blumensnapdragon

Snow In Sept?

2011-09-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Another heartfelt thank you for all the wonderful words left by fabulously creative bloggers and a huge thank you to my friend Karen Valentine for her hard work and dedication to putting it all together, and bringing US all together!
I hope to be more regular at posting blogs and new jewelry designs and I welcome comments!!

I asked my sweet cousin, Kelly, to model the necklace I made specifically for her. This was a few months back on our visit to Aspen. We found the most pristine snow with absolutely no one around and played with our husbands in the snow. It was the perfect setting for her Iceberg necklace. I made one for myself which I immediately named as my new favorite (happens with every new piece). Then she saw it and had to have one, so I had her help me design it. We took an old earring and attached it on the diagonal to the bottom and beaded through it and added a drop (which gets lost in her cleavage, but who cares!) I love it and love her. This was unfortunately the last of my raw glass chunks from the Tucson Gem Show. {Note to self: buy three strands of everything we like...one for me, one to keep, and one to design with!}

3rd Annual Blog Party!

2011-07-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Renew, Rebirth, Revive!

There is probably no other venue to make your comeback than at a party. Nothing like full exposure to hundreds of people! I feel like I have come out of my year-long cacoon. My last entry was at my good friend, Karen's, Blog Party 13 months ago. Since then, I found my dream job at a wellness clinic in Scottsdale and I moved back into my house after living with my mother for 7 months (see last year's post) during a remodel on our house. But the biggest change of all was my husband's safe return from Afghanistan on New Year's Eve night 2010 after spending a year in very remote and hazardous areas working with the Marines (Semper Fi all you military families). As my heart was being ripped out, I learned my brother, a Colonel, would also be there for 6 months!

I have never endured such emotional turmoil, depression, and despair for such a long period of time. My job, friends, and family and my faith kept me alive. I know there are many women in blogland and beyond that can relate so I won't go into any detail.

I want to give all my energy to my renewal; self-healing, marriage, family, friends, and my passions that satisfy both halves of my brain!

I went from a dining table to a 6 foot table in the corner of our office but I'm so grateful to have my own space! Not enough room to spread out yet, but we're creative, right?

I love the hanging organizer Karen gave me for my vintage jewels. Love those cigar boxes too!

My mother's old train case that I used to carry on trips. The antique binoculars I bought in Prague years ago and the funnest assortment of vintage jewelry from my husband's family.

Ahh, my dress form...sewing baskets and tote bags because I design jewelry with a friend each Sunday and schlep over all I can.
My inspiration board. Of course, one of my best friends and the most creative person I have ever met, Karen, HAS to be on this board (upper right) as well as the creative fairy necklace she made me! Then my sweet husband and I (upper left) and a simple love note, a few sketches of some necklaces, quotes, and our dog, Mischa, who shows me as much love as I shower on her and who has to be near me at all times. Our walks every morning help keep my sanity and allow me to create in my head.

Ok, speaking of...also known by her alter ego; Svetlana.
Some of my designs. Mostly new but the one on the right is repurposed from my mother's 1950's earrings, a vintage pin, and an earring for the drop. (my mother still names all of my pieces)

The necklace in the middle with the purple drops used to be an earring. Upper left are antique rosaries (Karen found these) and a lot of stuff that doesn't have a home.Jewelry awaiting a happy home. (They are all happy at my home but my husband says Picasso would never have been anything great if he kept all of his paintings for himself.) Hmmmm.I started using this picture holder to display more finished jewelry. E6000- you have made my life easier!My family-my strength. Some of my favorite pictures.

Rough amethyst and citrine, plus pearls from the Tucson Gem Show in February. Can't wait to work with these.

And...the other half of the room/brain. The final thing I love, is our flag, especially this one, as my husband raised it with the Marines on base in Afghanistan on our anniversary last year, 10-21-2010. Woah, that makes me all teary. Keep our soldiers in your hearts because we are in theirs.
(I had to put Karen's blog page on my monitor as she is responsible for this fabulous party- bringing so many people together for the sole purpose of sharing.)
Thank you for your time. It is so precious and you chose to spend some with me. I will do the same for you.
Now, go and enjoy some more!!!!!
xo devon

Where Bloggers Create II ... Finally here!!

