Have you ever had an idea, a really FANTASTIC idea, that after a few rounds of experimentation (mixed together with a whole lot of excitement and effort) kind of falls flat? The result is “fine”, like when you get a morning coffee but really want a cappuccino. There is nothing wrong with the result, and actually your friends like it, but you just can’t take the idea further. So, instead of muscling through this quandary to the MOST AMAZING piece, you burn out. I’m having one of those weeks. Sigh.

The great news is that I am SUPER excited to start something new when I return to my studio on Thursday. I am looking forward to a few inspiring days on the road to get me back on track.

Playing with...Poppies

...dainty 1/2" sterling silver circles, punched, formed, drilled and finished with silk cord. Voila.

Found Objects

I am inspired by found objects. Rauschenberg's early three-dimensional combines make me feel alive and Joseph Cornell’s boxes have the same effect on me as three macchiatos before noon. When I see a Cornell box at an art show or museum, I can barely contain myself. When I spot them from across the room, Olympic sprinter I am not but slap some spots on me and call me a cheetah because it takes mere seconds for me to be standing in front of his treasures…motionless, awestruck, and filled with gratitude.

This little necklace is a mix of found objects. Scraps from my daughter’s paper mache project, a brass concave disc, a soldered and flattened sterling silver ring intended for a different project, and last but not least, a tiny orange stone. One of a kind, this assemblage rests on an 18” sterling silver chain.

Craving Quartz

A simple, yet sophisticated design to get you through any season! Happy wearing.

Swirly-girly

Some new earrings for your viewing pleasure...

What's Your Gem?

Crafting name tag necklaces has prompted many people to ask me about birthstones. You can use a birthstone for your name tag necklace or simply select a stone which you find beautiful, both will do nicely! Regarding birthstones, for those of you with birthdays in January through May or July through September, you may wonder why knowing the stone associated with your birth is such a task. The reason is: people with birthdays in the months of June, October, and November have two birthstones, while if your birthday falls in the month of December, you have THREE. So unfair!

Based on myths and folklore the modern interpretation of what stones are associated with our birth month can be found in the picture above (thank you American Gem Society) however if you are more interested in the traditional stones associated with your birth month, in 1870 Tiffany & Co. published a set of poems by an unknown author (which are believed to be taken from the Gregorian calendar) matching each month with its corresponding stone. The poem's stones and months are most commonly associated with English-speaking societies. I find the poems fun and interesting to share, enjoy!

Three of the verses are repeats:

By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.

By her who in March was born
No gem save bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

She who from April dates her years,
diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

By her who in June was born
No gem save pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.


The gleaming ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Wear a peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.

If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.

Happy Mother's Day

My friend's husband ordered this necklace from me for his wife, for Mother's Day. I use only sterling silver and I selected a blue topaz (December birthstone) and pearl (June birthstone) for the accents. I cut my own silver sheet and I hand stamp each letter (gotta love Handmade!) I also drill the hole...oh, and lets not forget the sanding! I am still playing with the size of my tags and I am thinking of slightly changing the shape.