With a Loving Heart

It's been a pretty consistent theme of mine that I never seem to have enough time to do everything I want to. I'm sure I'm not alone with this sentiment, as I know many of you also juggle careers, families and art, among other realities.


I often find myself wishing I was more efficient with my time, more prolific in my jewelry design.



I become easily overwhelmed by the pressures at work or too many social demands, and just want to come home to my cozy studio where I can create to my heart's content.


And I find that if I try to 'force' the designs, they usually don't please me.



It takes an uncluttered mind and a loving heart to come up with what I think is beautiful.


When I spend the time getting lost in the creative process and allow my imagination to run freely, then I feel I'm at my best.



Of course, having gorgeous materials to work with helps too! ;)



Perhaps I'll never be able to churn out massive quantities of jewelry, but when I make things that I love, with love, that is when the magic happens.


I hope all of you do something you love this weekend! <3

Crowning Glory

I've been playing with crowns and other regal images to tempt your inner heiness this week...


This Queen Victoria commemorative medal is topped by the colours of the British flag.




Little Damascene ships remind me of the royal Spanish vessel on which Christopher Columbus set sail to explore the Americas.




This next piece is a custom-order triple wrap for one of my favourite customers and fellow Downton Abbey fan! :) It includes rich pearls and rubies and a Victorian pinheel brooch from France.




Finally, a show-stopping statement bib featuring crystal bezels, yummy gemstones, a golden crown and vintage religious medals.





Please visit The French Circus and The Paris Carousel to find these and other jewels fit for a queen. :)

Cameo Appearance

I've been in a cameo kinda mood this week, although if truth be known, I'm always partial to cameos.


They are so classic, come in so many varieties, yet always remain in good taste. And my customers seem to like them too! ;)


This simple necklace is elegant by itself, or would be fun to layer with a rosary or long pearls.



While not exactly cameos, I thought these Virgin Mary medals qualify for this week's collection.




Another of my signature cameo cuff bracelets, this one features a trio of shell cameos (all formerly clip-on earrings). The aqua blue amazonite stones remind me of the clear blue waters of the French Riviera.





Dainty black and white cameos in a goldtone scalloped setting from the 1940s are enhanced by vintage rhinestones and garnets.





Finally, this softly stunning necklace features two fleur de lis pendants and is accented by old shell cameos on each side. A vintage French mother of pearl rosary and light blue 'satin' rosary make for a perfect springtime treat.





All of these pieces are currently available at The French Circus. And please stay tuned for more cameo confections coming soon... :)