A Breath of Fresh Air

 

Living in Northern California has its virtues (despite the astronomical price of real estate!), and this time of year is a good reminder.  While many parts of the country are freezing, I've been hearing birds chirping in the early mornings, and a family of deer likes to trot by my dining room window in the sunny afternoons.

 

 

These happenings have really put me in the mood for spring, so this week's designs have a lighter energy, with a nod toward natural and organic imagery, as favoured by the stylings of the Art Nouveau movement in the early part of the 20th century.

 

 

This beautiful medal hangs from a web of crystal bezels.

 

 

 

Rough cut 'robyn's egg' blue amazonite nuggets are juxtaposed against sparkly vintage rhinestones.

 

 

Orchids and calla lilies float among rhinestones, a Victorian shell cameo and citrine in this delicate choker.

 

 

Here I've accented vintage silver medals with pale aqua chalcedony briolettes.

 

 

And finally, this necklace, entitled 'promise of spring' features antique lace and verdigris brass birds set inside a vintage watch case. 

 

 

I hope these designs will put a little 'spring' in your step, regardless of your current weather conditions, with the knowledge that clear skies and bright blooms are just around the corner.  Thank you for stopping by!  :)

 

 

 

A Graceful New Year

 

Happy New Year, mes amis!  :)  I've been thinking a lot about my hopes and dreams for 2014, and the kind of life I want to live.  Each year a friend and I choose a 'theme' word, rather than a list of resolutions per se, and this year's motto is going to be 'grace'. 

 

 

 

As I reflect on some challenges that last year brought, as well as my continued love for the gentler times witnessed in period dramas so popular now, I yearn to bring more grace into my world. 

 

 

 

I vow to accept the grace of God; to treat others with grace (including kindness, respect and dignity); and to have the grace to let go of judgment, envy or immaturity.

 

 

 

I will strive for grace and beauty in everything I create from jewelry to a loving meal for family.

 

 

 

By handling myself with grace in both social and business situations, I shall always expect a favourable outcome.

 

 

And I hope to handle life's inevitable difficulties with the grace of acceptance and strength.

 

 

Perhaps if I'm very good at it, I will even inspire grace in others.

 

 

I hope I have honoured my theme word this week by offering some 'graceful' pieces, soon to be available in my Etsy shoppe this evening.

 

 

And for my fellow Abbey fans (you know who you are!), here's a little eye candy to get us ready for Sunday night's Season 4 premier! 

 

Wishing everybody a happy, healthy and graceful New Year!  x o Robyn