Garden Party

They say February is a good time for gardners to start pouring through seed catalogues and dreaming up the flowers that will bloom in spring and summer. Though I don't have much of a green thumb, as a jewelry designer, it never seems too early to play with romantic floral themes...


And since I haven't posted any photos from last year's trip to Paris in a while, I thought this would be a perfect time to show you one of my very favourite gardens, Jardins Luxembourg.


The vast park-like setting features a 'pond' in its centre with statuary, topiaries, and places to sit encircling it.






This is me and my brother-in-law Ed squinting in the bright September sun.


And, of course, the well-manicured grounds were lush with colourful flowers.







And now for a little something from my imagination, I created these garden-inspired necklaces, each featuring some kind of floral element, from a petit point-covered coin purse to a flower basket, and a sterling silver rose pin to an enamel guilloche locket.






Thank you for stopping by, and please stay tuned for my Prayer Card collection, coming soon to The French Circus! Have a beautiful week, mes amis! :)

Kindred Spirits

I don't mean to brag, but I have some of the nicest customers. Today I received at least three sweet e-mails asking me to reserve something, one telling me she had read my whole blog (always nice to know it's not just mom reading this!), and another sharing the latest installment of Downton Abbey. These all put such a smile on my face! :) (You know who you are!)


It got me to thinking about how fortunate I am to have found my 'calling' finally in this lifetime. I'd always known I was creative, but until recently didn't know how to apply my passion for antiques, arrangement, and fashion.


Through vintage assemblage jewelry, I can combine all the things I love and get paid for it! You know the old saying, 'Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life'!


Not to mention, all the kind souls I'm meeting along the way. Never in all my years as an office worker did I receive so many accolades as my customers bestow upon me now.


Somehow through a mutual love of antiques, jewelry, and period television dramas, our kindred sprits have found one another and the on-line community we're building is invaluable.


So I just wanted to acknowledge all of you who have supported me along the way, whether you've purchased my jewelry or just enjoy the browse... you've changed my life in more ways than you can imagine.


And for that I am truly grateful.


Bon soir. :)

Winter Creativity

How is everyone's week going? Many of my internet friends have been experiencing snow storms this week, and even our weather in California has turned very cold. To combat the winter humdrums, I've been keeping cozy indoors on my days off from work to 'play' in the studio. A new batch of gemstones which just arrived from India has also helped to keep the creative juices flowing. :)

This necklace features ocean-blue flourite stones and a finger rosary relic pendant. I added an image cut from a vintage prayer card and some old lace to the interior.





I love these oxidized cross pendants and paired this one with Art Deco findings, lemon zircon and tiger's eye.





Inspired by the Edwardian-era necklaces I've been spying on the PBS series Downton Abbey, this necklace reminds me of the passage of time, with its drops of floral vine, vintage watch faces and Victorian mourning pendant.





Finally, this sweet necklace puts me in the mood for a nautical vacation. Who couldn't use a little 'resort' wear right about now?




All of these pieces are currently available in my Etsy shoppe. Please let me know how you're dealing with the cold winter weather. :)

Sweethearts

With Valentine's Day exactly one month away, I thought I had better get busy and create some romantic pieces for one of my favourite holidays...


Rich reds and pinks, silver hearts and cameos speak my language of love.






Of course, a nice box of chocolates wouldn't hurt either. ;)


The necklace and earrings pictured above are currently available at The French Circus. Thank you for stopping by!