Studio Minutes

A Few New Things

2012-02-05T18:45:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to me! Well actually it's passed now, but I'm declaring this to be my birthday month!

A gift of living flowers to brighten the house and the mood to start my birthday. And then a wonderful dinner with my parents, husband, and friend (and dogs too). And then a nice chunk of time to work in the studio. And here's what I finished:

These are reticulated silver earrings with sterling squiggles and balls with 4mm amethyst cabochons.

Then I worked up these long, thin heavily reticulated earrings with balls and pale pink faceted tourmaline bead drops.

I also finished this pin/pendant on Friday. It's been in process for a while but I wasn't happy with what was happening. So, I kept looking at it and looking at it and looking at it and finally it hit me--I turned the piece vertically, added another small bezel and then the bead drop at the bottom. The Sleeping Beauty turquoise just sings with the silver.

I have a bunch of other thing in various stages of creation, so keep looking back here and you'll see a lot more new designs.

Going South

2012-01-29T19:18:00.001-05:00

I've been getting ready for my jewelry feature at Coco Vivo Fine Art Gallery in Charleston, SC. I'm focusing on pearl jewelry and am adding 11 new pieces to the show. Here's a sampling of some of the new jewelry:

Sterling flower studs with freshwater pearl drop.

48 inch long freshwater pearls necklace--can be worn long or wrap it around twice.

Sterling silver curved bars with freshwater conjoined pearls.

These funky freshwater pearls are strung with sterling joined bars.

Featherweight sterling silver links with freshwater pearls.

Please stop by 25 Broad Street Gallery Row, Charleston, starting February 3.

FMI: http://www.cocovivofineart.com/

Earrings for Everyday

2012-01-07T19:16:00.000-05:00

I got back in the studio and went to town on creating some new reticulated earrings. My next ad in Downeast magazine is coming out in the February issue and I feature a great pair of earrings. The only problem (not really a problem) is that they sold after the ad was designed. So, I thought what a good excuse to focus on making earrings. Here's what I've finished:

The seven pairs sitting pretty in the studio.

These are the smallest pair--with pink tourmaline seed beads.

I love the simplicity and clean lines here.

Stud backs on heavily reticulated silver with 4mm apple green chryso-prase cabs.

Squiggles and curves dangle on the hooked earwires.

The green aventurine cabs here add just the right touch to the clean lines.

These earrings are most similar to the pair in the ad. The 6x8mm stones are black lace agate. The squiggle makes for a fun design.

Last but not least, another design featuring the balls and bars on the reticulated metal.

Well, back at it tomorrow. I have a few pendants in the works. We'll see where they go.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T17:54:00.001-05:00

Welcome to a new year and new possibilities! I am so happy to be moving forward and thinking of what I'd like to turn this year into. It's starts in my mind and then I'm moving into action. Keep checking in to see what new and exciting things will be happening with my jewelry, but also to see what else I'm doing to keep my creative juices flowing.

Just a sampling--here's a couple quilts I made and gave as Christmas presents--I love to sew and definitely see more sewing projects in the future!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T16:16:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

The time has passed so quickly, so many projects started and finished. I'm looking forward to celebrating this Christmas with my family and then on to a creative New Year!

Thank you for making my year a year to remember!

Open Studio 2011

2011-12-05T18:57:00.001-05:00

Andrea Peters and Christine Peters Hamilton

welcome you to visit the first-ever Open Studio & Sale

Where: Andrea's studio, 20 Hiawatha Trail in East Boothbay

When: Sunday, December 11th, from 11-4 and

Monday, December 12th, from 11-3.

For more information and/or directions

call 207-446-4865.

Looking forward to seeing you!

New Photos

2011-11-21T07:44:00.001-05:00

I am so excited! I finally had some professional pics taken and they look great. Thank you Robert Diamante for doing such a beautiful job. These will be used for show applications and advertising. Here are some of the flower series:

What do you think?

And here's some from the reticulation series:

I can't wait to see them printed on 8 1/2 x 11 inch photo paper--they are going to shine!

Busy, Busy

2011-11-17T17:44:00.001-05:00

I know it's been a while since I posted, but I've been really busy. Here's a sampling of projects I've been working on.

I turned these felted mice into holiday ornaments--they're for sale at the Center for Maine Craft in Gardiner. I love making felted things--it's another way that I keep my hands busy and my creativity flowing. I can do things at night when I have little energy or concentration for creating jewerly.

Another project keeping me busy is a fun quilt class at Alewives Fabrics. This is the first quilt that I've made in years and it's the first one I've sewn with my machine. Last night was the last class, 4 weeks flew by, but I love what I've done so far. Just look at those fabrics!!!

I have made some new jewelry too, but you'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to see.

The Inspired Hand V

2011-10-26T07:58:00.001-04:00

Look for 3 of my cuff bracelets on display at The Inspired Hand V show, January 20 - March 16, 2012. This is a juried exhibition of work by members of the Maine Crafts Association. The show will be held at the University of Southern Maine-Lewiston-Auburn College, 51 Westminster Street in Lewiston. I am honored and pleased to be included in this show.

Earring Commission

2011-10-10T10:14:00.001-04:00

Well, this morning I was able to cross these 2 pairs of earrings off my to-do list--yeah!!!! A client approached me earlier this summer to recreate a pair of earrings she loved from an oversized, photocopied, black and white picture.

We talked about making one pair in gold-fill with cubic zirconias and a second pair in sterling silver with peridot and the only change in design was that they had to be clip-ons. The lower stone we decided would be 10mm and the top 6mm. I did the pricing and specs and got to work in late September and here's how things came together.

I started with the sterling pair--I was able to buy the bezel settings and then fabricate the rest. They went together beautifully and are quite striking.

The second pair I was a bit more concerned about because I have never worked with gold-fill and I really couldn't find any findings that were pre-made except for the clips. So, I had to fabricate all the pieces and hope for the best. They went together better than I imagined until the very end when I struggled with one of the little 6mm stones--ugh! One earring was complete and the other had to wait until I was fresh again the following morning and what a difference it made. Here they are.

Now here's a comparison to help with scale:

I had to imagine the actual size of the original earrings because this picture was soooo oversized. I think they look great and I hope she'll be pleased!

Pearls for Charleston

2011-10-07T07:24:00.000-04:00

Now that the fall is here, I've been madly working on some new pearl jewelry to go spend the winter at Coco Vivo Gallery in Charleston, SC. Here's a sampling of some of the new designs:

EARRINGS

NECKLACES

hand-sculpted fine silver starfish on freshwater pearls

And these new bracelets:

coin pearls with hammered silver links

freshwater nuggets with silver links

Stop on by 25 Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina and see!

Great Show--Thank You!

2011-09-13T07:26:00.000-04:00

What a wonderfully exciting, successful, and tiring weekend exhibiting at the Laudholm Farm Crafts Festival in Wells. I had been working so hard to prepare my booth and it really paid off. Here's what it looked like:

Anita, my good friend (from The Creative Turtle), took time out of her busy schedule to help me set-up and work the show. Thank you! Thank you!

I'd also like to thank all the people I met and showed my jewelry to and for all the wonderful comments and feedback. And a great big thank you to ALL who helped me prepare and encourage--y'all know who you are. This show was a great experience and I hope to be back next year!

Preprations

2011-09-05T07:30:00.001-04:00

I can't believe August is over. Only one week away from my first big retail craft show at Laudholm Farm in Wells. I've been so busy not only creating new jewelry, but I've been sewing and building and putting everything together in order to have my booth set-up ready to go. Things are looking really good for the display and my "what to bring" list is getting long, but it will all be worth it. The show is Saturday and Sunday, September 10th and 11th from 10-4.

Lots of new jewelry including flower earrings and reticulated bracelets--you'll have to come to the show to see!

Hoops

2011-07-31T20:57:00.000-04:00

The trunk show was a success--thank you for all the support and encouragement!

It's been a great, but exhausting week and I'm finally back in the studio where I'm creating some new hoop earrings for a couple different clients. I love hoops, but I very rarely make them, so this is the perfect excuse to have some fun. And these are what I've come up with so far:

The scale is hard to tell here, but the upper left pair is 1 3/4 inches from top to bottom.

This pair of hoops was designed for a client who loves large earrings and does not have pierced ears. While clips make it more accessible for large earrings, hoops in the very design are more difficult to work in the mechanism.

