Pearls for Chris

It's February! Already! While I've been trying to settle in to the new year with happy thoughts and dreams, it hasn't been even close to that. My dear friend Chris lost her 4-year long fight against ovarian cancer. She's no longer suffering and I'm thankful for that, but I miss her terribly! There wasn't a day that went by without a check in text or email. It's been tough! I'm distracted and depressed and the gray weather certainly doesn't help. Chris was my partner in crime when it came to sewing projects and always a great sounding board for new jewelry designs--she was a jewelry maker too. Her most favorite jewelry accessory being pearls. We had that in common--I've never met a pearl I didn't love. So as I wander through these days of gray and loss, I'm trying to figure out a way to honor Chris and our friendship, knowing every time I design with pearls, she's there with me.

January Rings

It's more then a week into the new year and lots going on!  In weather news, we've been -6 degrees with a foot of blowing snow, now we're 47 degrees with pouring rain--very unsettling.  I spotted and rescued a kitty who was homeless and starving during the storm.  I'm now weighing the idea of introducing her to the others.  I've worked in the studio and am ticking things off the to-do list, as well as trying to create new designs for inventory.  Here's a sampling of what's going on.

This is a commission piece with a 4mm rhodolite garnet gemstone and silver and 18k gold balls.

I thought I'd continue making a few rings and this one is still in process.  I've placed a little 3mm ruby in the setting, but am not sure if I will choose a different stone.  What do you think?

And then I thought to do a simple all silver version. 

So much more to do--getting back to work!
 

A New Year

A new year -- a new beginning.  So it goes, out with the old and in with the new or rather out with the sad and bad and in with the happy and healthy!  I find myself reflecting on the past--personally and professionally, (only to assess what worked and what didn't), and eagerly looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.  Positivity and happiness, love and fun...along with a lot of hard work.  I hear my studio calling me to create and I'm just about ready to jump in with both feet.  Just a little more paperwork to get out of the way and away I go!  New designs, new inspirations, new writings.  And even a new website is in the works!  I hope you will join me as I delve deeper into my craft, while (hopefully) maintaining a balanced life. 

Here's to a wonderful 2014!

Merry Christmas 2013!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Yes, it's that time--already!  Christmas is here and I'm still trying to catch up from all the busyness from the year.  I was lucky enough to be able to create a few beautiful pieces to be given as Christmas gifts this year.  One being this necklace for a special woman. It has a reticulated silver pendant with a square black onyx and strung upon a strand of faceted black spinel beads.  A lovely combination!

Another piece, a simply classic reticulated silver cuff. 

I hope everyone enjoys their new goodies! 

Studio Sale Thank You

A giant thank you to everyone who came out yesterday to the 3rd annual holiday open studio and sale.  We had a nice turnout despite the gray, rainy weather.  I'm thankful for a finish to my 2013 show schedule and looking forward to a little break and getting creative again in the studio. 

A special thank you to my mom, Andrea Peters, and my friend, Diana Kerr, who worked so hard pulling the day together--

THANK YOU!!!

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving--already!  Where has the year gone?!  I'm always amazed how quickly time passes, whether it's happy days or incredibly slow difficult days that one wishes would pass quickly.  Today is a day to enjoy family, food, and no pressure or stress.  No presents or expectations. 

This year I'm looking forward to a day with my whole family.  Chatting and relaxing and eating.  My sister and her family have traveled to Maine for the holiday and we'll gather at my parents house where the familiar smells of Thanksgiving will waft through the air.  I'm so very thankful for all of them.  And my family of friends, I will be thinking of you too--enjoying your time--I'm grateful for each and every one of you.

I'm thankful for my good health and feeling well and pass on this energy to all who need some.  I'm thankful for my craft which is turning into quite a career--I love it!  I'm thankful for warm wood stoves and my fuzzy four legged family; a roof over my head (despite the cracks) and flannel pjs. 

The list can go on and on.  I will focus on carrying this feeling with me throughout the whole year. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday Sewing

I spent most of last weekend in my studio creating, but Sunday, I took the day off to go sewing with a good friend.  What could be better than spending a day drinking tea and chatting over biscotti?  It's hard to believe that it's the middle of November already!  And it's list making time.  Lists of who, what, where and when--prepping for holiday gifts and events, and trying to figure out what I can make for everyone on that list.   Photos of the sewing will come soon.

In the meantime, please join me Friday, November 22nd through Sunday, November 24th, for the ArtFull Gifts Show at Point Lookout in Northport, ME.  I'll be there with bells on! and lots of flowers, pearls, and reticulated jewelry!

Shows in November and December

I just participated in The Maine Crafts Guild show at the Maine State Museum.  It was a small show, but full of amazing artists.  Thank you to all who came, admired, and purchased!

Next up, The Gifted Hand show in Ellsworth:

And then after that, ArtFull Gifts show in Northport:

And perhaps most important, SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, December 1, for the third annual open studio trunk show, held at Mom's house in East Boothbay--10 am-4 pm. 
Hope to see you!

Mother of the Groom Necklace--A Summer Project

This commission started with a phone call--a woman wanted to have a special necklace made for her to wear at her son's September wedding.  She found me and my jewelry online, liked what she saw, and gave me a call.  We set up a studio visit to discuss design thoughts and ideas.  We met in July and quickly figured out the colors, stones, and basic design--blue lapis lazuli alongside reticulated silver.  I drew up a few sketches and this is what was proposed and approved. 

 

Here are the beads and stones I found to use for the actual piece. I had never made a reticulated necklace that was half beaded, so I was looking forward to seeing the results.

The frontispiece started--silver rectangles reticulated and bezels and squiggles placed.

Next the silver ball accents and the articulated joinery.

The stones are bezel set in fine silver and the whole piece is getting laid out for stringing.

The full layout of lapis beads with the reticulated silver, hollow lentil shape beads I created.

And after the initial stringing, it was time to try on the necklace for length...I emailed this photo to J. and she loved it!  Upon her next visit north, she came with her wedding clothes and we tried it all on.  The necklace being an elegant accessory to make her simply classic outfit shine.

The length was almost perfect, but we decided on one minor design change--we added a chain closure for adjustable lengths allowing more versatility for wearing after the wedding.  Simply striking!

Thank you for allowing me be a part of this beautiful collaboration and special event!  It was a pleasure to work with you!

And after the wedding, in her words:

     "I'm wearing my necklace tonight, two weeks after our son's wedding at ....  The wedding couldn't have gone any better and I received many compliments on my "bling" , as one friend termed it, made specially for the event.

     Thanks again for all of your help. I shall enjoy my wedding necklace for many years to come."