Cherry Blossom Girl Jewelry

Gone Shopping

2011-09-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Been on vacation.

The prices for silver and gold have been depressing--they just keep going up, up, up....

Finally found some inspiration-- these lovely jewels (and photographs) from :

http://www.siamgempalace.com

They have so many lovely things! Lots of different cuts. I can't wait to start working on these. As you know--a girl can never have enough earrings!

Shipping costs are very reasonable coming from Asia.

I'm looking forward to getting some work done!

The Price of Silver

2011-05-15T15:05:00.001-07:00

The price for silver keeps going up, up up! Don't even ask about the price of gold....

It's sort of depressing and really makes you think twice about committing to your designs. I need a new pendant--maybe I'll use these teardrop gray moonstones?

Luckily, my favorite designs are petite in size. I'll probably have to put off the idea of silver bangles for awhile.

Here's a new moonstone earring that I'm working on-- just something that I can wear with everything. The bottom, oval stone has not been set yet (hence the bezel standing up around the stone) but I have a feeling that I'll get a lot of use out of these!

Opals and Pearls

2011-02-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's hard to get work done during the winter months-- it's too cold and freezing in the shop just doesn't sound like much fun.

I started working with this dainty little 3-leaf flower motif a few months back. They look really easy to make, but you have to be careful--they are easy to melt with a little too much heat!

Here it is again but I've added a few more. I love how it looks! Sometimes you just have to play with a design and it's amazing what new ideas spring up! I've added little seed pearl drops to this one-- can't wait to wear them! I'll have to add some updated pictures of it.

Here is another new little design that I'm playing with. Since this is the time to celebrate Chinese New Years I created a "money plant" necklace. Still playing with the design.... I really want to incorporate more mother-of pearl into my work. We'll see what happens!

Little Drops Part II

2010-12-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just want a little earring that I can wear with whatever....

These little drops are made in fine silver with little 4mm light blue Swiss Topaz stones

New materials, New projects!

2010-11-21T17:53:00.001-08:00

So I finally decided to try out some of those epoxy resins with my jewelry. I love the colors that are available--they remind me of hard candies!

(Sorry for the yellow-looking pictures-- it's freezing over here so that means taking pictures indoors)
Instead of finishing one project and moving to a new project-- I've been starting lots of little projects and not finishing anything! I have so many new ideas-- I want to try a little bit of everything.

The silver I use is fine silver (sterling for the ear wires). This resin stuff is so much fun and I love the endless array of colors you can create, but boy, this stuff can get messy! You really have to be patient too-- some of this stuff can take a few days to completely dry.

I can't decide if I like a matte finish (sanded) or glossy finish better! I go back and forth-- now everything is back to glossy.

More pictures to come!

Back in the shop!

2010-10-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

It has been too long! Sorry for the absence but things have been so busy!

First off-- I finally got my own work shop at home that's finally operational! This has been a great thing and a long time in the making!

I've been working in a few different mediums-- resins and enamels-- I should have new pictures for you soon!

Here's a few pictures of a cherry blossom necklace with briolette cut pink tourmalines. this necklace and its matching earrings are both for sale at Spindle in Seattle!

I can't believe that I haven't posted these pictures yet!
Lots of new stuff in the works and now I just have to hunker down and set a bunch of stones! Luckily, we are well into fall in the Pacific Northwest and soon the rain will be keeping me indoors!

Nice cuffs

2010-08-22T18:05:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted pictures of these yet! Sorry for the delay in posts-- summer has been flying by!

These are the first cuff links I've made. These are sterling silver and the stones are golden obsidian. The stones have a lovely, warm gold hue--very unusual and different for obsidian. Some people believe that obsidian is too soft to be bezel set-- but I think for cuff links these should be fine
Wow--I love how these look! Sharp!

Rubies!

2010-07-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

So I just got these beautiful man-made rubies. What are man-made rubies? These are identical to natural rubies except instead of being mined from the Earth, these were created in a lab. They have the same physical characteristics (hardness, color, crystal formation)-- it would take an expert to distinguish a natural-found ruby from natural man-made one.