I hammered 2 pieces of 22g sterling sheet that is 3/8 inch wide. I first formed the outer hoop and bent the face to house the clip finding. I then formed the inner hoop to add interest to the earring from the side.

They make quite a statement!

The next two pairs of hoops were designed with specific criteria. The first being 1/4 inch wide with sterling balls soldered on the face. They hang 1 3/4 inches long.

Simple, yet striking.

The second pair is just over 1/4 inch wide and slightly concave with silver bars piercing the hoop and each bar is balled at both ends. These hoops are also 1 3/4 inches from top ball to bottom ball.

The design creates an interesting focal point and adds a contemporary flair to the average hoop earring.

I can't wait to make more!

Tourmaline Slices

2011-07-22T07:18:00.000-04:00

This week has been really good for me. I've been ticking off all my to-dos and am feeling great to be accomplishing things. Today, I finished up a new necklace of tourmaline slices with a hidden box clasp in a flower.

You can have the flower be hidden at the back of your neck as a regular clasp, or it can swing around and be a focal point. Look at all the colors in the slices--just beautiful!

More to come soon!

Annual Trunk Show and Sale!

2011-07-14T09:17:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to a fun evening of Wine and hors d’oeuvres featuring

Christine Peters Hamilton’s

“Almost Annual” Jewelry Trunk Show and Sale

And introducing a new line of spectacular lamps, floor cloths, furniture, and more by Diana Kerr.

This one of a kind event will be held at

at Gleason Fine Art, 31 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor

On Tuesday, July 26, 2011 from 5 to 7 pm

Please feel free to bring a friend.

Questions? call 207-633-6849

Fireworks of My Own

2011-07-08T07:19:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July! Well--I'm late in posting, but seeing as our local fireworks were postponed due to the fog, I figured I could do the same thing.

I've been continuing with my reticulated cuff series, and started playing with smaller pieces. I am really happy with what's happening. Here are a few of them so far:

This cuff is about 1 inch wide made of silver with silver balls soldered around.

This is heavily reticulated silver about 1" wide forming the cuff. Silver balls and a 6mm faceted smoky quartz embellish the center.

And here is a 3/4 inch wide cuff with an apple green chrysoprase cabochon. Silver balls and bars explode from the center and continue around the whole piece.

What do you think?

Rock Paper Scissors

2011-06-26T07:51:00.001-04:00

I just delivered 9 new pieces of jewelry to Erika at Rock Paper Scissors in Wiscasset, Maine. RPS is a fabulous shop located on Main Street and definitely worth the stop. It's full of papergoods, funky housewares, beautiful leather wallets and purses, and select jewelry. RPS is full of beautiful wares and personality and I am so excited to be included in the shop. Here's a sampling of what you'll see from me:

This necklace is made from blue chalcedony beads with flower tube beads. This is one of two necklaces.

This is one pair of earrings included with 3 other flower inspired pairs.

Reticulated earrings and my signature cuff bracelets are also available.

Be sure to stop by and let me know what you think!

A Happy Anniversary

2011-06-16T08:07:00.000-04:00

Happy 49th Anniversary to very special client/friends!!! This pearl necklace was a surprise present and she loves it! Thank you so much for including me and my work in your special occasion.

Earrings for Mom

2011-06-15T07:32:00.000-04:00

My mom is one of my biggest supporters and enthusiasts. Yes, I know, moms are supposed to be that way, but I'm really lucky to be able to talk art and design with her, offering opinions or encouragement when needed. So when she got her hair cut short, she noticed that she needed to wear larger earrings and asked if I would put that on my upcoming design to-do list. I did, and I had intentions of making them right away, but things got busy and health things popped up, and....

Finally, here they are--new earrings for Mom. I think she'll be pleased!

Surprises

2011-06-11T07:34:00.000-04:00

Good or bad, we're all thrown some surprises now and then. I've been out of commission for a bit (surprise!), but am on the road to recovery and am feeling sooooo much better. Just before, I finished these 2 new reticulated cuffs.

This one is heavily reticulated silver that is slightly overlapped with apricot and yellow sapphires that are tube set:

This cuff is lightly reticulated silver that is joined at a slightly overlapped angle. Swirls and balls have been added and soldered on.

I've been going in the studio off and on to play with some new elements. I'm tired, but feel like I"ll be back to normal soon AND be back to creating!

Busy Delivery Days

2011-05-24T07:21:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe we're heading into Memorial Day weekend! Lots of 2011 season openings this week. Be sure to stop by CRAFT in Rockland where I delivered 22 new pieces of jewelry. Here's a small sampling of the reticulated pieces that you'll see:

I also delivered work to the new Portland store for the Maine Craft Center. Opening Thursday, May 26th at the Maine Mall. Now you can support Maine craft artists while shopping for your clothing necessities. Here's a selection from the 11 pieces I delivered:

I hope you'll visit.

Back to Work!

2011-05-12T07:17:00.000-04:00

I've been away on a short but needed vacation and buying trip. After relaxing and renewing, I am back and busy working on some commissions and inventory--will post again soon. Wish it was warmer here in Maine--this is what I just left and it seems like a distant memory!!!!

HATS!!!

2011-04-25T10:57:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd show you another one of my loves--hats! Not only do I wear them, but I also make them. I've been collaborating with my mom for over 5 years now--she crochets and felts the 100% wool hat and I needle felt the decorations with unspun fiber. We call ourselves Toppers.

They are fun...

and colorful...

and warm.

But we're definitely out of the wool season (I hope!), so here's an option with no season required...

A completely different take on hats--fascinators. Wearable hairpieces for everyday and special occasions. I don't need an excuse to wear a hat, but some people do, so with the Royal Wedding and Kate Middleton being featured everywhere, it's time to bring hat wearers together!

I've started collaborating with my friend Chris to make these exciting and fashionable new hairpieces. What fun we have had! We've used feathers, crinoline, ribbon, vintage buttons and pearls, creating these one-of-a-kind whimsies.

large black silk flower with ostrich feathers

ostrich feathers and hen feathers with vintage rhinestone buttons

curling pheasant feathers

green feather pad with peacock fringe and vintage button

You can buy these and more at Darling and DeLisle in Damariscotta, Maine, 112 Main Street, 207-563-1919.

Let me know what you think.

River Arts Fine Crafts Exhibition

2011-04-19T08:06:00.000-04:00

Three pieces have been accepted for the River Arts Fine Crafts Exhibition!!! The show is May 6 through May 30, with an opening reception Friday, May 6, from 5 to 7 PM. This show will be held at River Arts Gallery II on Route One, near the intersection with Business Route one in Damariscotta. Please stop by to see the first showing of my flowering vine jewelry at this fine crafts exhibit.

More Flowering Options

2011-04-09T07:52:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been too busy creating to post, but thought I'd take some time to catch you up on one of the new pieces. The flowering vines series has been occupying my thoughts and designs, so I've been pushing the idea to some new heights. First, here in process is a new cuff bracelet:

I wish I had taken more photos during the process, but I think you see the base structure in the picture. The vines are 12g sterling silver wire and I formed the base flat and then curved it around the mandrell. I added the flowers one at a time, deciding the design as I went.

And this is the finished piece:

Here's what it looks like on the wrist:

I LOVE it!

The First Year

2011-03-28T20:39:00.001-04:00

Happy Anniversary Studio Minutes! It's hard to believe I've been blogging for a year now. I was just looking back on "the beginning" and am pleased to say (or write) that I've really enoyed the whole thing. I was skeptical and questioning of the whole blogging and social networking thing but now--I'm hooked. I look forward to another year telling my story of designing and creating jewelry. Please feel free to add to the conversation.

YEAH!

2011-03-27T18:33:00.000-04:00

Excellent news! I have been selected to participate in the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, on September 10 & 11, 2011. The Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is held in Wells, Maine every September on the weekend after Labor Day.

This prestigious event brings nearly 100 artisans, selected by jury, to exhibit their wares for thousands of browsers. Music, food, and environmental education round out the 2-day festival, which takes place on the spectacular Laudholm campus of the Wells Reserve.

Mark your calendars now so you can come and see my new designs. I'll give you reminders as it gets closer.

Following an Idea

2011-03-21T18:38:00.000-04:00

I've found so much inspiration with the flowering vine piece that I've been working non-stop on translations and variations. From the initail inspiration piece, I started making a necklace. Here's how it started: sterling silver flowering vines much like the original element; I tried different stones and loose flowers and leaves.