2010-06-18T16:01:00.001-07:00

I have been waiting for this day with pure excitement! Thank you my dear friend Karen for CREATING...period! Thanks also for this fabulous party that spans the globe and brings all of us creative junkies into a tighter circle. Who knows? Maybe there's 6 Degrees of Separation in this group. I look forward to our conversations over the next few days and months and to many friendships created at this annual party. No need to dress up to visit in fact, pj's and slippers is the dress code.

We will definitely not all fit in my studio! This is my mother's breakfast nook in Scottsdale, Arizona and we haven't even eaten at this table in 7 months. That is when my dog and I moved into my dear mother's home and took over her house with my jewelry, etc. A few months later, I took over her formal dining table with my sewing project and that leaves us eating on the couch or clearing space for 2 at the table. (I love you Mom). Why is a happily married woman living with her mother? Side story: After our quick stint living and working in Oregon last year my husband was sent to the Middle East to work where he has been for the last 10 months.Our friend has been staying at our house doing renovations so when we moved back to Arizona this was the best possible solution. I cannot wait to move back into our home at the end of the month and to spread out in my studio!! Sorry to have you wait, come on in!

First, I must thank my friend and mentor Marilyn from Ariels Glamourie for teaching me a lot of what I know about jewelry making. It began one night when a few friends got together to celebrate a birthday and there sat Marilyn with this stunningly gorgeous necklace decorating her neck and that is when I lit up like a firefly and I have been buzzing about ever since! I made a deal with her that I would train her and she would teach me (visit my other blog to see what my left brain does during the day...www.coredynamicfitness.blogspot.com).

I have a lot of passions but this one is different. Put some semi precious stones (I will take precious ones too!) and wire in my hands and even I am amazed. If you want to see giddy then watch me redesign a vintage piece or something someone holds precious but isn't wearing because it isn't their style...yet.

My pendants are my project of choice when I am going on a trip-I will usually string up a few ideas then take these on plane trips. People are so gracious and complimentary. When I am done with a piece I show it to my mom and within 30 seconds she comes up with an appropriate name-like Esmeralda- the pendant above. (also my nickname as a child)

Thank you so much for visiting my little creative corner. Maybe at next years party I will be able to show off a brand new studio!!! I will be coming to your studio next!

Auntie Janice

2010-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons why I love designing jewelry is because I can mix old with new and make a truly unique and meaningful piece that will actually be worn instead of hidden away in a drawer. See last week's post on the Memory Chain I made for myself with my grandfather's bracelet. The concept for the Auntie Janice necklace above was born the weekend I went to California to say goodbye to my Gramps before he passed. My aunt Janice showed me the antique etched pin/pendant passed down from her grandmother as well as a graduated pearl necklace that my Gramps had given my Nana and had gifted to my aunt after Nana passed. Both were not being worn and she asked if I could do something with them. Then she says she wants to give me 1/2 the pearl strand so we both have tokens of Nana. Seriously, it has been an emotional few weeks! So, I took the very dainty clasp from the pearl necklace and wired it to her pin and wired it around the aquamarine, pearl, and crystal necklace I made. We both have a thing for aquamarine. I sent it off with a note telling her never to wait for a special occasion to wear it because life passes quickly and we should wear the good stuff anytime!

Gramps and the Memory Chain

2010-06-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

I just finished this new piece and I knew before I was done that it was going to be my new favorite. My 'Gramps', Clinton T. Chase, died a few weeks ago at the most incredible age of 98 1/2!! As I said in his eulogy, this is a new era for us (the grandchildren) as he was the last remaining grandparent. We are in our 4th and 5th decade of life many with their own children but there is something truly remarkable, different, and so special about grandparents. This man was an anomaly and lead quite a memorable life. In 1931 he sat in on a seminar by Albert Einstein. He was an aerospace engineer and worked on Amelia Earhart's plane, yes, that one. But he was always quick to add that he only worked on the wingtips! He joined the Merchant Marines and sailed all over the South Pacific. He was happiest at sea although he wasn't able to go on a luxury cruise until he was 93 due to the care taking of "his bride" for several years until she passed. We went on an Alaskan cruise to celebrate his 95th birthday (a few years early), then he went on two cruises by himself each year thereafter. Two years ago we did a family cruise to Mexico that makes me smile and cry. The last cruise he wanted to take was to Europe to see all of the brilliant cathedrals and to find out how they were made. It would have been spectacular indeed and I would have loved the look on his face as he studied and photographed each cathedral. Some day we will make his wish a reality.