(Check out the article in the June issue of Art Jewelry magazine too)
http://www.artjewelrymag.com/en/Magazine/Current%20Issue.aspx

These cute little Ruby Flower Drop Earrings are for sale at Spindle in Seattle--check them out!
She also has lots of cute items for yourself and your home!
http://www.spindleshop.com/

The great thing about these stones--they cost less than a found ruby but you get great quality--amazing clarity and color, plus the environment isn't destroyed searching for these!

These are little Ruby Jacks. As soon as I get my home studio up and running (I figure later this month)-- I'll make another pair to post on Etsy! I also have a matching Ruby Flower Drop Necklace in the works!

Collecting Pretty Little Dreams

2010-06-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

One of the really fun parts of jewelry design is buying and collecting stones for future projects! Future jewelry dreams! I figure I spend about 20% of my time collecting stones and beads for some future project. Some times it's so hard to resist them-- it's almost like they look like little candies!

Pictured here are some opals, topaz, peridot, and rubies!

Also in the mix are a few earrings that are also in the work. Finished pictures to be posted soon!

I have stones that have moved with me from city to city--some that I bought in NYC and some that were gifts from friends that have traveled from the other side of the world!

Each stone has so much potential--the hardest part sometimes is finally deciding how you will finally set it-- sometimes there are just too many wonderful ideas!

Chakra Power!

2010-05-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

So how are your chakras doing? What? I have chakras?

This one is for all my friends who love their chakras and want to wear a little something to celebrate their powers

In this pendant we have the following:
Muladhara--Garnet
Svadhisthana--Carnelian
Manipura-- Citrine
Anahata--Chyrsophrase
Vishuddha--Swiss Blue topaz
Ajna--Sapphire
Sahasrara--Amethyst

and in the center a clear quartz crystal!

This one is a proto-- more fun things to come!

I have another 2 chakra necklaces in the works and lots of earrings!

Bezels, Bezels, Part II

2010-04-18T20:05:00.001-07:00

Finally! The second bezel ring is finished! Cushion cut pink tourmalines and oval gray moonstones set in silver and fine silver. I've had these stones for years! I think I bought the moonstones back in 2001 when I took my first metal class at City College in San Francisco! I didn't know, back then, that small oval stones are not the easiest to set when you're just a beginner, so I've been saving this stones for awhile now--waiting for the perfect project!

Here's a picture of the 2.
I love wearing them. You might think they're a bit much, but actually, they're quite easy to wear. The stones are small enough that they're not distracting.

So glad to have a dry, sunny weekend!

Little Drops--April Showers....

2010-04-06T22:01:00.001-07:00

Just completed these for a custom order! They're so cute-- little 5mm swiss blue topaz drops set in silver

These will be so easy to wear-- I think I'm going to have to make me a pair!

As you can see in this picture-- the weather in Oregon has been a bit dreary! It would almost be perfect for working in the shop-- but man, it's still cold! I'm looking forward for the temperature to increase a few more digits!

Jewels in the sun!

2010-03-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Finally got one of the bezel rings done! Swiss blue topaz, white moonstones and green peridots. They looks just like little candies!

Still have work to do on the other ring. Also working on a chakra necklace pendant-- I see lots of stone setting for me in the future!

I meant to take pictures to post of the clip-on earrings I made for my dear friend, Michelle. But, alas, I was in such a rush to leave town that I forgot! I will have to make another pair of clip-ons for her so I can take some pictures for my blog!

Bezels, Bezels, Bezels.....

2010-02-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

Ok-- so these don't look like much right now. These are 2 of my more ambitious projects that I'm working on.
Both of these rings are made up of a full ring of bezels! They look plain right now, but soon they'll be sparkling with stones! The ring above will be set with white moonstones, blue topaz, and green peridot stones

This ring will be set with pink cushion cut tourmalines and gray oval moonstones!

Yes--they still are a bit rough and I'll continue sanding, but soon I can start setting stones!

Busy doing work--just slow at posting!

2010-02-21T15:30:00.001-08:00

I really have been working! Really!

I've had several ambitious projects that I've been working on. In the mean time--I threw these little earring together--made with some beautiful onyx drops that I found last year. They remind me of vintage earrings.