I kept playing with elements and then turned them into this:

To finish, I set an opal as the featured stone and linked the vines together with wire scrolled links. I particularly like the clasp--a flower and leaves to bring the design around the neck.

Here's a detail of the front:

After the necklace, I opted to make a pair of earrings. Here are 22g sterling silver flowers and leaves on 18g sterling silver vines. They have stud backs behind the swirled stems and are about 2 inches long.

More designs are coming including bracelets, earrings, and more necklaces! Check back soon.

Flowering Options

2011-03-14T08:05:00.001-04:00

It's amazing what can happen with the making of one component. I had an idea--flowers and leaves on a vine--that was going to be a delicate necklace frontispiece. As I put all the pieces together, it took on a life of its own. Now I don't know if it should be a pin, situated like this:

or like this:

Or I had a thought that I could create similar pieces and link them to form a necklace that would be similar to this:

Try to imagine these two pieces meeting at the center of the neckline. I think it would be beautiful! What do you think? I think I need to make many more of these vines and create all of the options, as well as the ones that will present themselves during the process. Time to get busy!

March Already!

2011-03-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

I thought I would have posted again before now but time is whizzing by. I've been busy creating in the studio and am also applying to a couple Maine craft shows for the first time. I'm under a tight deadline for mailing, so I've been a bit preoccupied. I have the jewelry part all set, but the shows require you to send a booth example. Well, if you've never done a show like this before, it's difficult to show your booth--so today is set up a booth day. One big studio wall is traformed into my "booth." What do you think?

I'm open to suggestions, so please pass along your thoughts. Wish me luck and hopefully I'll be seeing you in Falmouth and Wells late summer.

Still Thinking

2011-02-27T20:47:00.000-05:00

I've continued with the fish theme (still thinking of summer) and have designed some fun new pieces including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I call these new pieces part of the "minnow series":

Two minnow bracelets; top bracelet with three silver minnows and one 18k yellow gold minnow linked with silver jumprings. The second bracelet has 5 sterling silver linked minnows with a hook clasp.

This necklace is 30 inches long and hangs lightly around the neck. It is made from 10 silver minnows that are linked with even lengths of sterling silver rolo chain.

Another necklace is made with 5 sterling silver minnows that are linked with flat, oval, blue kyanite beads. It's 16 inches long and is ready for summer fun.

One last picture for the night--a pair of silver hooked fish earrings.

I guess I'm "hooked" on fish for the time being. Keep an eye out for more jewelry designs coming soon.

Thinking of Summer

2011-02-25T08:16:00.001-05:00

The little blast of spring weather made me dream of summer and warm sunshine. After some brainstorming and inspiring talk with Mom, I was prompted to think of some new designs with summer as inspiration.

Fish--what could be more summer-like?!

I started by sawing out little minnows and larger fish shapes.

Here are the minnows on the soldering block. They are awaiting the torch to solder the jumprings to their mouths.

After working up the fish pendants, I started playing with watery-color beads. Here's a couple in process.

And finally the finished pieces:

A large alewife pendant strung on blue chalcedony beads. I think my favorite part is the fish clasp. I like to pay particular attention to the finishing of necklaces--the clasp is as important as the pendant and also adds interest and design to the back side of the necklace.

These silver minnows are one inch high and strung with watery-green apatite coin beads.

And the last piece for today is a large sunfinsh pendant strung on a double strand of amazonite coin beads.

It's a great start to some summer inventory. There are more fish-inspired pieces to come, I only wish the weather was as cooperative! It's snowing--again!

Necklaces

2011-02-18T07:24:00.001-05:00

Have I ever said that I really LOVE making necklaces?! Well I do and I can't help myself. Long, short, chunky, fine, beaded, metal, or pearls, I love the impact of jewels around the neck. Whenever I go into my studio and I don't know what to do, I'm always drawn into creating a necklace and here is one of the latest designs:

Flat turquoise beads are strung with two sizes of handmade double dome reticulated beads and finished with a sterling hook and eye clasp. I used little 3mm round sterling beads between all the beads--it brings attention to each and allows for a gentle separation.

Here's a close up of one of the double dome beads. It is one inch around, knowing that you can see the turquoise beads range in size from wider than 2+ inches to the smallest at about 3/4 of an inch wide. The turquoise color is bright and clean and fresh and mixed with the silver beads exudes a modern, yet classic look.

Spring has been in the air the last few days. Just wait to see what's coming next!

A Knockout Necklace

2011-02-13T16:19:00.000-05:00

As you can see by the last number of posts, I am still hooked on creating in my reticulation series. I'm using the same technique, but trying to mix it up a bit and think I've really made something with this necklace.

Perhaps you remember these beautiful black tourmaline beads? I've been looking at them for months and finally the design came to me...I reticulated and then hand formed the hollow silver beads in a similar shape to the tourmaline; embellished the beads with silver balls and small silver jump rings around the bead holes. The design is meant to be slightly off-center with a hidden box clasp in the back bead. Here are a couple of details of the beads:

It sits comfortably like a collar, flat around your neck AND the black tourmaline beads are perfectly smooth against your skin.

More new designs using this same technique are coming along. Watch for more soon--exciting things are happening!

Doodling

2011-02-03T08:11:00.001-05:00

I've always been a doodler. Writing and scribbling on everything--working through thoughts and ideas. I found it was important to keep my mind busy and so I still doodle. These days not only do I doodle on paper, but I "scribble" in three-dimensions as well.

I call these rings doodles. I had an idea, but needed to work through it and it wasn't happening on a piece of paper. So I grabbed some metal and got busy.

These were made in the same fashion as the cuffs--reticulated silver, fused and soldered and then embellished with balls and bars. Some are simple, while others are busy. I think a couple are more successful than others, but each one serves as a step toward what's next.

Reticulated Bracelets Continue

2011-01-31T07:26:00.001-05:00

I've been busy working away in the studio and have been focusing on some new reticulated bracelets. After finishing up the commission cuff, I thought I'd keep going and continue with some new ideas. I'm happy to continue working in this series, as every piece is different and stiking on its own. So, these are what I've finished:

I've overlapped two pieces of reticulated silver and added varying sizes of silver balls along the seam. It's simple and striking.

Here are the two side views. I really like how the edges curl and soften the profile and also the piece is a little more simple than others.

Next up is a full reticulated bangle. I love the way the appliqued swirl continues around the entire piece. Check it out from all sides.

There's no top or bottom--you can wear it either way--and the beauty of the embellishments in the round allows for interest while it rolls around your wrist.

This is the last cuff I finished this week and it may be my favorite:

It's 20g reticulated silver with balls and wires soldered on. In its earlier state, I was only going to have one 5mm cabochon on it. But as I was finishing the piece, it seemed to need a little more. So I added two additional bezel cups--one 3mm and one 4mm. I set a green tourmaline in both the 3mm and 5mm bezels and a peridot in the 4mm bezel.

I'm really pleased with the assymetrical quality of the design and feel I made the right choice by adding the additional stones. What do you think?

Moments

2011-01-27T19:46:00.002-05:00

Back in the fall while delivering some new jewelry to CRAFT, I had the opportunity to talk to a woman who was admiring my work. The meeting and conversation was a chance--a moment--and it was really special. I don't get to have the one-on-one talk about my jewelry very often, but this time was lovely--a young woman visiting Maine for the first time and connecting with its beauty and creativity. I remember saying "Maine feeds your soul." How true for me and apparently for her too as I would learn.

I went about my day and later that week I arrived home to an email from an unknown name. It was the woman I had spoken with now home from her trip to Maine. She told me some details about the importance of her trip--for healing and new beginnings--about the unexpected loss of a love and how she wanted to "remember" their life together and how she hoped to fit my jewelry into the picture.

She asked me if I would create a bracelet similar to the ones she saw and loved, but with a few special details, special for her--the vast universe, a green tourmaline stone (the color of his eyes), and to capture not just a memory but a "moment." Tall order, but I thought I was up for it.

Time passed and I found myself struggling to create--I was pressuring myself and stifling my creativity because I wanted the bracelet to be perfect for her. So around the holidays I finally sketched out the basic design and emailed it along to her. I expressed why it had taken me so long--my difficulty and struggle because of the meaning I wanted it to have. Not really a surprise, I was given the OK to just create, as she knew whatever I made would be beautiful.

And so, I did.

