I haven't forgotten my shop! :)

I've been really busy getting ready to deliver my inventory to Blossoms of Verona, but I haven't forgotten my etsy shop! I just posted two new necklaces, which I absolutely adore. They're both really long--over 50 inches--and can be worn single, doubled or tripled! I personally like them tripled, because I like to have all the color and interest by my face, but I love the flexibility in these two.

You'd think my design area was outside with all the fall colors in the Golden Glass, Jasper and Red Agate necklace. It's probably one of my favorites. I love fall colors all year round, so this would work for me summer, winter, fall or spring!

The Slate Agate, Amazonite and Pearl necklace is just divine. I love the combination of the smoky black and midnite blue in the slate agate combined with the coolness of the amazonite and the sophistication of the freshwater pearls. Perfect for anytime!

Be blessed!

My Camera

Over the summer, we were out on our boat on the Allegheny River and my camera fell in. Luckily I have a husband who loves me (and can swim), so he jumped in to get it for me. Talk about going above and beyond the call of duty! I took the camera home and dried it out and miraculously it works! The only catch is that it only likes to take good pictures outside in natural light. That was awesome when I first discovered how to take good pics over the summer. We were at our campsite or out in the back yard all summer. Now that it's really cold (it snowed this morning and they're forecasting a snow/rain mixture all weekend), it's much more a labor of love. The things we do for our art *smile*

But I'm really excited about my new designs. I can't wait until I take them to Blossoms of Verona! I love working with sterling silver. It really adds a new dimension to my work. But I'm still doing things with silver and gold plated findings as well, mainly for my etsy shop.

I found a miniature dress form at a rummage sale at my church recently, and she's perfect for displaying the beautiful necklaces I've been making. I just wish I had more than one!

Be blessed!

A new direction...

A lot has happened since the last time I blogged here. My etsy shop is doing well, and I've been doing some custom orders, which is always fun. But my biggest news is the upcoming placement of my jewelry at Blossoms of Verona!

I was selling my jewelry at a flea market in Penn Hills when I was approached by Cathy, who owns Blossoms of Verona. She loved my jewelry and wanted to have it in her shop. They've just moved to a larger location and I'm very excited about being there! Their new location has a really great energy and I've got lots of great ideas on the new designs I want to showcase there!

I started out with all sterling silver. I personally love silver. It's pretty much all I wear. And I love the delicacy of it. But I also love combining it with big nuggets to contrast the delicacy with raw elementality. I'm also trying some new techniques that I've seen other people do that I really like. It's fun to play with color and figure out what works. I also plan to do some 14k gold and some bridal designs. They are, after all a flower shop *smile*. When I think of flowers, I think of weddings, funerals and Sunday services. I'm wondering if I could market myself as a "one-stop shop" -- I could design your wedding jewelry, do your hair for you and the wedding party, and then sing the service :)

I've long been of the opinion that you need to see my jewelry to really appreciate it. Even with my improved photography skills my photos aren't true representations of my designs. So I'm glad that I have an opportunity to really showcase my work in an arena where they'll be appreciated and enjoyed.

Their grand re-opening is in November, but my jewelry will be there starting October 25th. Even though they've just moved into the new space they're open for business doing weddings and church altar decorations and just general flower sales. I'm really excited about this opportunity and I'll keep you updated about it as time goes on.

Be blessed!