Good Knight

Yesterday was my birthday, and a dull, rainy day it was! I had to work, and the first in a series of bay area storms made for rather dreary possibilities. The only bright spot was that my friends Stephanie and Kris took me for dinner afterward! (I'm the old one in the middle.) Nothing like spicy Thai food on a cold evening, so it turned out to be a good night after all! My family has agreed to let me postpone the rest of my celebrations for a few weeks since I want to do something outdoors with them once the weather clears up.

In the meantime, today was a perfect day for making jewelry! Here's what kept me busy in the studio...


I call this one 'good knight' - get it? ;)





'sweet memories' features a romantic enamel guilloche locket and blue floral links.




I placed images of a Victorian couple inside the locket, but these can easily be replaced with your own 'sweet memories'.

Both of these necklaces are currently available in The French Circus.


And now for just a few new pieces coming soon to The Paris Carousel...




Thank you for stopping by, and I wish all of you a good knight! ;)

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. :)

It's My Birthday!

...and it's kind of a big one. Let's just say the second digit is a 5! I've had a lovely weekend so far, and have started receiving a few cards and surprise gifts from friends.

My co-worker Whitney made me this lovely felt swan. She's been giving these personalized little animals to the whole staff which she designs and hand-stitches herself. I'm trying to encourage her to open her own Etsy shoppe!


Paulina sent along this cool vintage cafe sign as a bonus prize when I purchased Coco, the dress mannequin, from her. I think it really jazzes up my sink, don't you?


And look what I found when I opened the fridge:


Looks like it's going to be a great day! :)

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Today is my mother's birthday! I just wanted her to know how much I love and appreciate her, though I don't tell her often enough. This year has had its ups and downs, but you're still going strong! I hope you make me a nice roasted chicken soon. I love you!