It is finished and is getting shipped this week. It's a surprise, but I felt I could show it here. It's a 1 3/4 inch wide reticulated cuff with an overlapping band. A 5mm green tourmaline cabochon is featured off center amongst the silver baubles, and one lone 18k gold ball stands just aside from the others.

It was my privilege to create such a meaningful piece of jewelry. I know I put my positive energy and being into the creating of it, as did the surrounding beauty of Maine. I also suspect that someone else had his hand (and heart) in it too.

Back at It 2

2011-01-22T20:21:00.001-05:00

Well, I didn't expect it to take me so long to get back in the groove after the holidays, but finally I'm back at creating. I picked up where I left off with the reticulation series because my mind's eye has been seeing large substantial pieces--pendants, neck cuffs, bracelets, and the like. Shown here is a new pendant:

It's 3 by 2 inches of reticulated silver with added silver balls and bars. It hangs from a twisted sterling cable. I'll have to get another photo to show the scale because it has weight and presence to it that doesn't seem to come through here.

I also have three reticulated bracelets in the works. I'm hoping to finish up at least one or two of them tomorrow.

It feels really great to be on the creative path again!

A New Project

2011-01-07T20:53:00.000-05:00

It's a new year and I've got a new, fun and exciting project started. I had an idea--to document and commemorate one of my most wonderful clients with her style and flair and decided I could create a little book featuring her clothing and the jewelry I've made for her. It turns out the process of creating this has been even more fun than I imagined--for both of us! I borrowed a manniqueen from my friends' clothing store and booked 3 days of photography fun. It was like a life-size Barbie doll to dress. Here are some of the early results.

What style and fashion! You might even recognize some of these pieces from when I posted about making them. Keep a lookout, I'll post more information and images as the project progresses. I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

A New Year

2011-01-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

Happy 2011! It's a completely new year and I'm looking forward to creating all sorts of new things--jewelry, hats, rugs, and more. BUT, before all those creative juices start flowing, I'm cleaning up the studio. A new year means cleaning away the dust and dirt and polishing up those well-used hammers and pliers. I'll be back to jewelry in a couple days, so keep looking to see how it all starts.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T16:20:00.000-05:00

From my home to yours--wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Lucky Me!

2010-12-22T18:36:00.000-05:00

The new arts guide Portland came out a couple of weeks ago--this is the guide that Maine Home + Design magazine took over and started creating a series of beautiful Maine-based guide books--and, lucky me, they pulled a cameo from the March 2010 issue "Craft of Maine" by Rebecca Falzano which included me and my jewelry!!! Thanks so much!

First Snow

2010-12-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

It's December 6th and here in Boothbay, we are getting our first snowfall of the season. It's pretty and white and the dog is loving it! Trigger, our fairly new adopted dog, who is also a big goofy, goober, is experiencing his first winter and snow in the Northeast and well--he LOVES it! Like every good animal mom, I spent alot of time trying to photograph him for our Christmas card, but trying to make him stand still was difficult today and so this is what I got:

"What is this thing around my neck?! I should chew it."

When promising treats, Trigger obeyed much better. "Sit, STAY!!!"

"Snow in the face--can't look. Ooh, I blinked!!"

"I love this white stuff. It's soooo tasty! And it's all over the place."

"Oh, what's that?" "Trigger. Trigger. Treats Trigger. Look at me."

"What IS it?! I should get it!"

"Let's go run. Come get me!"

I think this is the one--pretty cute and shows off his sweet face! Don't ya think?!

Flowers for Everyone

2010-11-29T17:21:00.002-05:00

A full day in the studio=5 pairs of new flower earrings!

With the sun shining bright today, I managed to get some decent photos of the new earrings. Here they are individually:

These are 2 flowers, large and small, that I've soldered together with a hammered ball center. I've suspended them on a standard earwire.

These flowers are domed so the middles are pushed in and the petals are curving outward and back. These also have a hammered silver ball center.

These flower dangles are shaped with curving petals and lots of silver balls soldered in the centers. I love the long earwires.

These flower dangles are smaller, with only 5 petals that are also curved and have one rounded silver ball soldered in the center. Again it's the long earwires that make the look.

Large tumbled, faceted amethysts are capped with the flower caps. They are made of 2 different sizes of flowers that were dapped and soldered together and drilled through the center. I inserted a headpin through the bead and cap and twisted it into a loop at the top and suspended from silver earwires.

That's all for this weekend. New things are still brewing and hopefully I'll have time in the next few evenings to finish a few more things. Can you believe there's only 1 more day until December! How am I going to finish all the things I want to do?!

Sunday Thanks

2010-11-28T16:52:00.000-05:00

After celebrating a great Thanksgiving that was full of quality family time and yummy food, I managed to get back in the studio today. Initially it was difficult to stay inside as the sun was beaming and the sky was bluer than blue, BUT it was 18 degrees outside and that was enough to keep me inside and get started.

I visited the Center for Maine Craft in Gardiner last week and was pleasantly surprised that a couple pairs of earrings had sold leaving my flower series with only 1 sole little pair of flower studs. This gave me my direction for today--to design some new flower earrings. Here are the beginnings of 4 new pairs:

They are all 24g sterling silver that I cut and dapped and embellished with silver round and hammered balls. The top two pairs are slated for long dangling earwires. The bottom pair will be studs and the smaller double flowers will cap a bead. I started wearing a pair of earrings a few months ago and have fallen in love with them and can't give them up, so I fashioned some of these to be similar.

A nice walk this afternoon broke up my work time and gave me the energy to finish up. If only the sun stayed up so I could photograph them. Check back in the morning for photos of the finished earrings.

Finding Inspiration

2010-11-25T10:37:00.000-05:00

I'm back from a couple road trips and really wanted to jump back into the studio, but found I was a little less than inspired. So I pushed anyway and worked on these earrings that I knew would be great for inventory and also just get me working. I reticulated the 4 circles at once and then worked on the 1 1/2 inch pair first.

I cut and bent 20g sterling wire and set in a design on the reticulated surfaces. I added a few balls and then soldered the pieces together.

The second pair is made of 1 inch reticulated circles with sterling balls arranged in a simple design that have been soldered. The look is fresh and they are easy to wear.

More new things coming soon.

November Grays

2010-11-08T07:51:00.000-05:00

There's something about November in Maine that makes you wish you lived somewhere else. It has been gray and cold and rainy since the calendar flipped and now that we've turned our clocks back and it will be dark by 4pm. Motivation runs thin, as the chores to prepare for winter stack up. But, there are happy glimmers about upcoming holidays and events that will wash away the grays in twinkling white.

Well, I guess that's all of my November complaining--back to creating. I'm still stuck on cuff bracelets and thought I'd vary the theme a little. I've reticulated silver discs and joined them together to form the body of the cuff. I then shape the body around the mandrel and embellish the seams with silver balls.

I've been playing around with a large, beautiful amethyst cabochon and think I'll probably set it in this cuff. Here's how it looks from the front after soldering a fine silver bezel and more silver balls. I've cut out the back for the light to shine through the stone. This is it from the side.

The center disc is 2 inches, which is followed by a 1 3/4 inch disc and ends with a 1 inch disc. The stone is 18 x 25mm oval. Here's how the piece looks finished:

I started this other cuff and I'm not sure if it's finished or not. It's 7 one-inch circles that are reticulated and fused together. I formed the cuff shape and then embellished the second, center, and sixth discs with bars and balls.

I like the repeating shape around the wrist, as well as the simplicity of the design. I'll continue looking at it and decide if any changes will made.

More rain and gray today and we had (and survived) our first power outage--November, it's a real challenge!

Back at It

2010-10-31T20:25:00.000-04:00

I made it back in the studio this weekend and it felt good! After receiving my metal order a week and a half ago, I decided it was time to clean the studio--I couldn't see the top of any of my benches. So after being a lump without motivation, I jumped back in with both feet and created these new cuff bracelets. Yesterday was a little rough, but today really pulled things together.

Here's the first cuff shown in 2 varied positions. It is reticulated silver with a sunburst variation soldered on. Silver balls were added for dimension to the overlap. I like the movement the lines create around the wrist.

Notice the little oval in the back of the cuff--that's where I put my hallmark and sterling stamp. I've found that sometimes the metal is so heavily textured you can't see the stampings, so this way it adds a design element and solves the reading inability.

