Looking Forward to Spring, Desperately!

Yesterday when I awoke it was -20 degrees, not including the windchill.  Okay, now I know I need to toughen up, but this is getting ridiculous!  Luckily I am leaving Wednesday for a tropical vacation, so I have no room to complain.  Being from the south originally, I have never quite adjusted to the winters up here.  On that note, I thought I'd share some new pieces with colorful stones, in anticipation of spring.  Stay warm everyone!

Spiral "fern" rings with green tourmaline and peridot

Sterling pendant with prehnite and botryoidal blue calcedony

"Mountains and rivers without end" pendant with Montana agate and black onyx

"Salaam"

The latest in my doorway locket series, this one is titled "Salaam" and is inspired by the entrances to Islamic mosques.  "Salaam" is a common greeting in Islamic countries and translates to "Peace". As an American born in the Middle East, my heart goes out to the many people of war-torn Middle Eastern countries who's only wish is to live a peaceful and happy life.  I wish it for them also. Salaam.

A Modern Heart

I've started working on lockets, now that the world is frozen and things have slowed down.  Lockets are time-consuming so this is a great time of year to make them, when the world is moving slow as molasses (at least here in Upstate, where we have 1.5 feet of snow most of the time!)

Here is a silver modern heart locket, just big enough for a tiny keepsake or momento of a loved one.  This necklace is entirely handmade, including the chain.  This one has just sold, but there will be more to come.  Stay tuned!

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a great Holiday!  I'm happy to be back home and back to work in the studio.  I look forward to this time of year because things are less busy and I have time to be creative in my work without the pressures of upcoming shows, etc..  I've started some projects in the studio that I'm very excited about, including a couple of lockets and boxes.  Here is a bracelet just completed this week, with Royston ribbon turquoise and Bisbee, AZ turquoise.

Custom work

EEEKK!!  I realize this isn't exactly a Holiday-themed photo, but it was too funny not to share.  I just completed this custom spider brooch which incorporates a glass cabochon made by artist Sarah Bookbinder.

The spider is fabricated in sterling silver using a hollow-formed construction, with a black onyx cabochon accent.  Have a wonderful Holiday everyone!!

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival!!

It is once again almost time for Plowshares, my final show of the year, and also one of my favorites! Full of good energy and friends, this is a really fun show.  Its a great note to end on after a super busy year.   Below are some recent pieces I thought I'd share with you.  The rings and labradorite necklace will be available at Plowshares.  The raven pieces all sold at the Delavan opening, but I wanted to share them anyway because I'm super fond of them, and might make more:)  Have a great Holiday everyone!!!

Three rings: garnet, peach moonstone, and turquoise with peridot.

Labradorite wreath of leaves.  

Ravens, with black drusy, turquoise, 14k, and blue topaz.  

Of Ladders, Lace, and Twigs

Here's a preview of some pieces that will be for sale this weekend at the Delevan Open Studio Event! You can find me in my studio on the second floor.  There will be wine and snacks, (and jewelry!). I hope to see you there!  

Ladder earrings with gem silica, snowflakes with jasper, and lace agate earrings.

"Arwen": sterling silver twig necklace with crystal.