Pretty Little Spring Things

Moonstone and labradorite rings in silver with gold detail.

This was a super busy week, but I managed to squeeze in 2 days at the studio and decided to focus on making rings.  These are the results.  I'm preparing for the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Rittenhouse Square show in Philadelphia the second weekend in May.  I've never done this show before and I'm excited to try out a new venue.   I recently updated my show listing, so follow the links at the right for more info on any of my upcoming events.  Thanks for reading!

Apatite, chrysoprase, turquoise, and blue chalcedony rings in silver and gold.

Colors of the Sea

I recently returned from a wonderful trip to the Caribbean.  I realize I am very fortunate to be able to take such a trip.  It really helps to renew my energy and find new inspiration for my work.  I've been busy lining up my show schedule for the summer, and also working on some more complex jewelry projects to submit for possible publication.  (More on that to come!)

Here are a couple photos from my trip and some new work.  The colors of the Caribbean are amazing, as are the colors and patterns in these stones.

Dominican Republic!

A new "Frida" cuff with Kingman, AZ turquoise and a feather cuff with Bisbee, AZ turquoise.

Sterling earrings with ocean jasper and Picasso jasper.

The coastline of Curacao.

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!!