My Roots

I have become increasingly aware, in the last year or so, that I should revisit my roots.

I've been making jewelry since 2005 and I started with a distinctly "my own" style.  Even though I taught myself with other people's work, my disassembling and reassembling seemed to turn something pretty into something unique.  I uncovered the mysteries of jewelry assembly by both my hands on "research" as well as by reading everything I could get my hands on.

About  6 months ago, I discovered a mostly strung necklace filled with big, plump, copper freshwater pearls and a myriad of garnet shapes and sizes.  I didn't have the heart to unravel the intricate pattern that I'd so easily set 4 and a half years ago.  So, I instead blended it.

I used my now tried and true technique of lacing the back third of a necklace with a singular stone as to bring a bit of extra focus to it.  Though the row of stones are the same at the back rather than part of the overall pattern, the idea breaks up the design so that the ends of a necklace become as much of a focal as the center.

Another technique that I used to incorporate regularly within my work was the idea of asymmetry.  If you take a close look at most of my work, you will see this "lack of pattern" an ever-existing theme within the style of my designs.  But, its not really a lack of pattern at all.  Rather, the pattern is simply more intricate than many designers employ.  You have to look closely, study the whole, and see that the lack of pattern becomes the pattern.

The pieces that feature this "lack of pattern" are like witty conversationalists.  Most don't get it.  But, every now and then, someone will notice and be highly amused.  They'll commend your work in a different sort of way that is like a secret handshake.  And then, you know they know.

Looking Elseware

So we all know that Etsy is a magical place. I could spend all of my time there and never tire of the terms OOAK (one of a kind) or DYI (do it yourself). Even still, I have yet another site suggestion that you may very well curse me later for sharing with you.

It's called elsewares.com. It's beyond words, really. No mere mortal can embody elseware's depth by trite words. Ok, anyway... the site's tag is "Independent Art and Design," but it's really so much more than that. It seems that many of the products are sustainable, multi-functional, and all around as innovative as it gets.

I also love that the site has a search breakdown by recipient, price, and gift ideas. When I searched 'For Her,' I found measuring cups that masquerade as mod Russian nesting dolls. I also found an uber sleek clutch comprised almost entirely of recycled pull tabs. Seriously, don't knock it until you see it.

Anyway, you now have yet another retail playground to frolic amidst when you're supposed to be working. Have fun with that.

Aquamarine = Happy Marriage

I was reading about Aquamarine today online and discovered the most interesting thing. Supposedly this stone was known in ancient cultures to be a soothing stone. It was also an ideal wedding gift as it would ensure a long and happy marriage.

I find this very interesting because aquamarine is the stone that I chose for my engagement ring as well as my wedding band. It also happens to be one of my favorite stones to work with when I design jewelry.

It's funny how these things happen, hmmmm???

Read more about Aquamarine here - http://tinyurl.com/y9oz5jk