Thursday, December 22, 2011

Gifty Stuff...

This was my first time participating in the Oh Hello gift swap and omigosh, when I learned that my gift partner was Lorelei Eurto, I could hardly wait to see what would arrive in the mail! I received her package late in the day on Tuesday - too late (dark) to photograph (and I PROMISED myself that I would take pictures)....

...holy cow I could barely contain myself but I managed to resist busting open the package until the next day...


Then.... what is that expression I see everyone using these days (?) ... oh yeah:  "SQUEEE!!!"   

I always thought that was so silly (I'm way too mature for that) ... until I opened the box...


I instantly fell in love - palette, textures, everything - just beautiful! I am thrilled to pieces!!!!



Every detail exquisite - I truly feel like this necklace was made for me (oh yeah, it WAS!): my love of owls, the woodland-mixed-with-shoreline theme (missy L was aware that that I really liked owls, but how on earth did she know of my love for beach pebbles ?! - that was NOT in the mini bio I submitted for the gift swap!)... 


These stones remind me of my girlhood days along the shores of Lake Superior - where I would often collect little smooth stones very much like these...

....so, in addition to being a brilliant jewelry designer, missy L is also a mind-reader!


In every respect, this suits me to a "T" and I cannot wait to show it off! 

Thank you Lorelei!

Hmm...it occurred to me (after I opened my gift) that maybe we were supposed to wait until Christmas day (oops) - but since I will be traveling over the holiday weekend, I figured I SHOULD open it ahead of our departure. Yup - I'm going with that. 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Holiday Plans

I will be closing shop for vacation starting Dec. 21 (midnight Tuesday night Dec 20). Any orders must be placed by 9 PM DECEMBER 19 - Final shipments via Priority Mail on December 20. I will re-open on January 3, 2012. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!


Saturday, December 3, 2011

New Jewelry

A few snaps from work I am showing at a local gallery... as you can see I kinda went bonkers over hoops! Most of the hoops and other elemetns I forged and patinated myself; a few hoops and some of the chain are by Shannon LeVart. And fishies - I have been making lots of fish and whales, and other critters (hehe). The little copper leaf (in the Precious Bird piece; second image from the top) is by Kristi Bowman. The aqua lampwork bead (in the Double Sky piece; second image from bottom) is by Amanda Bridges.



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Exciting News!

I'm SO excited!!! I got my January 2012 issue of BeadStyle - my Blue Grotto Toggle is featured!!! Find it on page 98 in a new column "Retail Therapy" (whatever that means... lol). This is a first for me (being featured like this, not as part of someone else's design). That's my toggle in the lower left of the page (right side of the photo). This picture is courtesy of Ms Genea who has the beautiful glass toggle to the right of mine.


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Jewelry Artists Who Inspire Me

I am so very fortunate to have bits of my work incorporated into pieces by some amazing jewelry designers. It truly inspires me to create more, and to push the boundaries of my own work. There are so many; here are just a few...

Gear Link Earrings by Lune Artisan Jewelry (Keirsten Giles)
Sea Witch Necklace by Shannon LeVart
Porcelain, Lampwork and Copper Earrings by KristiBowmanDesign
Cliff Dwellers Bracelet by Jean A. Wells

Monday, October 3, 2011

Jewelry Musings...

It's that time of year - I'm hunkering down to get ready for the holiday season - which means: JEWELRY! I'll be adding new pieces to the shop. Here's a little sneak preview...






Saturday, October 1, 2011

Saturday, September 10, 2011

New Reduction Kiln!!! And More Components!!!

Just picked up today from Kentucky Mudworks. Hubby laid black pipe. Propane tank to be delivered in 2 weeks. I can't wait to fire this baby up! Now I just have to get more sales going to make this little investment pay off!

In other news, 2 bisque fires this week:

Lots and lots of yummy new components - pictures show top shelf, middle shelf, and bottom shelf, and a close-up of new leaf charms (to be glazed in warm autumn colors).

And pottery, including a new batch of oil lamps - just in time to chase the fall / winter darkness away!

The components will require several glaze fires, starting tomorrow night. Stay tuned for pictures!





Free Art Project by Shannon LeVart

A beautiful bracelet design featuring one of my heart beads...

Monday, August 15, 2011

Summer Days Winding Down to Fall...

From today's kiln unloading - some new autumnal glaze schemes mixed in with some old favorites...