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!  :)

 

 

 

Flora and Fauna

The blue rose earrings I made earlier this week not only flew out the door as soon as I'd listed them on Etsy, but I got multiple requests for more!  I only wish I had another dozen or so pairs, but I always say that's the beauty and bane of working with vintage pieces.

I guess I'm not the only one in the mood for flora and fauna this time of year, so I made a garden of new earrings and a necklace, mostly with this springtime theme in mind.

Roses, vines, soft colours, and some delicate religious pieces are where my heart is at right now.

 

I love the faded quality of this old celluloid cabbage rose.

 

 

And thought these hand painted Russian drops were adorable paired with chippy peachy roses.

 

 

Here cameos and crowns are mellowed with aqua quartz and chalcedony.

 

 

I always appreciate when you stop by!  Enjoy your week!  :)

 

 

 

 

A New Box of Crayons

The gem show is in town this weekend (yay!) and I spent the entire day there yesterday! I was like a child in a toy store, and came home with what I like to refer to as a new box of crayons! When you're a jewelry designer, your gemstones are your palette, your paints, if you will. I am so happy to have new colours in stock, perfect to carry us through the spring season! Citrines, aquas, grass greens... soft pinks and berry reds! Just look at these yummy baroque pearls! And, as if that isn't enough to tease and tempt you... I will be launching a new line of jewelry later this week! Called, 'The French Circus Trend', it will be geared toward a simpler, more streamlined look and accessible price point. I'm so excited and hope you will stay tuned to see the new pieces! Until then, have a very Happy Easter, everyone! :)

Springtime Luncheon

This past weekend I showed my jewelry at a middle school PTA fund-raising luncheon. In the school's library, round dining tables were decked out in various themes by participating moms, including 'Flea Market Chic', 'Eggstravaganza', 'Giants' (we are near San Francisco, after all!), 'Sweet Shoppe' and, bien sur, 'Springtime in Paris'. Here are a few photos of some of my favourite table top displays: < Back in the studio, I've been busy dreaming up some springtime themes myself, including working with some beautiful and very old pendants... an Art Nouveau repousse dance card book, camphor glass basket, lithograph portrait, and a remarkable hand-embroidered heart-shaped scapular, likely from the late 19th century. Thank you so much for stopping by! Here's wishing everyone a happy weekend filled with spring-like weather! :)