The second cuff is similar to others--it has the split front overlap, but here I added some silver balls and one 4mm fine silver bezel cup to the overlap. It was difficult to decide what color stone to use, but ultimately I went with a red garnet. It's translucency shows off the lovely red color, while maintaining a simple, uncluttered look.

I have another exciting piece in process, but decided it was time to stop for the night. I'll keep working on it this week and hope to announce it soon. Happy Halloween!

Waiting

2010-10-20T07:39:00.000-04:00

I am expecting a large metal order today--YEAH!!! I can't believe I let my stash get so low. I knew I was using alot and trying to use the scrap as well, but this weekend my creativity was completely stifled because of the lack of materials. NEVER AGAIN will I let it get so low! Looking forward to seeing the shiny new coils and sheets--but not looking forward to the cost--can you believe silver is over $23?! and don't even get me started with gold prices! Oh well, new ideas are swimming around in my mind. Looking forward to time in the studio this weekend.

Similar But Different

2010-10-12T07:39:00.000-04:00

Here it is--the latest cuff bracelet!

What do you think?! The big difference with this piece is the metal--I used pre-reticulated silver which is more highly textured than what I've been creating; and while I like it, I do feel it is busier looking and I didn't want to embellish it as much. So, I decided to keep it simple. I used some large silver balls that I lightly hammered and soldered them along the seam line. I then added 5 tall pieces of silver that I mounted bezel settings on. I set four 3mm rhodolite garnets and one 3mm amethyst. Here is another view--note the height of the stones, as well as the varying height of the balls.

To achieve the final finish, I brushed the bracelet with several different wire brushes, which allows the metal to shimmer and shine.

And that's all for now.

Can't Keep Up

2010-10-10T20:38:00.000-04:00

It's been a great year for big cuff bracelets and I'm having a hard time keeping them in inventory. I finished this piece last weekend and delivered it to the Center for Maine Craft.

It's reticulated silver with silver wire squiggles and silver and gold balls. There are three chrysoprase cabochons. The large chrysoprase is 10mm and the other two are 4mm each. Here's a side view showing the smaller stone:

Yesterday, I finished this cuff and today I delivered it to Barbara at CRAFT in Rockland. She's had great success with my cuffs as well. This piece is all silver with a couple gold touches. I reticulated the two pieces of silver and then fused them together forming this kind of double wave overlap. I then added the silver balls along the two seams and kept adding until I was pleased with the design. It's along the same line as this cuff and I really like where this sereis is going.

I have one more cuff in process and I'm hoping that tomorrow I'll be able to complete it. It's reticulated and has similar features, but definitely different. You'll just have to wait and see!

A Successful Finish

2010-10-03T20:45:00.000-04:00

Here it is--Betty's ring! What an exciting project to create from start to finish. I started with an antique, unwearable ring with a fantastic stone and worked with my client (Betty) to create a new ring that she would wear, but also keep the memory and beauty of the old ring alive. And here is how we began--with a sketch:

The ring is made up of sterling silver and 18k gold, along with the original 10.5mm amethyst gemstone and gold ring shank. It doesn't look like much, but as we based this ring design on other rings I have made, we could work in the parts that we liked and knew would enhance the features of the gemstone.

I made all the pieces for the ring and had one final meeting with Betty to show her before I put it all together. Notice the original ring side pieces--they are gold and fluted. The new ring shank is crazy 8 profile in sterling silver, which is a very comfortable shape for a shank. The bezel is 18k on a sterling face. And...

...later that week, the ring gods were with me. I put the pieces together and finished the ring off without a hitch. One final sizing on Friday, delivery day, and it is going back home to Florida for the winter to be shown off. Here's a bunch of different views to give you the full affect:

Here are some pics with the ring next to the original drawing. I actually could see the three-dimesion in my mind while looking at the drawing. There's a little difference, but overall an accurate project from start to finish.

Betty, thank you sooooo much for giving me this opportunity--allowing me to create a special ring for you. Enjoy wearing it and I look forward to seeing you next year.

Prelude to Betty

2010-09-20T15:40:00.000-04:00

Betty's ring that is. I have my next commission ready to go and thought for good measure, I should do a "test" ring. So that's exactly what I did. I chose a lovely faceted rhodolite garnet and worked in sterling and gold to get reaquainted with the process and here is the end result:

I used 22k yellow gold for the bezel and hammer set the 8 x 10mm garnet. The balls around the bezel are 24k yellow gold and just glow against the brushed sterling silver.

I'm geared up and ready to go with the commission. Look for pictures soon!

Commission Follow-Up

2010-09-06T21:14:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend has come and gone and despite the beautiful weather calling my name, I managed to get some work done in the studio. Continuing with my commission talk from the other day, one should always remember that the original design might work better in a drawing than in real life, so always remain open to adjustments and modifications. For instance, today I remade a clasp for the seven-strand pearl choker because the original one that I drew and even fabricated, didn't allow the wearer to experience the best fit. I'm pleased with this change and it minimally changes the overall design.

I'll go through the steps for this new choker from drawing through execution:

You can see the basic design and sizes listed, as well as the original clasp design. Next up are the actaul fabricated silver components:

This is the frontispiece where a 40 x 30mm black onyx cabochon will be bezel set in fine silver. The bars show the loops that the pearl strands will be connected to after being strung. The same loops are on the backside of the frontispiece too.

I'm using 5.5-6.0mm freshwater, nearly round white pearls. They will be strung on silk and joined to the clasp and frontispiece with silver bead tips.

The completed necklace:

It's ready to be tried on for size and overall fit. Note the clasp design change from the drawing. I found using a classic bar end with a loop and hook clasp allows the necklace to be drawn in tighter or slightly loosened by easily changing the loop. Details are below:

I'm still contemplating adding a spacer bar to hold the pearl strands together; however, when I tried on the necklace, they laid nicely in order, so I'll wait on that until I show it to the client. I feel so lucky to be able to create such a striking, yet classic necklace and luckier that I have the perfect client to wear it!

August Finale

2010-08-31T20:31:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe it's the last day of August. Where did the summer go? Actually, according to the weather, it's still here--it's 95 degrees outside!

I have taken a little time off during the past 2 weeks, and now feel the pull of the studio calling. I've been gearing up to work on a few new projects, specific commissions for clients. While I love the designing process, the commission is a challenge that I enjoy--creating jewelry for and with the person it's made for. Here are a couple pieces from the past:

This triple strand pearl and sterling necklace was designed as a choker and can be worn with the large mabe in the front or in the back. The hidden clasp makes for versatile wearability.

These silver and mabe pearl earrings were designed for a client who fell in love with a similar pair that had sold. But she wanted them designed smaller and more appropriate for her face. I based the design on the original, larger earrings, but scaled down the size of the pearls and the overall beaded edge and they worked beautifully for the client. She was thrilled and so was I!

I'm working on a ring design based on this previous layout, but the new ring will be featuring an antique, 10mm faceted amethyst set in gold and silver. It will be coming to life in the next couple of weeks and I'll be sure to post photos while it's in process.

Jewelry is one of the best accessories to have tailored to yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for a necklace to be shortened or lengthened so it lands at the most appropriate spot and I'm always happy to take old, unworn jewelry and turn it in to a piece that you'll love and wear for years to come.

Fall Is In the Air

2010-08-22T19:15:00.001-04:00

It's been showing itself slowly--a whisper of cool air, yellow crowns of goldenrod, and even a tip-tinged maple--glimpsing shots of fall. With back to school a week away and colorful notebooks and newly sharpened pencils lining the shelves of stores, I find myself getting ready--ready for what's next. Lot's of thinking and ideas to work through and many of those will come out in the next few months. But, (sigh), I have work to do (now) and jewelry to create, so today I found myself continuing with my reticulation series.

Here is a new reticulated silver cuff with overlap and silver and gold balls bubbling over the lip.

I see a wave--kind of an abstracted ocean look with this--what do you think?

I also completed these earrings:

They are reticulated sterling with balls and 4mm amethyst cabochons bezeled in fine silver. The bottom circle wiggles under the top, while reflecting the light beautifully.

I'm continuing with my favorite series and am coming up with new ways to invent designs and expand my jewelry lines. This will be an exciting time--just stay focused on all the positive. Fall is my favorite time of year--wearing a sweater on cool nights, breathing the salty ocean air, and slowing down to a comfortable pace after all the craziness of summer. I'm not wishing it to arrive sooner than September 23rd, but I am certainly looking forward to it!