Next week I promise to add some work-in-progress pictures of these other projects-- I'm excited. The soldiering is finished, now I have lots of stone setting and sanding/polishing to go!

Cherry Blossom Holiday Gifts!

2010-01-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

So now that the holidays have past-- I can begin posting some pictures of projects that I've made for friends and for clients! I didn't want to post anything before I knew that the recipients had opened their gifts!
Above are pictures of a custom made bracelet and keychain. The first and nicest keychain I've ever made I have to say--I think I have to make one for myself! Both have hand engraved mother of pearl jewels set in fine silver bezels.

Looks great on. Sorry about the yellow hued pictures, I was in a rush to get these to their new home and in the evening I just didn't have any natural light to take pictures with.

I still have another gift that I need to give-- and I can't wait to post these pictures! Stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

Before 2009 could leave us-- Portland got a surprise snow storm! Looks beautiful, but makes the shop too cold for getting much work done!

2009 was a great year for Cherry Blossom Girl Jewelry-- here's a list of the charities that I was able to donate to because of customer interest and support in my work:

*SNO (Siberian huskies Needing Owners)
*AniMeals (In Montana--a no kill shelter and animal food foodbank for owners in need)
*Fences for Fido (they built fences, spay/neuter, and provide shelters to get chained dogs unchained in the Portland/ Willamette Valley metro area)
*ASPCA
*Dove Lewis (a non-profit animal hospital in Portland, OR--they provide emergency care 24 x 7)
*CAT Food Bank (the Cat Adoption Team is a no kill cat shelter that also has a catfood food bank for owners in need)

I donate 30% of each sale to an animal charity.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Happy 2010 to all!

Precious Tanzanite!

2009-12-06T19:30:00.001-08:00

Tanzanite is a stone that I wish I could use more of-- but finding nice stones is difficult and usually really expensive.

Luckily, I caved into my lust and bought these fabulous faceted rondelle stones several years ago-- I knew they would come in handy one of these days (my excuse for far too many stones and beads!),
More pictures to come-- we were having such nice weather that I thought I would take some pictures outdoors.

Carnelian Drops

2009-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

My Mom bought these carnelian drops. I made a few necklaces for her and she gave me the extra stones that were left over. They say that carnelian is the "travelers stone" and will bring good luck to them. Protects the wearer from negative emotions (like rage and envy) and increase ambition and drive--assisting in decision making!

If you go to the Met, you can see jewelry made by the Etruscans and Romans using these stones.
I think they turned out great! I used my original, hand-cast cherry blossoms in sterling with these. I have a few more stone combos-- pictures are coming soon.

Coin Pearls For a Cherry Blossom Girl

2009-11-10T19:07:00.001-08:00

I have a coin pearl necklace that needed some earrings. I didn't want to do anything to matchy-matchy...
These are easy to wear. The silver goes with just about everything. I worn these several times now.

Four Point Moonstone Earring

2009-10-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to make a pair of earrings to match the necklace--finally got around to it.

Though I have to admit that I usually don't wear necklace and earrings matched sets, I just had to see what this design would look like in a miniature earring version!

These are made from sterling and fine silver with a moonstone set in each one!
I really want to make these with a gold bezel! More to come!

Getting Some Work Done--cherry blossom necklace

2009-10-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a new necklace that I just finished to match all those cherry blossom earrings that I've been making! These are made from sterling silver, cast from an original design. I used a fresh water pearl drop, but as you can imagine, there are a lot of different drops you can choose from! I just bought some amazing black onyx drops-- can't wait to start working with those!

I can't wait to make more! I have a lot of ideas for these little guys...

sorry for the delay

2009-10-13T19:50:00.001-07:00

So Sorry for the delay in new posts! We just moved into a new house--and it's taking a little bit of a priority over the usual leisure activities-- like playing with the cat (clearly, Miles does not approve) and creating new and exciting things in the jewelry shop!

I promise more is coming!

New Favorites (something different everyday!)

2009-09-09T20:54:00.001-07:00

These are my new favorite earrings! I made these from the cherry blossom castings-- the possibilities are endless!
Also new is this dark freshwater pearl necklace.

