I spent some time, a few days ago, photographing new necklaces to list. We live on the second floor of a two story building, below us there are just 5 single car garages. Often times, the best lighting is just outside my front door on the “porch”. Mom models for me, then I take some of the piece laying flat and hanging on a cone. Keep in mind there’s a hard sidewalk below me.

I knew it was going to happen one day. I knew it. I also knew that when it happened, it was going to be a piece that I was not able to replace.

It happened.

I made this necklace in the fall. It’s been hanging down at my friend Ashley’s shop since then. A couple of weeks ago, I went down and picked it up from her shop so I could photograph it, maybe list it, maybe take it apart and build something new from it. I love it.

The focal is an unusual stone, I’ve never seen one before, or since. The top is beautiful soft green Chrysoprase, the bottom is Red Jasper. It reminded me of an Australian desert scene. A truly one of a kind stone.

The necklace tried to commit suicide. I swear, it flung itself over the railing and smacked the concrete below with a sharp CLICK. I gasped. I ran down the stairs. I was heartbroken. The right side of the pendant chipped off in one solid flake. I was surprised it didn’t shatter in to a million different pieces, but, it is a rock after all.

So now, what was a simple inexpensive stone focal is about to cost more (for me). I’m going to take it to a local lapidary shop and BEG them to re cut the piece for me, and polish it up. Maybe into an oval? Something that takes care of the tragedy.

I didn’t have the heart to take a picture of the piece after it was broken. I will, however, take a picture of the newly cut and polished piece!

Now….to find a better place to take my pictures….

2 Comments »

I know a lot of you are dealing with more winter. Not to brag, but our weather here has been great. Last week was spent in the mid 60′s all week, with lots of sun. It was nice enough to inspire me to start taking daily walks again. Let’s hope I can keep that up!

In the mean time, I wanted to share a little something with you. Something that shines. Something that could bring a little light to your world.

Click to see the item in my Art Fire shop!

Fear not, Spring is on it’s way. How do I know? As we speak, it’s 8:46pm, I’m in the ‘bead room’ and the frogs are singing outside my window. That’s a good sign, right?

What signs of Spring are you seeing in your neck of the woods? I’m sure if you look hard enough, you can find some!

1 Comment »

I know that Valentine’s day is near and I’m lacking in heart themed pieces, but, I just wasn’t feeling it this year. Instead, I’ve spent my recent creative time making hand wrapped chains. The process, for me, is very relaxing and has a meditative property. Which is exactly what I needed.

While wrapping link after link it occurred to me that the simple things in life are often times the most sublime. So I kept wrapping and decided to make a few necklaces reflecting my need for simplicity.

The first one I’d like to share is called Sanguine, in honor of the unusual color of the faceted glass beads I used in the piece. In some light they are a beautiful deep blood red. In other light they are a delicious milk chocolate brown. In contrast, the handmade raku pendant, from Red Crow Arts, sports a mix of deep greens and teal with a lovely irridescent glow. Ahhhhh the beauty of simplicity!

No Comments »

With all of the snow and ice that’s inundating parts of the United States I wanted to share a little something with you. My good friend KnitSteph is a Goddess of all things fiber related. She dyes fibers, spins yarn, knits, weaves, and sews! Seriously, she’s all that and a bag of chips. Recently she has opened up a shop on Art Fire to share her wares with the world.

Currently she is weaving some amazing scarves with sock yarn. I know a lot of you knitters and crocheters have big stashes of yarn that are calling out to you. Here’s a great way to use some of that yarn AND treat yourself to a little something special!

Click on the image to go to Knitsteph’s shop!

I can imagine a scarf woven with some beautiful, soft sock yarn in shades of deep purple and burgundy! Hmm, I guess that means I need to do some yarn shopping!

1 Comment »