In the meantime, I will wear this necklace which I have named the Memory Chain. This was his copper bracelet that I added ribbon and cord to as well as a decorative copper toggle. The stones are ivory magnesite with veins of brown. I added the copper lobster clasps so that I could attach them either to the extender chain and have them hang down my back or attach to the toggle in the front for added charm. I have been putting this on first then finding an outfit to go with it. For me, this is how I wear my heart on my sleeve (or neck) and how I will be working on my grief-by wearing my Memory Chain in honor of Gramps. xoxo

Vintage Victoria

2010-05-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Victoria has taken me several months (on and off) to finish. I love the purple in this vintage brooch from my in-laws. I can remember in the 80's and 90's wearing more gold jewelry, then silver became more popular and gold was passe. Isn't it ironic that the price of gold has skyrocketed? I checked into it a few weeks ago: $55 for 1 inch of fine gold wire. Sorry, Victoria, you have been downgraded to vintage brass. I did use gold filled wire, extender chain, and hook clasp. The tiny rhinestone strand is new as well as the high quality faceted amethyst drops from the gem show.(See my previous post on March 9 about the beautiful beads and gems I found at the gem show.) Victoria will soon be posted for sale in my Art Fire shop (price: $99)

Where Bloggers Create Party

2010-04-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

I just dropped by the fabulous blogsite of my good friend, Karen at Valentine Studio Designs, and picked up my button for her next Where Bloggers Create Party. She must have been thinking about me when she wrote that anyone can join the party even if your 'studio' is a table. So, for the next month I will be working on jewelry for the party and my shop as well as taking pictures of my studio-table for the upcoming party. Hope to see all of you there!

No better time for a remodel!

2010-04-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

Still no pictures of new jewelry and this is part of the reason: a home remodel. THANKFULLY, my dog and I have been living at my mother's house for the last several months and our good friend, who is renting our house, is not only doing everything himself (he happens to be a general contractor!) but is dealing with the horrible mess so we don't have to. So, between running to Home Depot, The Great Indoors, checking on-line for faucets, sinks, lights...going to the house to see progress, getting e-mails about faucets, sinks, lights...exchanging e-mails with my husband who is out of the country, I don't get much done. Ok, between that and taxes, certainly NOT getting much done!
This is our ho-hum living room/kitchen wall. We have lived in our Spanish/Southwest style home for over 4 years and are taking advantage of our situation and giving our friend much needed work.
We wanted to open up the space to be able to interact with people in the kitchen (me) and with those in the rest of the house (my husband and the dog). It is definitely open and it is a load-bearing wall. Finally, got rid of the old painted, warped, and ugly cabinets!!!

This just feels more social and I am sooo excited for these new cabinets with pull out drawers! It is not done yet. Our black granite counter tops need to go back on and we are getting a granite bar top, and glass blown pendant lights will hang over the bar.

It won't show up in the following picture, but do you see the entry into the dining room? Since there is an arch theme in the house my husband wanted one framing this entry and it turned out really well (husband is also a builder).

Obviously, much more work to be done...I am a patient person and living with my mom has been a blessing. I have taken over her breakfast table with my jewelry and now her dining table with my sewing project (more to come) so we joke that we will be eating off of T.V. tables in the bedroom. I truly believe that no matter how old a 'child' gets, they always return to the nest at some point.
Enjoy your nest!

Focaccia On My Mind

2010-03-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

It's a jewelry blog, right? Yesss. Technically. But a girl has to eat. See my Nov. 20, 2009 blog, Food As Inspiration and you'll gain more insight as to what really makes me tick. I am an amateur baker-bread mostly, but anything home baked...get in my belly! (Goldmember). Right now I am in the mood for focaccia-the olive and rosemary one pictured. The recipe I use comes from Nancy Silverton's Breads from the La Brea Bakery. I have been there-it's this little hole in the wall near Hollywood and at most times of the day you stand elbow to elbow waiting your turn, hoping that the person before you doesn't take the last one of the one you are eyeing. She would not let me take a picture (even when I told her I came ALL the way from Arizona). If she only knew that I am extolling the wonders of her breads! Back to the bread, slice this baby (it made 2!) lengthwise and you have the most wonderful surface for gastronomic delight! Heck, just slather pesto on it while it is warm, in hale first, then shove it in. You are probably getting a vile picture of me eating like those hot dog eating contestants. As Julia Child used to say Bon Appetit!