Cherry Blossom Earrings with Pink Tourmalines

2009-08-30T19:07:00.001-07:00

Here's another variation of my cherry blossom earrings. These have pink tourmaline briolette drops!
These are a gift for a friend. I'm planning on doing another casting soon-- so I can make a pair for myself:)
My aunt in Japan recently saw the Renee Lalique exhibit in Tokyo and she was kind enough to send me the exhibit catalog! I will be posting some of my new ideas soon!

Almost Finished!

2009-08-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Just about finished with the earrings! All the little granules are fused into place. Here's a picture of the backs. you can see how I repoussed the backs to give the leaves more detail.

Now all that is left is to shape the ear wires! Only have to take a few more pictures and then these will be posted on Etsy for sale!

In the Works--Repousse Leaves

2009-08-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

Above is a pair of repousse leaf earrings. I made a pair of these last summer and I love them! They're total show stoppers and I can't part with them so I would like to make another pair to sell!

As with most of my pieces, it starts with a drawing. Then sheet metal and wire are formed and eventually I have the basic features done. All the work here is done by fusing-- no solder. That means you have to be careful-- you want the metal to melt enough that it will fuse with the surfaces, but not melt!
Then I have to make many little granulation pieces! These are slightly bigger than grains of sand!

I almost finished them today-- but fusing granulation can be finicky! right when you think everything is fused on-- a little piece pops off! Hopefully these will be done next weekend!

Cherry Blossoms and Pearls

2009-07-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

So here are some finished pictures of a few items I gave you a sneak peek of. The mother-of-pearl is hand engraved by me. I then set them, like stones, in fine silver bezels.
Trying to take pictures of mother-of-pearl can be difficult--as you can see the lighting makes a huge difference. Of course, mother-of-pearl looks best when worn-- I love how it's constantly changing colors!
This one has a double strand of tiny white freshwater pearls-- it's really beautiful! I really like the bail that I made on this one!
I have to again thank my aunt Haruko for the wonderful book about cherry blossom designs through out Japanese art history! As you can see--it was very inspiring! Thank you!

New Cherry Blossom Necklaces (finally)!

2009-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Just finished these little mini medallions. They're very sweet and easy to wear. The medallions are hand cast sterling silver-- made from my cherry blossom designs!
I've posted these 2 before-- These are all available for sale now! You can see them at the Shop People Gallery in SE Portland.

New cherry blossom ideas!

2009-07-13T20:47:00.001-07:00

I've been playing around with this new engraving idea!
My aunt in Japan sent me a book on Japanese cherry blossom designs and it was very inspiring! You would be impressed to see all the different design variations of the cherry blossom there are in Japanese art history.
Now I'm working on bezels to set them in. I'm also on the hunt for some small stringing pearls-- I have a few new pendants that I think would look great on a dainty strand of pearls!

Busy, busy, busy

2009-07-09T22:07:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of 2 Roman Setting pendants that I'm currently working on.
I haven't decided yet-- but I might set them with some fabulous grey moonstones. One pendant has a repousse bail (left) and the other has a more contemporary bail. I love them both.

I think I might make a loop-in -loop chain for one and the other I might do a tiny strand of pearls to wear it on.

I'm still deciding on if I'm going to go to NYC this summer of not. The current economic situation made it much more difficult to plan for a big trip. Luckily, my teacher was very understanding and will schedule me in later in the year. I'm really looking forward to seeing NYC some time other than the hottest months of the year! More to come on this decision!

Necklaces from Cherry Blossom Girl!

2009-06-29T20:38:00.001-07:00

I've been busy! Lately it seems like I've been working on a lot of little things, but not finishing anything! So last Sunday I buckled down and finished up a few necklaces that I'm going to display at the Shop People Gallery. Above is one of my sterling flower medallions with pink tourmalines on a sterling chain.
This one is one of my new sterling flower charms. Very simple and delicate!
This one is the one I've been wearing! I really like this on a leather band-- nice contrast with the metal! The design is an original design. I have a few more like this--just waiting for more leather to make a few more necklaces.

Cherry Blossom Mother-of-Pearl

2009-06-20T16:12:00.001-07:00

This idea was passed along to me by a customer! I love the way mother-of-pearl looks and can't wait to make more using it! Above is a piece that I engraved-- its a one-of-a-kind!

