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."