Perfectly Pearl

2010-08-19T20:54:00.000-04:00

One of my most fabulous clients commissioned me to make her two matching pearl cuff bracelets and I have just finished and delivered them to her! Here's a photo of one of the completed pieces:

Each bracelet consists of seven strands of 5.5-6mm freshwater pearls strung on elastic with a sterling focal point--2 inches high by 1 inch wide each with an 18 x 25mm black onyx cabochon bezeled in fine silver. I just love how they came out and so does she!

More designs are in the works. Check back to see what's new.

Cuff-tastic!

2010-08-09T07:58:00.000-04:00

Cuff-tacular! Cuff-a-rific! As promised, new cuff bracelet designs! I've been getting great response from my cuff bracelets this summer, which is great because I love making them! Each design differs from the next, but they all exude a contemporary feeling.

First up is an off-center split cuff with balls and bars exploding out from the center. The pieces are 2 inches and 1 1/2 inches high. The brushed finish is heightened with lightly polished balls.

Here is a second cuff bracelet while in process:

I reticulated three pieces of silver and then soldered them together while flat. Next I formed to the cuff shape and worked up the design with the balls, bars, and bezel cups. I thought I'd try to create another cuff similar to the beaded cuff that I loved and sold before I was really able to examine and admire it.

I opted for black onyx cabochons to contrast with the brushed silver finish for a dramatic effect. Here's the finished piece:

Look for these designs arriving in my cases soon. Also, a trip to CRAFT gallery in Rockland is in my future. I'll report later this week.

Weekend Catch-Up

2010-08-08T21:02:00.000-04:00

After a full week of busy, busy work and the wonderfully successful jewelry party, I got myself in the studio and got some commissions completed and some new inventory started. I started with these reticulated hoops. A client purchased a wide, reticulated bangle bracelet and wanted a pair of earrings to match. We decided on hoops, which she loves to wear.

They are 24g sterling silver that I reticulated and formed to shape--they are about 1-1.25 inches high. I really like how they came out and I hope to create some more hoops with some decoration.

I decided to go with the flow and continued designing some new earrings, including these reticulated circles with squiggle and balls. The wire squiggle continues up the circle and forms the earwire.

Next up, I reticulated these 22g rectangles and embellished them with sterling bars, balls, and 3mm fine silver bezel cups. I set the carnelians and satin finished the entire piece.

Cuff bracelets are next on the "to do" list. A large, new piece of reticulation silver, 3 x 12 inches long is waiting for me. Watch for new designs tomorrow.

Thank You!!!

2010-08-05T07:31:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to thank everyone for coming to my jewelry party and sale--what a huge success! It was a great evening and thank you, thank you for your support and encouragement. It's a real boost for me to hear what designs clients react to and how pieces fit and feel when they try them on. Looking forward to getting back in the studio--new designs are always brewing. THANK YOU!!!

Design and Gearing Up

2010-08-01T08:51:00.000-04:00

So I've been focused on getting ready for my jewelry party that is coming up on Tuesday, which means finishing up some half-completed pieces and prepping display, mirrors, boxes, etc. But, I've had these emeralds that have been quietly calling me to use them to design a necklace with gold. So I answered the call and created this:

A sweet and delicate looking necklace that plays with the glow of the green emerald and the warmth of the yellow gold. It was really hard to photograph, but in this detail shot, you can see the little 18k royal yellow gold flowers strung along with 18k gold beads and spaced evenly with the emeralds.

I also answered a call from the gorgeous South Sea pearls that I knotted up a while ago. When I knot pearls, if at all possible, I try to keep 2 of the smaller to make a pair of earrings. This was the case here, and because they are such beautiful pearls, I wanted to do something simple but special. Here's the result:

These 18k royal yellow gold flower studs have the South Sea pearls dangling below. Put them on and the flower sits nicely on the ear and the pearls wiggle as you move and draws closer attention to their beauty. This is my version of the "Girl with the Pearl" earrings.

I'll have more updates later. Don't forget Jewelry Party on Tuesday, August 3, from 5-7pm at 31 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor.

Save the Date!

2010-07-25T20:05:00.001-04:00

Announcing my "Almost Annual" jewlery party show and sale being held on Tuesday, August 3, from 5 to 7 pm. Please stop by Gleason Fine Art, 31 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor to see my newest jewelry designs, as well as some older favorites. Cases will be open and ready for you to try things on and take things home.

Flowers for Inspiration

2010-07-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd show you some of the new flower and leaf jewelry I designed over the weekend. I always look to nature to give me a little push in the designing direction. Here's a pair of silver dapped flowers that I stacked back to back and dangled an amethyst bead.

Another pair of flower earrings, these with silver balls soldered in the centers and the petals are curled out--very graceful and light.

And these little cuties. They are sterling with 24k gold centers. They are about 1/2 inch in diameter and have stud backs--perfect little touch of summer.

And finally a couple pairs of joined leaf earrings. Each pair is sterling with a bead drop--the left with green tourmaline and the right with rhodolite garnets.

Super Sunday

2010-07-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

Got a call from Barbara at CRAFT and she told me I had my first sales! Yeah!!! A reticulated cuff bracelet and a pair of earrings. I am so excited and it added to my creative drive this weekend.

I thought I'd start this entry off by showing you the finished reticulated rectangle bracelet from a couple days ago. I set two 4mm amethysts and really like how it turned out. The overall photo doesn't show the bracelet off, but you get an idea. This detail focuses in on one of the rectangles and you get to see the texture and added balls and bars.

I hopped right into designing a couple of new reticulated cuff bracelets too. They have been very popular and I really like to make them. The first has an overlap in the center with sterling balls and three curly bars. I heated the edges until they softened and the line became very organic.

The second cuff was an excercise in "design as you go." I had a few pieces of silver to work with, so I reticulated them and then joined them to form the cuff. So you have a little sense of scale, the center piece is 2 inches square. I added a bunch of silver balls along the seems and thought the result was very effective--they brought the attention to the center. I continued adding random balls to the front and decided that a stone (or stones) would be a great touch. So, I started playing around placing various cabochons on the square and came up with these assorted green stones in different shapes and sizes. The large square is an 8mm green tourmaline. There are also two 3mm green tourmalines and two peridots, one 4mm, one 3mm.

That's all for today--more flower designs in process for tomorrow.

July Tourmaline

2010-07-17T06:44:00.000-04:00

Had a nice visit with Robert and Sophie, RHB Enterprises, one of my bead and stone suppliers and was thrilled with the new black tourmaline beads they received from Brazil. I try to stock black beads because it's nice to have options other than the typical onyx. They also had some lovely emerald beads that I just couldn't resist. Look for these beads in some new designs soon!

Summer's Here

2010-07-14T21:28:00.000-04:00

It's truly summer--I'm busy, busy, busy with work, family, and friends. Here's a little sampling of what I've been working on in between the craziness.

This bracelet is in process. It is made from reticulated silver rectangles with added balls and bars. I've also included a couple bezel cups that I think I'll set with amethyst cabochons. Here's a detail of the surface and hook clasp:

I've also continued with new flower designs. Here is a new pair of flower earrings. I love the simplicity of them and have been trying them out and love how they wear. They are light weight and wiggle while you walk.

I have a bunch of other things in process and hope to post again soon.

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-04T20:25:00.000-04:00

What a great 4th of July weekend! The weather has been spectacular and I've been lucky enough to enjoy time with my sister and her family, my parents, and my husband. A great day started with a morning at Grimes Cove Beach and then a delicious barbeque at Mom and Dad's. I was also lucky enough to have a little time in the studio to create some fireworks of my own. Here's some new pieces in the reticulation series.

First, I made a new circle link bracelet. It has four 1 1/2 inch circles that I reticulated and embellished with some silver bars and balls. I shaped them into soft rounded forms that curve around the wrist and then linked them together. A simple hook clasp is easily closed by the wearer.

Here's a detail of one of the circles.

I've been very fortunate to have sold a few things so far this summer and have had some requests for more reticulated rings and round pendants. So I took the opportunity to create these new pieces:

a sterling ring with silver and gold ball accents and a 3mm rhodolite garnet gemstone. The shank was reticulated first and then formed. I then added some of the balls and continued adding more as I modified the design.

and this silver pendant with swirls and balls and 6mm blue topaz cabochon. It will be suspended from a silver cable neckwire. I really like the way the swirls extend beyond the circle and add a new dimension to the piece. They remind me of ocean waves.