Cherry Blossom Post Earrings

2009-06-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

You might remember these little flowers from an earlier post! They originally started as the cherry blossom medallions--then I made waxes modeled from them-- I love these little guys and will be making more with them in the future! These have fresh water pearl drops-- but I'm sure you can imagine all the other combinations that are possible!

Cherry Blossom Hoops

2009-06-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

I've been busy today and finally finished these wonderful little hoops! These little charms can be easily swapped out for other little charms. These are pink sapphires. I have other pictures of pearl drops and flower medallion charms that can also used, see--Hoop hoop Horay for more pictures:)

Check back soon-- I have more pictures to post!

http://cherryblossomgirljewelry.blogspot.com/2009/01/hoop-hoop-hooray.html

New Cherry Blossom Pendants and more!

2009-05-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

Above: Cherry Blossom medallion on a larger pendant back--matching earrings are in the works!
Above: Large blossom pendant--will have matching earrings to come next!

Below: 2 of my favorite cherry blossom pendants!
I've been busy with a few new casting projects and here's some early picture. They still need finishing and some TLC-- but I was so excited about them I had to post a few pictures. I also have some amazingly sweet little blossoms for earrings and will post these next time:) These were all made using Lost Wax Casting technique-- so these are all original and unique.

Dainty Cherry Blossoms

2009-05-16T15:40:00.001-07:00

This is a new dainty little cherry blossom medallion that I recently finished-- it's just a prototype--but I'm really excited about it! I think I might add it to a larger silver medallion to add some weight and size to it.

I can totally see this as a pendant charm or as earrings! The petals are repoussed and the petal details are tiny granulation!

More Pearls!

2009-04-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

Just whipped up this necklace and I can't wait to start on the earrings! I have some smaller "blossom" medallion designs and I'm just trying to decide if I want to put them on french wires or posts. Who knows--maybe I'll end up doing both! I love the little fringe of white freshwater pearls! I'll be adding this one to my Etsy store soon. Matching earrings are coming!

Black Star Sapphire

2009-04-25T18:36:00.001-07:00

No, black star sapphire is not the name of my favorite band-- they're fabulous stones that I can't get enough of! As you can probably tell from the first photo-- this pair is not perfectly matched but I decided to do earrings anyways. I figured since they will be on either side of my face-- you won't be able to closely compare them against each other. Why didn't I get matching pairs? Well, I got these stones for a deal! Retail-- these stones would probably run about $50 a piece. I love them and I can't wear them enough! Maybe I'll spurge for another pair!

They sort of remind me of little turtles!

Blue Topaz--Blue as the ocean!

2009-04-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

I love these swiss topaz earrings! I only wish I could get a picture that shows exactly how fabulous the blue color is! It's like atropical ocean! Please bare with me as I continue adding photos of this one! I recently bought a new camera-- so I have a lot of new homework and little projects to work on--besides my jewels!

These are made from fine silver with a fringe of fresh water pearls shimmering below!

Etsy for Animals! Help Raise $$ for Animals in Need!

2009-04-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

I recently joined EFA --Etsy for Animals! 20% of each sale from my Etsy Shop will go to help animals charities! You can get more info about our team at:

http://efaartistshelpinganimals.org

Each month a new animal charity is chosen --this month all donations will be made to Siberians Needing Owners.

You can also check out EFA's blog--
http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com

Been Away--Inspiration!

2009-04-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I had a chance to update-- but I have some really good excuses. Here are 2 more of them:

Just got back from Captiva Island in Florida and we had an amazing time! Wonderful sunsets and amazing wildlife. And did I mention the sea shells!?!? In a past life I must have spent a lot of time "shelling!" Very inspiring--now I have lots of work to do!

Dreamy Moonstones

2009-03-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

These pretty little jewels are up for sale on my Etsy page. They're white moonstones with pink tourmaline fringe--very lovely to look at and and easy to wear. I have a pair with a purple tanzanite fringe and I wear them all the time. I would love to keep these too--but I'm beginning to realize that I've been making more earrings than any one human can possibly wear! Funny how that happens!

