for boxes of "jewels" to arrive -- seems the postperson (got to be politically correct) is always late when I am waiting for something special. Meanwhile I am playing with some leopardskin jasper beads that have been in the inventory for a while now -- the bracelet here is one of the designs that is available at www.tanyalochridge.com. I just love these beads -- their natural pattern does resemble leopard skin and the colors are really beautiful. Browns, tans and hints of black -- basic, but not boring. Mixed with the antiqued bronze-like chain and metal beads and popped with the fire-polished Czech glass beads makes it all come to life. The pix is a bit dark but in true light, the colors are lovely. I'll get lost in making a few more pieces with these beauties and before I know it -- the postperson will be ringing the bell delivering those new treasures. Oh boy!

The Party's Over -- in Tucson That Is

Packing up and getting ready to head out of Dodge. While it's a bit sad to say good-bye to my niece who did the show with me, I am so looking forward to getting all my new treasures home. And, of course, to see Beatrix, my little Cairn. I have a stinkin' suspicion that once my rear hits the chair in my studio, it may stay there for quite some time. While it was a bit tiring and dirty at times, my time here was really fun. Not only did I get to spend two weeks with my niece, I was fortunate enough to meet with Jay King and his oh-so-friendly crew and Shivan Sarna who is quite the little spitfire. That woman has incredible energy. For those of you who don't know, Jay sells his gemstone designs on HSN in the shows titled "Jay King Mine Finds." If you haven't had the good fortune to ever see what he brings, he is scheduled for Sunday, 2-15th throughout the day. Shivan is studying for her GIA and is a jewelry host extraordinaire on HSN. How lucky were we to be surrounded by experts who have a great time while they work? In my world, that's a good thing. I so thank all of them for making the effort to actually meet with me and share their ideas and laughter. it made the hunting that much more fun. See you back in Oregon.

Hints of Things to Come

I couldn't help myself on my last day of shopping here in Tucson -- stunning African rose quartz, labradorite, garnet, hessonite (orange garnet) and citrine all called to me like sirens from the sea. So I caved and forked over the last of my gemstone budget and became the excited owner of these intriguing fancy-cut gemstones. Believe it or not, I couldn't sleep last night -- I had visions of new designs dancing through my head. So I finally gave up, flipped on the light, sketched and made furious notes in my always handy notepad. As I see things, there is always time to sleep but when the creative juices get flowing -- then it's time for work (or play in some cases). These tiny treasures are beauties -- the shape is unique on some and the faceting really catches the light and gives back brilliant flashes. Oh man -- can't wait to be back in the studio at home and see what comes from all of this. Exciting times ahead.

You might want to be sure that your name is included on my mailing list so you'll be among the first to see the new pieces. You can do that by visiting http://www.tanyalochridge.com/ -- on the home page there is a Stay in the Know box that lets you add your e-mail addy to the list.

Pearls That Fell From the Sea and Landed in Tucson

I'm asking myself just how many pearls I can look at before my head explodes. This just gives you an idea of the number of pearls I got to look through to find some interesting shapes, sizes and colors for new designs. And, this is just one pearl supplier! While I whine a bit about it, it's really fun since I don't look for the perfectly round pearl . I was lucky enough to find some grey, ivory, black and the prettiest silver-white keishi type. Oh-la-la! I can't wait to be back in the studio so I can start working on all kinds of new designs using all of the new stuff. Watch for tomorrow's post -- earlier today I bought beautiful smaller faceted beads and will see if I can get a pix to post tomorrow. Lots of new design ideas coming to me with those. Something a bit different from my usual big and bold designs -- I got a bug to do some smaller charm style necklaces and earrings. So stay tuned.

Tucson -- Finally!

I'm like a kid going to Disneyland -- seems like Saturday can't get here soon enough. Tucson awaits -- as does my niece -- and I just want to see it all. Gems and gems and then more gems -- beads, and beads and then more beads. Hoping for the unusual and the beautiful. Stay tuned -- I'll try to post some pix as I go along. Oh, and if you are wondering, here's a yummy lampwork pink and bronze-brown bracelet I made for Stacey at http://www.ybfstacey.com. Pretty, no?

Tucson -- Here Comes Tanya

Seems like I have been waiting for the Tucson Gem Show forever. And, now, the time has come. For those of you who don't know about this show -- it is the largest rock, gem, mineral and fossil show -- in the United States and perhaps the entire universe! Spanning the entire month of February and invading every known venue in Tucson -- I could stay for weeks and still not see it all. Even if I could see it all -- I think that would be just enough to push me into sensory overload. This year, my niece will be doing the show with me -- she recently moved to Tucson -- how great is that? Would I be visiting her for two weeks if she lived in Paducah? Not that there is anything wrong with Paducah-- just not sure how high it would be on my list of places to go this year! So Tucson here I come. I thought it would be fun to give you all an insider's peek at the show day by day -- so, Blackberry camera willing, I will be doing daily posts from the niece's rocking new laptop. So keep a look out!

Where Does the Time Go?

Wow -- here it is the end of July -- months since my last post. Life has been a whirlwind -- jewelry, jewelry, moving, working, jewelry, jewelry, working. Well, you get the picture. I have been having so much fun though. If you haven't read about it at my Web site -- Beatrix, a new little four-legged creature came into my life when I least expected it. What a precious spirit, that one. And, what a joy.

On the jewelry side of things -- I have been busy creating pretty baubles for some special people in my life. La's bracelet is shown here -- blacks and browns on gold. Maybe we should call it the Oh-la-la bracelet. It made it's debut at the anniversary fete for her parents -- 60 years I do believe. Amazing. With some of the leftover beads, I created the lariat for La's daughter, Sunshine -- my terrific niece. One major difference -- "I hate gold, thank you very much" meant that the beads had to work with silver -- and so they do.

Frantically trying to design a necklace and earrings for a friend to wear at her wedding and then doing the bridesmaids and maid of honor necklaces and earrings. I am having so much fun with it all. It's a bit nerve wracking, however, because it is such a special day, I want to be sure that my jewelry does the bride and her girls justice. The dresses are just lovely -- so I am working to design pieces that work with, don't overpower, but enhance the overall look. Once all is said and done, I'll post the pix here.

That's it for now -- glad the hot weather is behind us -- at least I hope. Moving in a few weeks, so will be out of touch for a few days while that changeover takes place. There are lots of new things for sale on my site, so check it out when you have some time to browse. I add things a couple times a week, so check back frequently. And, if you have done so already, add your name to my e-mail list from my home page.

Taking a Cue From Vintage

As you know by now, I am smitten with any jewelry that has a vintage feel to it. While I love the "estate" type jewelry -- you know, platinum and stones, lots of openwork and detail -- I really love the stuff from the 30s and 40s. It was chunkier, bold and oftentimes, quite colorful. When I saw these red glass beads the other day I went wonky. They looked as if they could have stepped right out of the 40s. So, I used a wire wrapping technique with them and then strung a few Czech and Japanese glass beads with them to get a layered look in one bracelet.

I put it on the other day and layered a few 14k linked chains I have and what a cute look. I like it because it makes a statement, but unlike many of my other pieces that are really BOLD, this one is lighter so it makes a quiet statement. I just love designing and creating jewelry -- it's always interesting to see what the end result will be with every piece. No two ever look the same.