And the Winner is...

Just a quick note, as promised, to announce the winner of my Valentine earring give-away drawing. Let me first thank each and every one of you who participated by either sharing my blog with a loved one and / or ordering my jewelry during the contest period. I put all of your names into a 'hat' (OK, it was a cereal bowl), closed my eyes, and the winner is... (drumroll)... Melissa Pepple! Congratulations, Melissa! Please send me your mailing address to either frenchcircus@gmail.com, or through a private Facebook message and I will send the earrings right off to you.

Thank you again, everyone! <3 Robyn

Just a Few More Valentines

OK, I'll admit it. I'm a little bit stuck on Valentine's Day, but I can't help it! I've always loved this holiday with its pinks and reds and romantic imagery. How can I resist?

For good measure this week, I also included this triple-layer necklace featuring a Lourdes souvenir book locket, rhinestones and mother of pearl rosary.

Now back to Valentine's Day. I found these pearly heart charms at the flea market this weekend, and had to make something with them as soon as I got home! Some old filigree, rubies, garnets and voila!

And how about this happy couple? Don't they look so in love? ;)

About as happy as you could be sitting for long periods of time waiting to have your portrait taken.

A few rhinestones and flowers should cheer them up! ;)

Please remember that my give-away drawing will be held tomorrow, February 5! If you haven't already done so, please enter to win the earrings below by simply sharing my blog with someone you love, then let me know whom you chose and why you love them! I will announce the winner no later than February 7, so please check back to see if it is YOU! :)

Thank you for putting up with all my Valentine's jewelry! Have a lovely week, mes amis! <3

Be My Valentine

One of my favourite holidays has always been Valentine's Day with its pretty colour palette, romantic imagery and... chocolate! :) Fortunately, as a jewelry designer, I get to start celebrating early by dreaming up some Valentine-themed pieces, now on offer to you in my Etsy shoppe.

These simply sweet bronze cherub earrings feature gorgeous faceted ruby briolettes and the most delicate chains.

I was delighted when I found this vintage sterling silver Reed and Barton heart pendant, still in its original 1950s box and felt pouch at the flea market last weekend!

It makes for a show-stopper of a passionate necklace, accented with sterling floral and rhinestone bracelet links, garnets, rubelite, rock crystal and book chain.

And now for the softer side of romance, this sweet mother of pearl and pink opal confection will take you from a winter white wardrobe straight through to summer.

Mmm... candy! ;)

This pair of glass French lithograph earrings is going to be really hard to part with! I just love the soft blues in the portraits and tried to echo the shade with heavenly faceted aqua chalcedony briolettes. (Swoon.)

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for... (obligatory drumroll)... I invite you to be my Valentine with my new give-away! One lucky winner will receive the double heart and ruby hoop earrings below!

All you have to do to enter is share my blog with someone you love (and whom you think might love The French Circus) by February 5! Then please comment here and tell me who you chose and why you love them. (Example: 'My Aunt Sally because she makes the best oatmeal cookies.') The winner will be drawn at random and announced no later than February 7. Easy, peasy! ;)

While we're sharing the love, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of the new readers I've been seeing recently, as well as those who are following and re-pinning my designs on Pinterest and have become Facebook fans. Not to mention those who have ordered my jewelry! All of you are helping to make my dreams come true and I couldn't have this life without you! In a sense, you are all my Valentines! Good luck to everyone who particpates in the give-away! <3 Robyn

Love Locks

Apparently there is a trend sweeping through Europe in which sweethearts write their names on a padlock and cinch it to the chain link fences over prominent bridges. Though technically illegal, I imagine it's difficult for law enforcement to prevent this romantic act, particularly when it takes place behind a lingering kiss in the dark of night.


This bridge, which crosses Paris' Seine River just in front of the famous Louvre Museum, glistens with the flicker of 'love locks' in all shapes, sizes and colours.



Here is the world-class view lovers enjoy while commiting their crime of passion.


Notice the glitter glue, sequins and red lips on these particular examples.


And I love the industrial quality of this vintage number.


Happy Valentine's Day, mes amis! <3


Please stay tuned next time for an exciting announcement regarding my new jewelry venture! :)

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!

Cherry Blossom Time

Growing up in Arizona, I didn't notice much seasonal change in the landscape. Oh, I could tell you the difference between a saguaro or prickly pear cactus, and it was easy to determine whether the temperature was 110 or 115, but other than that, foliage was lost on me. When my family moved to northern California some 20 years ago, I noticed for the first time the colourful beauty that flowers and trees offer. February marks 'cherry blossom' season in the bay area and I find myself looking forward each year to the few weeks when streets are lined with pale pink petals. Since these trees are only in bloom for a short period of time, it seems especially important to enjoy their fleeting beauty while it lasts, as if this is nature's way of reminding us to live in the moment. Cherry blossoms also signify the Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day to me, as well as the first hint that winter will soon draw to a close as spring promises brighter days. I snapped these photos outside my home on a dreary afternoon last week, but didn't want the opportunity to pass me by.




And now for something a little less serious, I wanted to show you my dining table as it appeared on Valentine's Day when I had the family over for dessert.
Before...



And after... ;)