Four Point Moonstone Pendant

2009-03-09T17:50:00.001-07:00

I'm drawn to classic designs--how much more classic can you get than the symbolism of the 4 points? My friend who does Native America inspired jewelry mentioned that it reminded him of the symbolism of the 4 seasons. It reminds me of medieval crosses and nautical maps! Maybe earrings are next!

Citrine Lemon Drops

2009-03-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

These little citrine lemon drops look like candies! I bought these stones from a wonderful stone dealer last summer in NYC. They are all natural, untreated stones--gorgeous color! The flower links are also handmade from fine silver. I'm working on a matching choker --I hope to have pictures of it soon!

Loop in Loop Sailor Chain Set

2009-03-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is a set that will be up for sale at the Shop People Gallery in Portland. Each loop of chain is hand made--fused, folded, pinched, and connected to the next link--it's a time consuming process but worth all the work! When you're first learning, you melt a lot of your loops--so it takes some practice. It's a very ancient process--you can find examples of this loop in loop work in museums and art history books. I like to think that some of my stuff might last that long:)

More silver leaves!

2009-02-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

Just finished these the other day! They're grey moonstones with little fine silver repousse leaves attached! I've worn them a few times and have received lots of compliments! I bought these moonstones about 8 years ago! Couldn't resist them! I have a few more left-- maybe I'll make another pair to sell at Shop People! So many stones, so little time....

Silver Leaves and Pearls

2009-02-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yes--it's been awhile! Remember back during the holidays when I mentioned that I was working on some broach ideas? I finally have pictures to show!

This was a really fun project. These look like they were cast but actually they were each hand fabricated. Made from sterling silver--I had to hammer away on each one until they look just right! I also learned a lot about the specific hardware needed so your broach will securely lock in place! Each one has a little white fresh water pearl affixed to it as a nice little contrast to the textured metal. I made one for my mom and the other for my aunt--I hope they like them and can wear them!

Lots of ideas here! I love the idea of creating little "pairs" of broaches-- sometimes you can come across these at vintage jewelry stores. I'll keep you posted!

Filigree and Me!

2009-02-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

Look familiar? These little filigree medallions look fabulous as a clasp for a necklace (as posted earlier) and also as earrings! Lots of ideas for these little guys! I'll keep you posted with new ideas as soon as I get pictures!

Garnets and Flowers

2009-01-27T19:28:00.001-08:00

These little guys are a my new, latest favorite! They very dainty but pack a punch--they're always attracting attention! The medallions are feather light and since they're made in fine silver they have that beautiful white shine and resist tarnishing like sterling. The medallions is a motif that I'm really liking and I'm working on some necklace and bracelet designs. The bracelets will be made from sterling (to handle more wear and tear), but I have so many ideas for the necklaces that it's hard to pick one! I'm working on another pair of these with pink sapphires-- yummy! I'm planning on adding a few things to the showcase at Shop People LLC on SE Grand in Portland.

Rock'in the Swiss Blue Topaz

2009-01-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

I'm loving this Swiss Blue Topaz that I found. Here's a picture of some stacking rings I made. Just imagine what this would look like with a 18k yellow gold bezel! I think that will be my next project. I'm also finishing up a blue moonstone ring--I'll post pictures after this weekend. Also on the "almost finished list"--I'm also almost finished with 2 broaches that I've been working on-- I'm hoping that I can finish them this weekend too.

Forget-me-not!

2009-01-17T18:46:00.001-08:00

I finally got pictures of these! I recently came across some gorgeous Swiss blue topaz and had to make a pair of earrings. It reminds me of those forget-me-not-flowers (one of my favorites)! Soon to come--a matching necklace.
I love this design-- I'm into jewelry that I can wear whenever and not have to fidget with. I've been wearing these to yoga lately and didn't have to think twice about my jewelry while in headstand or while in shoulder stand!

Hoop, Hoop, Hooray!

2009-01-05T20:04:00.000-08:00

I made these a little while ago. The Hoops are sterling and the pearl drops are fat little fresh water pearls. The flower "charms" are made from fine silver and they can be switched out with the pearls depending on your fancy for the day!