My Vintage Treasures!!

2010-03-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

I already know how blessed I am for numerous reasons, now I can add lucky. Or is it luck that the women in my family (grandparents, great-grandparents, etc) were into jewelry? Then I marry into a family whose women love jewelry and voila!, I am the most excited recipient of the above vintage jewelry! And that is only half of it. It took several hours to clean and polish and so worth it-you almost have to squint it's so bright! Triple strands of large faux pearls with lime green crystals in between, triple strands of faceted blue and purple Austrian crystals, strands of faceted square (very unique) clear crystals, ornate rhinestone earrings and brooches just to list but a few. Most of it is in perfect condition and honestly, I will wear as is. The rest will be redesigned into spectacular vintage/modern pieces to sell in my ArtFire shop. I feel LUCKY!

Vintage Remade Statement Necklace

2010-03-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Marilyn once said to me, "Make things you love that you want to keep, that way you will be crazy about them and others will be too." So I have adopted that mindset (try explaining that to your husband when you just started your jewelry business). I love it when I have completed an amazing piece and think, "I am going to have to make something like this because I am not letting this one go." Needless to say, I adore this statement necklace! Three strands are vintage necklaces I received from my in-laws that I restrung and 3 plus a bracelet are new pieces also given to me. How lucky am I? VERY! I wore it recently to a fundraiser with a black tiered lace cocktail dress and all the women swooned over it. Last night I wore it to our monthly Bunco night with a pair of white jeans and a black sleeveless top and again all the ladies loved it. Right now The Necklace is on loan to a fellow Bunco Babe and is en route to Las Vegas where she will be modeling it at a wedding this weekend. She asked if someone offered me $10,000 for it would I accept?

Goodies From The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

2010-03-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

These are some of the fabulous goodies Marilyn and I found at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show last month. Take a look at that amethyst and that super pink chalcedony-with such a unique cut that I forget the name of it-, faceted aquamarine, sterling silver cubes and flowers, amazonite, crystals cut like onions and green garnet! We are soo excited to get back to designing some beautiful pieces both for us and for you.

My Blog Gets A Makeover

2010-03-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

So, you have already noticed that my blog got a makeover! I did like the other background design-it was fun and whimsical (thanks to www.itkupilli.blogspot.com) but after a year I was ready for a change to something more elegant to go with my jewelry designs. I have to thank my dear friend Karen Valentine (www.mydesertcottage.blogspot.com) for all of this. We completed it during our weekly craft nights at her house-she kept track of 10 open tabs and the job each one had, describing out loud what she was doing, while I sat next to her trying to soak up some of her creativity, insight, and computer agility. We will be adding a finishing touch as soon as we can find what we are looking for. The girl has got some whopping talent. I have known her for over 10 years and have been in her house thousands of times but always find something new she has done or redone and she will always share her techniques. It's like a mini-tutorial every time I come over! Thank you Karen for sharing your time, talent, ideas, and your big heart with me!

The Final Statement

2010-02-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Remember the post from Nov. 24 where I wrote about the Coral Sea necklace my friend, Marilyn, and I put together? I said I would get a picture of the finished piece. I decided not to permanently attach the two strands so that I could still wear them independently. Here is the Deep Coral Sea. The turquoise strand was handed down to me by my in-laws and they had it for many years. I love the way this picture came out-hot stuff! (The lava rocks are in my mother's back yard.) This will be my own personal necklace but I can always make something like this for you. This will not be in my ArtFire shop so you will have to contact me for more info.

