Travelling with tools

So, I had an invitation to spend a week in Key West ... tell me, what would you do? Don't lie to me, you'd go, too. Even if you are scheduled to work on the spring line, and you have company coming in two weeks, you are gonna go! Even if you already live in Florida, you are gonna go! Key West is somewhere else.

The real question is what do I take so the downtime is productive. I made a kit from one of those plastic clamshell boxes the Indian gems get shipped in. To keep the chaos to a minimum, I decided to limit my designs to those earrings I have meant to get to. Small size, limited amount of beads, etc. So I packed pairs of focal beads in individual little zippy bags, combined with pinches of coordinating small stones. Then I grabbed a couple of little bags of headpins, some jumprings, a foot each of 20 gauge gold and silver wire, my mini-round pliers, a chainnose, and a cutter. I added my little 2.5x2.5 inch bench block and my smallest chasing hammer. I also checked the internet for a supplies store in the neighborhood (because you know I'm going to need something I didn't think of) AND (very important) I made sure I had a tax exemption certificate with me.

So here I am, sitting in quirky Key West, overlooking the marina at the Galleon, and working on my spring line. Life is good.

Looking toward spring - new inspiration

Its time for a new muse. A spring muse. A perky muse; something that brings a smile and teases thoughts of fresh flowers and butterflies. I've kept an eye out for something just so, and I've found a collection that tickles my creativity. Always attracted to antiques that look fresh (not a contradition) I was browsing online and rediscovered an old favorite. Satsuma porcelain, with its color and elegance. I have owned a trio of really lovely teacups and saucers for many years and have worn a stunning stick pin with a parade of geisha marching around it, but turning the wonderful vases and china into wearable art presented a design dilemma. First, I love these things, and breaking them into usable size doesn't seem civilized. Second, they're just too darn big to leave whole. However, from the mid-1800s until today, Japanese potters have been making handpainted and gilded buttons for export that I find really lovely. Not willing to damage them in order to work with them, I have created brackets that hold them without causing them any distress. NOTE: NO SATSUMA HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THESE PIECES! There, I feel better. And I hope you love what I have done with them. As spring commences, more jewelry will appear with the focal center of Satsuma - a combining of new and old.

originally posted Jan 22 2009

Weather happens

It is a significant fact at this time of year that we live in Florida, the three of us. It is the time of the "fleeing" for northerners. A scenario: "Hi, its me ... I can't take it anymore. Can you pick me up at the airport Thursday? ... Is anyone else in the guestroom? ... That's okay, I can take the couch. It'll be fun - like back in school." I feel almost responsible that a cold front went through two days ago, and for the next two weeks we will be having what passes for winter here - 40s at night with highs in the 60s. They're wearing parkas on the golf course. I suppose all is relative, and that it will seem balmy for our displaced visitors, but I can barely watch when they put on their bathing suits and head for the beach, for crying out loud! The Gulf of Mexico is COLD this time of year. Ah well, I'll be prepared; I'll have hot chocolate ready when they get home.

originally posted Jan 13 2009

Every day a new discovery

I rose early this morning to work on my spring line, excited to work with my new focal theme, and anxious to select the stones in its compliment. About 10am I knew it was time for a break, some coffee and a check of my email. Checking my shops, flickr and blogs brought a new name to my attention ... 1000markets. Hello! What is this? Thank you, Google. And before noon I find myself there. What a joyful find! A fresh, organized, ... the word "upscale" is soooo overused ... let's say select collection of artisanal wares. I'm more than thrilled! I am renewed in my vision of unique and personal jewelry. Every customer is a personality looking for more than "trendy"; looking for a fit that speaks to them personally. Here is a site that offers wonderful choices for them, and if they are here, I want to be here. Thank you, 1000markets.

originally posted Jan 10 2009