Still Snowed In!

2008-12-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

I'm still snowed in- can't get my car over the berm of snow created by the snow plows! I have so many ideas that I can't wait to start working on...It's so frustrating having all this time at home and away from work-- but no equipment to get any jewelry done! Oh well-- the shop is most likely an icebox right now.

I'm posting an older piece that I made a while ago. All handmade chain with a white moonstone set inside the medallion. I made a matching one for my best friend:) I have earrings with the same motif.

Roman Settings

2008-12-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

I finished these earring awhile ago but it's taken some time to finally get pictures to post. These are hollow settings so they are light as feathers. I found some beautiful mother of pearl to set these with.

It's been snowing in Portland so I haven't been able to make it into the shop--very frustrating, especially since I have all this time from work ! I have several new pieces that I'm finishing up and hope to have new pictures up soon.

These Three Rings

2008-12-14T11:10:00.001-08:00

I just started a collected of rings that I can mix and match with each other. So far I have a white moonstone, pink sapphire, and cushion-cut pink tourmaline. I twisted the wire for the shank, but I just bought some half round wire that would be fun to mix in with these. I also have some beautiful aqua blue swiss topaz and I'm looking for some fun green tourmalines or garnets too! Check back to see more!

Grapes!

2008-12-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

I finished these last weekend and I can't wear them enough! The stones are white moonstones and the little "grapes" are tanzanite. I bought the "grapes" several years ago-- they were so yummy looking --I couldn't resist! I'm so happy that I finally was able to use them!

More Jewels...

2008-12-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

I bought this stone while I was in NYC back in 2007 at Robert Bentley's. It's a rutilated pink tourmaline. If you're in NYC, I definitely recommend visiting Robert's show room. He has some of the most amazing stones out there--seriously! They are also very knowledgeable and very friendly. The chain is entirely handmade.

Granulation

2008-11-30T20:31:00.001-08:00

I love granulation! Each one of the small dots has to be made individually and fused, one row at a time. You have to be careful-- not enough heat and they won't fuse and too much heat and the piece will melt and be ruined! I have set these with garnets. Eventually, I would like to begin working in gold-- as you can imagine--these earrings done in 20K would be very nice!

Rings and Things

2008-11-28T17:51:00.001-08:00

I made this ring this summer while in NYC. The stone is untreated chalcedony--this picure doesn't do justice to the beautiful violet color it is! I've been working on a set of stacked rings--mxing in round and cushion cut stones (yummy pink tourmaline!). As usual, more pictures are in the mix!

Cherry Blossoms

2008-11-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

Here's the picture of the Cherry Blossom Earrings I had promised. These are made from fine silver and the stones are beautiful cabochon-cut pink sapphires. These little guys are so easy to wear-- I plan to do some more in moonstones and some gorgeous blue Swiss topaz I just found!

Shop Stop

2008-11-24T17:21:00.001-08:00

I rent use of the jewelry space at Shop People in Portland, Oregon. It's a great environment for creativity with artists from different backgrounds rubbing elbows at the same space. They also have a coffee shop and gallery up front-- as soon as I get my new cards, I hope to have a few of my items on display for sale!

On Sunday I finished some "Cherry Blossom" earrings-- I hope to have pictures up soon!

A Great Gift

2008-11-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

This necklace is a favorite to give as a gift. All the links are hand made sailor links and the filigree clasp is so pretty--I like to wear it off to the side so it can be seen. I like to use fresh water pearls, but other gem stones could also be used. I'm working on matching earrings that incorporate the clasp and the pearl design-- I'll post them here as soon as they are finished.

My Favorite

2008-11-20T19:06:00.001-08:00

This necklace is one of my favorites! If you go to the NY MET Museum you can see this same setting done in gold by the Romans! This one is fine silver and everything, right down to every link in this chain was hand made. The stone is a beautiful gray moonstone.

Getting Started!

2008-11-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

Finally getting some pictures to post:) Working on getting more and better ones that have softer lighting--stay tuned!

Above is a picture of my Etruscan Leaf Earrings made in fine silver. These are about 35 mm high. I also make a smaller version (pictures are in the works). These are light as feathers and very eye catching!