Details

This week I'm trying to make sense of the new Blogger format (how am I doing so far?), and wanted to go easy on myself by just sharing some pictures of the details of my most recent designs. OK, I can see that my photos still aren't centered and the text is wrapping around weird, but at least I figured out how to type in between the pictures. (Special thanks to Glenda of Dab of This and That for explaining it to me!) If anyone knows how to center the photos with this new format, I would be very grateful for that mysterious piece of information too! ;) Providing that I can get my formatting back to normal, I'd also like to try a new feature on my blog... Since I've noticed that many of my readers are other jewelry designers or those aspiring to try their hand at it, I am planning to offer some simple tutorials. My idea is to feature one piece of jewelry and explain my design process and how I assembled it. How does that sound? I would love your feedback, ideas and suggestions for what you would like to see! Of course, first it looks like I will be needing a tutorial on how this new Blogger format works! Thank you in advance for your help and patience with my formatting issues, and I look forward to your suggestions about some jewelry tutorials! Enjoy your weekend, everyone! :) Robyn

Darkness and Light

I don't know if it's just me, but my Blogger composition screen has completely changed and I can't figure it out at all! I was lucky to get these photos uploaded, but can't seem to type in between them! If anyone knows the secret, I'd appreciate some help! In the meantime, here's what I've been up to in the jewelry studio this week. A combination of darkness and light as we transition into a new season. Sorry for the sloppy formatting. I hope you will enjoy the pictures. :/

Tapestry

Do you ever stop to ponder at what a tapestry life is?

A rich, woven mural of experiences, joys, sorrows, lessons, loves,

people, places, things,

memories of the past, and dreams for the future.

This week I drew from a variety of styles and symbolic references,

colours and textures,

to create a tapestry of sorts,

a buffet offering from which different pieces may hold different meaning

to different people.

From carved bone tusks to a mother of pearl dove,

Victorian and Art Nouveau lockets

to petit point and a prayer card pendant.

Cream, blue, green, pink, silver, gold...

there is something for everyone in this tapestry we call life.

Thank you for stopping by and have a beautiful week! :) Robyn

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