Pineapple Quartz

2009-12-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

I am bringing back yellow-I think it is underrated. It looks summery but then I paired it with a chocolate brown sweater and WOW! It's chunky without being too heavy. All of the wrapped links are handmade-no jump rings here! All made with sterling silver, pineapple quartz, fresh water pearls, and topaz Swarovski. The chain is long enough so you can wear it as short or as long as you like. Look at my older post called Barbara Jean. That's when I first used the pineapple quartz-in the commissioned piece for a dear friend. Here comes the sun!

Crystals with Twinkles Jewelry Event

2009-12-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came to our First Annual Jewelry Event! We had a great time and we know all of you did as well just from overhearing the excited chatter around the jewelry tables. My Bunco girls were there as well as other friends who finally got to see what I have been up to this year. I was introduced to Marilyn's lovely friends who were modeling their past gifts from her. What a friend! Both of us took in special orders which delights us to no end. To see more of her pieces from the party visit www.arielsglamourie.com. We are looking forward to doing a spring event, so check back often.

'Tis the season for fun giveaways

2009-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

I cannot remember how I came across this blog for giveaways, but it is the perfect season for it (especially in this economy). Plus, this is a great way to venture out of your blog comfort zone and see what else is out there. Such a smart marketing tool as well. Now, go enter those giveaways!
www.bloggiveaways.blogspot.com

Bloggy Blog Designz is having ANOTHER Holiday Giveaway!!! Last week every entrant won something, so they decided to do it all over again! They are giving away blog designs and all kinds of goodies. Plus ALL entrants will receive 20%off their purchase through the end of the year! Be sure to check out their website for more information, or to enter yourself. Take a look at their portfolio and packages to see what you want for Christmas ;) With 6 giveaways this week, who knows whats in store for next week?

The first 5 entrants will receive a $10 giftcard. The giveaway will close on Dec. 13th, so be sure to have your posts done and comments left by midnight! Good Luck to everyone! We are so excited. Merry (early) Christmas!

Party Time

2009-12-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

I have been staying up very late for several nights preparing for our Crystals with Twinkles and Sparkly White Wine Handcrafted Jewelry Event this Sunday, December 6th at the home of Ariels Glamourie in Paradise Valley, Arizona. This is our first jewelry show so wish us lots of success. These are some of the pieces I completed. The first, Rapture, is a choker style necklace with Swarovski crystals, Czech crystals and flower jade on tarnish free silver wire and sterling silver hook clasp. The second picture is of 3 pendants (L to R) Suwannee (Chinese crystals, opal, Swarovski crystals, and moonstone with silver wire on a pearlized leather cord), Glorious (freshwater pearls, flower jade, and Chinese crystals with copper wire on a copper colored leather cord), and Jolie Madam (freshwater pearls, Chinese crystals, Swarovski crystals, and strawberry quartz with vintage bronze wire on a chocolate brown leather cord). The third picture is a sterling silver wrapped ring called Cloud 9 with Czech crystals, prehnite chips and freshwater pearls. The ring was a commissioned piece so it is already sold, sorry, I just couldn't help but show it off. Thanks for looking.

Coral Sea

2009-11-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

Tomato red coral!

Thanks to my friend and mentor, Marilyn of Ariel's Glamourie, for this idea. We brainstormed on reworking my antique turquoise necklace handed down from my in-laws and we ended up designing the coral to be twisted around the turquoise for a real statement necklace. (I will post a picture of the final piece). We literally both had our hands on this project. One strung while the other picked out the beads. I really like the chunkiness (wait until I wear the two together!)-it does get noticed. I think we have enough left over for a bracelet, if you are interested, as well as the smaller coral for earrings.

Food As Inspiration

2009-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

This summer was the absolute best in about 20 years! I cannot tolerate extreme heat and wonder why I have made Phoenix home for that long (I only wonder in the summer). Living in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Hillsboro, Oregon, awakened many passions. Not only did my sweet husband and I finally get to live together after 2 years of seeing each other every other weekend due to his out of state job, I had a bountiful and beautiful garden. I have always been interested in living off the land and have striven to make things from scratch whenever possible. I was closer to my dream! Moreover, living outside of the city we were surrounded by more nature and farmland than had we chosen to live in Portland. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, now that we are back in Phoenix, I really miss those Farmers Markets! I can't look at fruits and vegetables the same anymore. Previously, buying them was a duty for a healthy lifestyle, now I lust after them and their myriad colors and shapes dance in front of my eyes! I have been back almost a week and my meals seem ho-hum. I am digressing. The photos...the zucchini and tomato are from my garden and the plum galette (which I made three times because it was so incredibly well-received...thank you Food & Wine mag.) was made using the organic plums from my friend's gigantic backyard tree. So, I ate my way through 6 wonderful months in Oregon and I remain happy and inspired!