Hoping to get a little more studio time tomorrow. More work in process.

Pearls for Monday

2010-06-28T20:31:00.000-04:00

I am in love with pearls! All pearls--funky, classic, white, colored, round, baroque--these natural formed beauties are as treasured in history as they are today. In honor of "the pearl," I decided to string up an assortment from my stash. I hand-made the clasps in 18k yellow gold, 14k white gold, and sterling silver and selected what went with each strand depending on the quality and style.

So here they are in no particular order:

These are the South Sea pearls I picked up back in March. They are whites and golden yellows and are knotted on white silk and finished with an 18k yellow gold 'S' clasp.

These are large white, freshwater potato pearls strung and knotted on white silk. The strand is finished with sterling bead tips and a sterling flower clasp with 18k gold accent.

Pinks, silvers, peaches--these are the overtones in these keshi pearls. Keshi pearls are formed when the oyster rejects and spits out the implanted nucleus before the culturing process is complete, or the implanted mantle tissue fractures and forms separate pearl sacs without nuclei. These pearl sacs eventually produce pearls without a nucleus. They are known for their lustre because they are made of 100% nacre and for their funky, unstructured form. The photos don't catch the loveliness, but you can see their funkiness. The clasp is a sterling silver 'S' clasp.

Saltwater, baroque pearls are strung and knotted on gray silk and finished with a 14k white gold double hook clasp.

And to finish off the day, here's another example of keshi pearls. These are graduated and have more silver, blue, and peach overtones.

I'll be back to making new reticulated jewelry and flower designs soon. 'Tis the season to keep busy!

Flower Cuff

2010-06-28T16:38:00.000-04:00

After my last post, my digital camera broke--Ugh! So sorry for the delay in finishing up the bracelet blog and leaving you in suspense. Here it is:

I've used the penny for scale. The cuff is large, 2 1/2 inches wide and formed out of 18g sheet. The additional dapped flower is 2 inches wide and soldered in place. You get a great view from this angle:

Then I added the hammered domed centers to all three flowers and highly polished them, while keeping the back piece of the three joined flowers brushed.

It's really quite a piece. Great weight and size and wears with presence on your wrist.

More pieces are in the works. Will post soon.

Early Summer Blooms

2010-06-22T20:40:00.000-04:00

The flowers in the garden are easily 2 weeks ahead of normal, so why not keep up with Mother Nature and create some new blooms of my own. I started by cutting out different size flowers from 20 and 22 gage silver sheet and then played with them and decided what each would become. I like to find new ways to cut and form jewelry with the flowers for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. These earrings are great in person. They are about an inch across and have silver balls soldered in the centers.

Next up was a selection of 6 six-petaled flowers that I thought would make a great bracelet. I soldered half circles on the backs of each flower and then linked a large jump ring between each flower. I got soooooo many ideas and new inspiration for additional bracelets, that I wondered if I needed to add anything to this one.

I decided to keep it simple, classic. The flowers are lightly brushed and the links are highly polished. When worn, the bracelet sits flat and comfortably around the wrist. Look for new designs based on this coming soon.

These are one of my favorite flower designs to create with. I started with a flat flower and added an additional domed flower on top. I decided to let these dangle from an earwire and embellished them with these yummy translucent blue chalcedony beads.

One last thing that's in process:

I started with 18g silver sheet and drew three different flowers joined at the tips. Sawing the design out was a challenge with such thick metal--I think I broke at least five sawblades! That's all for now. How's that for a tease! Watch to see this piece evolve.

Cuff Links & Clip Earrings

2010-06-21T20:13:00.001-04:00

Delivered some new work to the Maine Craft Center in Gardiner today. Stop by and see these selections and more.

Cufff links:

clip earrings:

and a couple rings:

New work from this weekend will be posted soon. Check back to see.

End of Day Finish

2010-06-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

After a morning and early afternoon gardening, I got back in the studio and completed the three-dimensional flower bead necklace. It looks really great--shiny appliqued flowers and brushed satin background. I opted to string it with these simple-cut blue kyanite beads and a number of silver and gold bead accents. Notice here that I continued the design of the flower to the clasp, where I made a user friendly hook and eye. While designing, I pay attention to the details and notice the small things...because they matter.

Here's the full necklace. It looks even better on.

Next up on the bench, the reticulated bead. We'll see where inspiration leads.

CRAFT

2010-06-13T20:17:00.001-04:00

Exciting news!!!! My jewelry has been selected to show in the new gallery CRAFT at 12 Elm Street in Rockland, Maine. Barbara Michelena its owner and founder, is dedicated to promoting fine contemporary craft as an art form, presenting fine artists working within the craft tradition. The gallery’s emphasis will be on craft artists working in Maine, taking advantage of the state’s natural materials and inspired by its beauty and way of life. I am so excited and honored to be included in this great new venue. Barbara selected 13 pieces for the gallery! Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in both my reticulated and flower series. For more infomation call 207-594-0167 or email info@craftonelm.com. Stop by to see this necklace and all the beautiful work.

Finishing up

2010-06-13T18:31:00.001-04:00

Here's the finished bead from yesterday. It's strung with the amber nuggets and I think it works. Definitely a substantial piece--the problem with photos--it's hard to tell the scale. I like the way the amber beads hug the center silver bead and reflect off the shiny surface.

I also worked on another double dome bead. This one with appliqued flowers. It's sterling silver with one 18k gold flower. I love the look of this bead, but it has taken me almost as long to polish and finish it, as it did to make it! Not sure what I'll string it with, but am leaning toward some beautiful faceted blue kyanite beads.

Until next time...thanks for reading.

Double Dome Day

2010-06-12T20:32:00.000-04:00

I revisited one of my favorite things to make--the double dome bead. I like to use them as pendants and string them with different beads like this--it's sold, but still one of my favorites:

Today I started with 2 two-inch discs that I stamped and hammered with a multi-flower design and then domed them. After doming, I filed and sanded the edges to make a nice even fit where the two circles meet. Before soldering, I filed 2 small holes in either side (where the string will go through), which allows the air and gases to escape while soldering. Here's what the bead looks like so far. It's highly polished so it's very reflective in the photos.

front

back

I'm thinking I'll string this new silver bead with these funky amber beads. Check back tomorrow to see the finished piece.

This is another double dome bead. It's one inch around and reticulated, and will look great strung with some small black spinel or green tourmaline beads. I'll figure it out tomorrow.

Stormy Saturday

2010-06-06T08:14:00.001-04:00

Stormy outside, but smooth sailing inside. I approached work in an orderly fashion with some "to dos"--large, lightweight reticulated earrings; reticulated bracelets; flower jewelry; etc. Sometimes just having a sense of direction is all I need to get me started, and then I'm engulfed in full create mode. The need for the large reticulated earrings came about when a client earlier this week fell in love with a pair of earrings, but felt they were a little heavy and pulled down her earlobes. But, she (and I) thought the earrings looked fabulous and I didn't have another option in that size. So...these are a new alternative version:

They are reticulated 1 1/4 inch squares with sterling balls and bars suspended on an earwire, so they dangle from the ear. The original pair (at right) is 1 1/2 inches sqaure and in a heavier gauge silver. I think the two designs compliment each other and offer another option for the wearer.

I was able to get going on a new bracelet as well. I opted to create a new cuff bracelet fashioned very similarly to this bangle. I like the overlap design and the cuff style seems to be popular. It's reticulated and I added my usual silver balls and bars, but added one lone 24k gold ball accent.

What I really like about this new cuff is the opening in the back. I've curled the edges and softly melded them together for a comfortable fit and easy to put on and take off.

We'll see what Sunday brings for new designs.

Flower Power

2010-06-06T07:25:00.001-04:00

These peonies are freshly cut from my garden and happily sitting on my dining room table in all their glory. Talk about some flower power! They are highly fragrant and fill the house with a lovely soft scent. The magenta flower isn't as fragrant, but the color glows. I am hypnotized by the ruffling of petals which always amazes me--I hope I can use it to create some new flower-inspired jewelry.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-30T20:40:00.002-04:00

I started the holiday weekend with half a day off spent in the studio before the gala opening at the gallery on Saturday night. During that time, I continued working on my reticulation series and came up with this design:

It's mostly silver with a few gold balls, one 3mm blue sapphire gemstone, and three blue sapphire briolette bead drops. The pendant piece is joined to a faceted blue chalcedony necklace. It's a little different from the other pieces in the reticulation series and I'm pleased with the final result.

