Spring Greetings

Although the official start of spring was a couple of weeks ago, we're finally getting some warm, sunshiney weather in the bay area, so I wanted to usher in the season properly. Here are some greeting cards I recently created using die cut flowers, butterflies and bees from K & Company. I added some pop dots for a bit of dimension, and rubber stamped images of 18th century women (my favourite era!) for good measure. Happy printemps, everyone! :)

Milky

Sometimes I'll recognize unintentional themes emerging in my work. I recently discovered that I'd been drawn to lots of milky white textures from mother of pearl to ivory to shell. Versatile and rich, these elements are always a refreshing touch in my jewelry designs and are especially welcome as spring approaches.

This incredible vintage rosary is a real stunner with large mother of pearl beads and a heart-shaped connector.





These delicious baroque pearls are really to die for. I've been saving them for the perfect necklace.



Mother of pearl and vintage rose-carved ivory beads. I think it's PC to use vintage ivory, right?


Creamy pendants waiting to be used.




Little shell circles.


And here are a few finished pieces currently available in my Etsy shoppe.




All these milky images have put me in the mood for some cookies. Bon soir, mes amis! :)

Patina

I'll be the first to admit I'm kind of fickle. I often flit from one design aesthetic to another; I could be craving 'I Love Lucy' circle skirts one month, and steampunk pantaloons the next. But one thing always remains true: my style must have a vintage derivative. Last week I was favouring bright colours and florals in an effort to accelerate the coming of spring in the rainy bay area. Now, I'm finding myself drawn to more neutral shades and rich patinas (perhaps I've just given in to the weather). I'm loving the juxtaposition of textures: a sparkly rhinestone piece next to some oxidized brass, polished pearls with tarnsihed silver, a brilliant gemstone with wooden beads. Here's what I've been up to lately:














What inspires you this time of year?

Raindrops and Roses

Despite the deluge of rain we're experiencing in the bay area this week, our hearts are with Japan's earthquake and tsunami victims. I've also been trying to 'look on the bright side', keeping in mind that all this rain means spring flowers are just around the corner.

To celebrate my birthday, my family spent a lovely afternoon at San Francisco's Legion of Honor museum for the Pulp Fashion installation. Artist Isabelle de Borchgrave re-creates period costumes ranging from the Elizabethan era to Dior's New Look entirely out of paper! It is incredible to witness first-hand as you realize that every piece of lace, each pearl in a necklace, or every pleat of a Fortuny gown is made from nothing but paper. I'm so sorry that photos were not allowed inside the exhibit, but here is the brochure, to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.


My parents also got me these adorable Marie Antoinette-inspired dishes from Anthropologie. They're so perfect for me!



And last night my good friends Kris and Stephanie took me for strawberry margaritas and quesedillas.


A lovely orchid from Steph. (We ate the cupcake Kris brought before I could take a picture of it!)


I also found time to make a few new necklaces. I'm definitely ready for spring and have been leaning toward whimsical pendants and cheery colours, including floral and Easter themes and rosary beads. Here's a peek of some of the items currently available in my Etsy shoppe.















Bon soir. :)