2009-09-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am on a roll! This new pendant is 'Atlanta Bound' as I completed it on a recent flight to visit family in... Atlanta! For the Florida woman sitting across from me waiting to board our flight, this is the one you so kindly complimented me on. It was a nice reminder that I should get blog cards made to pass along instead of writing it on a scrap piece of paper both of us were looking for. There are various crystals in this pendant with a large enough bale that you can interchange with any type of necklace. (Click on the picture for a close-up view). I love the combination of brown with blue tones and a hint of silver.

2009-09-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Less than 2 months and we move back to Phoenix after a beautiful and adventurous summer in Oregon. I have seen more deer in the last several months than I have my entire life. Farmers Markets are a weekly event for me and I know I will miss this the most. I am such a Foodie! I have managed to fit jewelry making into my activities, thankfully!

Introducing Barbara Jean. This bracelet was a birthday gift to my friend Barbara who picked out the beads. I had to add the earrings because I couldn't stop at the bracelet! She loves the set and gets compliments every time she wears it. These earrings, made with freshwater pearls and citrine on sterling silver hooks are so light weight you won't feel them. The bracelet also contains pineapple quartz finished with a sterling silver slide bar clasp. I welcome your comments and jewelry orders!

2009-08-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

These pendants are eye catching and fun to make. This one was made with various shades of green Czech crystals on copper wire. The matching earrings are very light weight and have a green crystal drop. They can be worn with any color but I love to wear this set with black, brown and purple. It's called Beginners Luck because it is the first piece of jewelry I made and I received so many compliments!

Surrounded with Inspiration

2009-07-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else experience guilt when it has been a while since your last blog? It does make me laugh at myself. I think it's because my new creations are screaming, "Get me out there! I want to be seen!" (No, I did not actually hear them say that!). A few pieces were modified and the rest were inspirations. As you can see, I am really into Carnelian and the reddish brown tones. Let me know if you like them as well as the other pieces. Also, look forward to berry colors. I have been off berry picking right down the street from where I live in Hillsboro, Oregon and the colors (and the flavors) are beautiful and inspiring...black raspberries, loganberries, tayberries, blueberries, currants, and blackberries!!!

The ring is a new creation I call Carnelian Starburst. This was my first ring attempt and I love the idea just not the amount of time involved. The original bangle was made more rigid-it still has give to it to slide on and can be molded to how you like to wear it. Until I find a suitable hand model you are subjected to mine!

I have gotten many compliments on this pendant. In my Carnelian search I found a variety of teardrops-each is unique. In addition, there's Carnelian chips and red jasper on a copper coated leather strap. I like the pendant with a hook at the top so you can interchange it with your favorite necklace. This will also look striking on a silver wire necklace-dare to be different.

Showing Off

2009-05-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful weekend in Laguna Niguel, CA over Memorial weekend attending our friend's college graduation. The weather was perfect for sitting outdoors. We also did a lot of flying and waiting at the airport. I came prepared with spice bottles full of beautiful beads and had fun passing the time. Several women came up to me to observe and ask questions. I highly suggest this to other jewelry makers or crafters. Public places are great for marketing your craft. As long as you plan ahead and pack just what you need (security might confiscate sharp tools!) you can keep busy while waiting or driving in the car. I finished 2 bracelets and started on another darling necklace full of my favorite color for summer-aquamarine! The copper bracelet is full of carnelians and two types of pearls. The vintage brown wire with strawberry quartz, rhodadrosite, Swarovski crystals and pink peruvian opals is for my good friend Karen. Both bracelets just slide on. The necklace...I have to keep one of them! Let me know what you think (and how many you want!!)xoxo

2009-05-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

As good friends often do, they share. So, I owe this first blog to my good friend, the most amazing artist I know, Karen (follow her at valentinestudio123.blogspot.com) for sharing the world of blogging with me as well as for opening my creative attic.