The opening went well Saturday night and launched us into what we hope will be a busy and exciting summer season. I got some great feedback about my new designs and loved hearing what everyone was attracted to.

Today, I started the day in the studio, playing with some tuquoise cuff links. My husband always suggests making more mens jewelry--so I went with it and created these hammered 3/4 inch circles with 10mm turquoise cabochons. They are highly polished and shimmer and reflect the light beautifully.

I continued working into the early afternoon on a new sterling ring. It has a wide, low dome shank that is lightly reticulated. A 10mm round garnet is hammer set in fine silver and retains the subtle shimmer of the hammered texture. Each side is embellished with two sterling and one 24k gold ball. It's classic yet contemporary and wears well.

That's all the studio projects for today. I spent the rest of the glorious afternoon in my gardens--the weeds have definitely taken over!

Circle Reticulation Necklace

2010-05-27T07:27:00.000-04:00

After my last post, I continued to work on the new necklace--an hour here and there before and after work. After one morning and evening of continued work, I had the necklace to this point. All the pieces were embellished with silver balls and bars and a couple gold accents and joined with the balled sterling wire. I cleaned the whole piece with a bristle brush that leaves a lovely, soft brushed finish.

The following morning I found that there was too much space between the circles, so I shortened them and was pleased that the necklace sat much nicer around the neck. I set the oval black onyx cabochons, then lightly polished the bezels and balls on the smaller discs for a highlighted look against the satin finish of the background.

After a quick tumble, the finished reticulation necklace looks really great. It has a real contemporary feel and I'm pleased to have completed it.

Picking Away at Things

2010-05-23T20:38:00.001-04:00

It was a beautiful "summer" day here in Maine and I found myself catching up on the less than glamorous things in jewelry making--small repair jobs, touch ups, and restringing and knotting pearls for a friend's shop. The projects kept me busy working until some inspiration finally hit and I started a new necklace. Working in my reticulation series, I chose 1 inch and 1 1/2 inch discs. I reticulated them and added oval bezels to the smaller circles, as well as some sterling balls. I'm considering adding some bars as well, but I got such a late start creating today, that I'll have to pick up where I left off tomorrow. Check back again to see how the progress goes.

A Weekend's Work

2010-05-17T07:34:00.000-04:00

New ideas for rings keep coming to mind, so I started today by making several ring blanks with different profiles, widths, and depths. I thought it would be nice to create stackables--rings you can wear alone or pile one on top of the other.

For the first ring I used sterling half round wire and drilled seats for gold balls to sit in. After soldering, I lightly hammered the balls to soften the edges and make it more comfortable to wear. It has a high polish that accentuates the gold against the silver.

As you can see the gold balls go around the entire band in a varied pattern.

The next ring shank I worked with was 1cm wide, low dome profile in silver. I selected an 8mm square tourmaline in yellow. It's a lovely color and looks beautiful with the silver and gold metals. It is bezeled in 18k and I've added 2 strips of hammered 18k gold. The gold is highly polished, but the silver shank is brushed and creates a lovely softness to the overall design.

After taking some time to weed in the garden, take a walk and enjoy the beautiful weather, I came back to the studio to continue working on a few more pieces. I always find if things are going well in there, keep working! So, that's what I did.

The next ring I worked on was a smaller low dome shank that I wanted to experiment with a metal inlay technique. I carved out six hollows and filled them with 14k gold solder. I filed and sanded down the overflow and polished the surface. I added several file carved lines to enhance the overall design. I wish the gold showed up more against the silver, but I think (hope) that as it wears, it will.

I finished the evening with this carnelian cabochon band. The five stones are 3mm rounds and spaced evenly around the shank. It has a brushed finish which allows the translucent red to really glow. It's super comfortable and is awaiting a companion with different stones to sit above or below. I guess that will be my next project.

Stealing Time

2010-05-13T08:59:00.000-04:00

I've been stealing an hour before work and an hour or two after dinner to keep moving forward with some new designs. I selected a pretty purple amethyst cabochon to be the center stone and started designing from there. Keeping in the style and series of my previous rings, this bezel is 18k royal yellow gold with ball accents on sterling silver that is lightly hammered.

Because the amethyst's color is enhanced by the natural light shining through, I cut the backing out and raised the setting off the ring shank.

I hammer set the cabochon and highly polished the edge and gold balls. Haven't quite decided if I will polish the whole ring or keep it with a brushed shank, but this is how the ring looks for now because--it's time to go off to work!

This and That

2010-05-10T20:40:00.001-04:00

Days are flying by and I haven't had much energy for creating. But...I keep trying. Yesterday, I spent the day working on a new gold ring. I've wanted to make a ring with a center diamond and thought why not do it today and jumped right in. Working with 18k royal yellow gold, I made a tube setting for the .50ct diamond and soldered it within the lowdome ring shank. I thought the ring needed a little something more, so I added 2 small Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochons to either side of the diamond and went with it. The finished ring is very comfortable and wearable.

Today I needed a little help getting inspired, so I asked and my mom suggested links. I love links--circles, squares, ovals joining to make bracelets and necklaces and earrings and thought this was as good a starting point as any. I looked through my drawers of materials and pulled together all the leftover links I had from previous projects and decided to put them all together. Small, large, round, oval, hammered and stamped, once linked together, they hang beautifully as a long necklace.

The necklace went together so well (and fast), that I decided to go ahead and try to complete one more thing. (I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I tried to use every minute of my day off today.) Earlier I reticulated a small piece of silver and decided to cut it in half and make a pair of earrings. These are 1 1/2 inches long and about 2mm wide. I added the silver bars and balls and then the amber nugget beads to complete the design. A successful design in one of my continuing series.

Like I said, a little bit of this and that this weekend, but definitely all usable.

Rings and Things

2010-05-05T19:12:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to move forward with life and work and have fortunately been able to get some work done in the studio. Been focusing on several different things, but really struck a roll with rings using some of my newest stones. I started out with one of the beautiful large blue kyanite squares and mixed sterling silver and 18k yellow gold to create this--

I followed up with another new square stone, but this time a smaller bluish-green tourmaline cabochon. It's bezeled in 22k yellow gold and has a small gem cut peridot on the corner and a few 22k gold dots. The setting is raised off the shank and sits very comfortably on the finger--

This ring I finished last night. It has a star ruby cabochon that is bezeled in 22k yellow gold with tiny gold dot accents and a heavy sterling ring shank. It is highly polished and looks beautiful. I couldn't get a photo showing the 6 pointed star, but will try again.

It's a happy thing when all the pieces come together. I'm going to keep going with the flow and make more rings. Still have lots of new stones to play with including all color tourmalines, kyanites, opals, sapphires and more!

I love this photo showing the rings together. Wouldn't you just love to have them all?!

In Memory of Buddy

2010-05-02T19:37:00.000-04:00

Buddy, the best dog in the world, will forever be remembered. His smiling face, softest ears, big poogaloo paws, and gentle soul...he is greatly missed. All I can do is reflect and cry and try to deal with his loss while trying to continue on without him. Although I've been in my studio trying to work, mostly I've been sitting vacant while asking him to stay with me. He was an inspiraton and devoted companion, the only one I could work with in the room. Part of our family for 11 years, I needed to try to capture him in my jewelry.

A silver Buddy silhouette--with his bandana.

His big paws.

Buddy--forever in my heart. I love you.

Discipline

2010-04-25T19:39:00.000-04:00

If I haven't mentioned it before, I'm very disciplined. Because I work a full-time job, on top of my jewelry business, I have to be able to focus and create when I have spare time. I do it to a fault sometimes. Every free moment I am home, I am in the studio creating something. Today was no different, BUT...it was gorgeous out! And with the threat of rain for the next couple days, I made a compromise with myself--work a little, then walk the gardens a little, work a little more, then walk a little more and admire all the new plants growing.

So, that's what I did.
I worked a little:

Then I walked a little:

My plum tree is in full bloom and the bees were loving it today. See any inspiration here?!

Worked a little more:

Walked a little more:

And enjoyed my newly planted pansies. I bought so many for my pots that I had to plant a bunch in the garden.

Back inside to work some more:

And then back outside again:

I ended up finishing the day back in the studio with two additional pairs of earrings.

One flower inspired and the other a continuation in the reticulated series.

I had a lot of energy and inspiration to work today and even got to enjoy the nice weather too. Now that's a good day's work.