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What's in a Word?

So, what's in a word? We express ourselves in so many creative ways. I believe if it speaks volumes to you, then it will for others as well. So go ahead, express yourself....

Wheels Of Time

Let's see.......what to do with all those tiny little Vintage wheels, gears and spare watch parts? I incorporated them into their own little pendant and made it a part of this unique and fun necklace. Four beautiful handmade Lampwork beads and Vintage brass charms including a little watchface make this piece stunning to wear. Check it out at: http://www.tuscanroad.etsy.com/

Happy Halloween

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The leaves are turning, the weather is cooler and there is just that overall "feeling" as we approach the Holidays.

Happy Halloween!

The Color Purple

One of my favorite colors....it can be cool with Silver or warm with Copper or Gold. Purple is a group of colors with a hue somewhere between violet and red. It is often worn as a symbol of royalty, religious rank or high office. Here I show a lovely and varied mix of jewelry ideas in this beautiful color...charms, Pearl, Crystal, Iolite, Amethyst, even an infant bracelet.

More Spoons

I wonder who once used this Sterling Silver demi spoon? Now it's a beautiful necklace pared with three Gemstone charms of faceted Aquamarine, faceted Cherry Quartz and a yellow Serpantine tulip.

The other is a beautiful little Sterling salt spoon. It is 2 3/8" with a 5/8" bowl. The twisted handle has decorative openwork at the top. It is pared with two charms of Swarovski Crystal, Sterling and Pearl. For more info, check out http://tuscanroad.etsy.com/

Turquoise Turquoise

A lovely stone, Turquoise is one of the most recognized semiprecious gemstones in existence. It is considerably softer than Quartz and therefore is usually treated in some way for stability.It occurs naturally in shades ranging from sky blue to grey-green. The color variations are caused by the quantities of copper, iron or chromium in the soil. Different colors come from different regions and states. Turquoise is a beautiful and wonderful stone to work with and here are a few of my favorite pieces.

Costa Rica

I haven't written in awhile and I'm going through withdrawals because I haven't stepped foot in my studio in over a week. On the good side however, I am thoroughly enjoying myself in beautiful Costa Rica. While my son was on his fourth dive, I took the opportunity this morning to check out some of the local shops in the nearby town, as I always do when I travel. I love to just feel and soak in the local customs, colors and fibers of anywhere foreign and this place has plenty. I have found some wonderful beads and silver components I can't wait to use in future designs and I have gone crazy with the interesting and beautiful shells and beach glass I've been finding on my many beach strolls. So, stay tuned and I'll be back. And oh yah, that's my son Tanner. Besides diving, his favorite past times are fishing and swinging from palm trees.

Lovely Labradorite

Such a beautiful stone-Labradorite. When light hits it from a certain angle, it can display a striking and irridescant rainbow of color, also known as labradorescence. Labradorite has a light green-gray base and is said to detoxify the body and slow the aging process. Many say the stone heals mental confusion and indecision.

Pearls

I received my first Pearl from my husband while on a trip to Tahiti. It is the most beautiful Emerald green Black Pearl I've ever seen and it is one of my most precious things.

It is written that the pearl is said to improve self-worth and help people see themselves. It is an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity that symbolizes love, success and happiness.

The First Necklace

Ok, so here it is, the first of several yet-to-come necklaces using Vintage Salt Spoons. This spoon is 2 1/4" with a shell scallop shaped bowl and twisted handle. It hangs on a necklace of 12 tiny mixed metal chains: silver, gold tone, pewter, bronze, copper and brass. Also hanging with the spoon are several charms of Semi Precious Stones. You can find additional info at my shop http://tuscanroad.etsy.com/

Tell me what you think. I'd love to here.

Salt Spoons

Years ago, people used open salt cellars and little salt spoons at the dinner table. These spoons were usually Sterling Silver and often in the same pattern as the owner's personal Sterling silverware.

I recently acquired some of these spoons and intend to incorporate them into my jewelry designs. They are 2" to 2 1/4" and are stamped Sterling on the backs. As there are many, many styles, I was careful to only purchase designs that had natural cutouts in them so I don't have to drill any holes. I'm really excited about these, and once I complete a piece, I will be sure to post it. In the meantime, any suggestions?

One Lovely Blog Award

Last week I heard from Laurie at http://madebyswirlygirl.blogspot.com/ that she had selected my blog for the "one Lovely Blog Award".
It's special to receive an award for "loveliness" from another artisan whose work I admire. Laurie makes beautiful frame-able art, and photo art cards. Check out her Etsy shop at
http://madebyswirlygirl.etsy.com/
This is a "pass-it-along" award, and here are the rules:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
*Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
*Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here are the 15 blogs that I have passed this award on to. Check them out, as they're all great sites.

http://brandywineboutique.blogspot.com/

http://kristinfriesen.blogspot.com/

http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/

http://happycloudmoments.blogspot.com/

http://feltsewgood.blogspot.com/

http://scrapperlicious.blogspot.com/

http://indiesistas.blogspot.com/

http://fluffybricks.blogspot.com/

http://alteredevents.blogspot.com/

http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

http://shabbyvintagemom.blogspot.com/

http://fortheloveofcute.blogspot.com/

http://sparrowsalvage.blogspot.com/

http://thedecoratedhouse.blogspot.com/

http://cupidscharm.blogspot.com/

Prayer Boxes

I love to travel. Wherever I go, I keep my eye open for unusual and beautiful beads or components to use in my jewelry creations. Thailand is one of my favorite places. It's beautiful, the people are wonderful and appreciate your support of their Country, and I have found many wonderful goodies for my designs. On my last trip there, I found these little Silver Prayer boxes. They were in this little shop tucked away in a back alley on the The Island of Koh Samui. A lucky find for sure and I can't wait to discover more creative ways to use them!

I just finished this custom charm bracelet for a customer. Tell me what you think....

Justin

My heart misses him every day. He is my oldest son, age 20 and he has been away at college for nearly two years now. He is studying Architectural Engineering. Wow...the homework he has is enough to do anyone in. But this quarter ends for him on Tuesday. Then he comes home for one glorious week before going back for summer quarter. I can't wait to spoil him!

Inspired to create

I am so inspired by this amazing community that is within such easy reach. Sometimes I think, what do I talk about? Do I have something worthwhile to say? If it was just audible sounds coming out of my mouth, I would have absolutely no problem, as I am in sales, I'm a talker, a people person in my day job. When I'm home, my "therapy" is my jewelry, and then I'm quiet, just thinking, dreaming, creating.

Luck

I've been so lucky to find this hobby which is truly my therapy. To be able to just create whatever comes to mind or from an idea is the most rewarding thing ever. Through my jewelry business, I have met some wonderful people who have not only inspired me to follow my dreams, but have become good friends as well.

Blogging is new to me, but I look forward to having it be part of my life. The feedback and emails I have received through my website have opened the door to this whole community that lies just ahead.