Away for A While

So, I know I've been away from the blogging scene for a while, but I'm still super busy creating!  Recently, I've had the privilege of meeting and working with Sue Jacobs of Personal Style Image Consulting, and it's been a wonderful learning experience for me.  Sue has been working as an image consultant for many years, advising clients personally, as well as through radio, television, print, magazines and newspapers.  She is even teaching a Professional Presence course at Western in the Continuing Education department. 
Sue has inspired me and educated me on a more formal level when it comes to accessorizing.  Being a self-taught artist, I've missed the opportunity to learn some of these key components of wearing practical, professional attire. 
Even though I'm learning so much, I still have to get my jewelry fix.  I've been back in my workshop pumping out new designs every day.  It's my passion - it's what gets me excited every day.  As many of you know, I tend to lean toward pieces that are slightly big and chunky, yet wearable.  Let me know what you think.  Are you a conservative accessorizer or do you like something slightly crazy?

 

Wild Side

Last year, I was introduced to the work of Dandi Maestra, a Canadian Jewelry Designer who uses natural elements to create her amazingly over-the-top pieces.  She's pushed the limits and isn't afraid to create wild, couture jewelry.  Her pieces are found in fashion magazines and runways all over.  She's inspiring and amazing.

I think I'm mesmerized by Dandi's work because she isn't afraid to step outside the comfortable to create something unconventional and, well, HUGE!  She's daring.  She's creative beyond the realm of normal creativity (in my opinion) and she's almost revolutionary.  I've never seen work like hers before.  This is what I aspire to.  Like most artists, we want to create something never seen or done before and have our audience love it.  This may be a tall order but it's what keeps me motivated and inspired. 

I was introduced to her work because a visitor of the Shakespeare Artisan Market found my pieces and was reminded of Dandi's work.  I do use some similar materials, including the horn rings and exotic wood.  However, Dandi's creative genius far exceeds mine.  This is something I'll continue to work on as I evolve in my art.  Below are a couple of pieces I created that are a little more daring, perhaps, but still totally wearable.

Wood, Bone and Glass Bracelet

Czech Glass Rings in Black and Clear Necklace

Frock Stock Polyvore Challenge

For those of you who are not familiar with Frock Stock, you should really check it out.  I've purchase some seriously cute items from there.  Anyway, the challenge was to style the Smoke and Mirrors Purse by Shiraleah using Polyvore.  I could sit and play with Polyvore for hours.  I absolutely love it!

Below is what I came up with.  If you think it's not too shabby, please take some time to vote for it between June 15 and 16th, 2012.  To place a vote, just go to the Frock Stock Blog.  Thanks for voting!

Budding Leaves

Spring has sprung and summer is coming fast!  Really, I was just inspired by all of these green lucite leaves I had kickin' around.  I decided to make a chunky stretch bracelet with them, just to add a pop of colour to a neutral ensemble. 

I was so inspired by this leaf theme, that I did up some earrings as well.  Simple and elegant!



Memories

This piece was a joy to design!  The vintage bits that make up this one-of-a-kind charm bracelet have sentimental value and hold a memory or two of special people in my life.  A number of the vintage beads came from my aunt and grandmother.  They love to give me bits and pieces to remake into new designs.  Anyway, this bracelet is one of my favourites for it's bright colours and unusual components.  I can't make another just like it. 

You'll find this piece along with my other jewelry at the Perth County Welcome Centre and Artisan Market in Shakespeare, ON.  Hope you have a chance to visit.  (They also sell Mapletons Organic Ice Cream, in case you're interested!)

Spring Flowers

This May long weekend, my husband and I did some planting and a whole lot of weed-pulling.  I detest pulling weeds.  The only thing that remotely makes it worthwhile is to see my beautiful flowers blooming.  Still, maintenance-free gardening is the way to go!  I was inspired to create this whimsical piece using lucite flowers and leaves.  It's fun and totally girly.  I think, given the amazing weather we've had, it's the perfect accessory for the season!

What the Shell?!

Most of you who are familiar with my work know that I'm a big fan of natural materials - shell being one of my most favourite.  Shell is super versatile, as it comes in a tonne of colours and shapes.  I love the bright, albeit dyed, tones of mussel shell.  You can find these coin-shaped shells in just about every colour.  The bright hues remind me of a breezy day at the beach, frolicking in the sand... 

Anyway, below is a necklace created with mussel shell, glass pearls, faceted glass beads, and rose quartz.  The bracelet is just one chunky pop of colour - I think of mermaids when I look at it!  These pieces can all be purchased at Cynthia Weber Interiors.

Gone Coastal!

Oh, doesn't this necklace make you think of a coastal escape?  I can't think of anything better than sitting next to the ocean and making jewelry!  This piece uses mussel shell, glass, plastic and antique bronze chain.  It would look beautiful under a white collared blouse with it's soft oceanic colours.  This piece is one of my personal favourites.  Hope you enjoy!

Shades of Gray

Is it grey or gray?  I'm never sure.  Anyway, I am sure that shade of gray - whether silver, charcoal or gunmetal - go with almost any wardrobe.  Plus it's just plain elegant.  While nothing beats black, gray comes in at a close second. 

Unfortunatley, however, gray can be a little drab.  To spice up my pieces, I included some sparkly rhinestones and unusual beads.  Check out some of my gray collection below.

Delicate Sterling

Beautiful sterling silver...  It costs a lot and looks great, but what the heck is it?  According to About.com, "[p]ure silver is soft, too soft to create durable jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to enhance performance. One popular silver mixture (an alloy) is known as sterling silver."  Copper is most commonly mixed with silver to create sterling.  Sterling silver stamped with a "925" mark simply means that 92.5% of the metal is pure silver. 

Gold vermeil is sterling silver coated with at least 10 carat gold.  The gold must also be at least 2.5 micrometers thick for it to be considered vermeil, according to Wikipedia.  The pendant below is a cute, tiny, gold vermeil bow (14 carat).  I adore this piece!  It's so girly, yet simple and understated.  I love the gold mixed with the sterling silver chain, as well.  This combination makes the bow component pop and adds some interest. 

The little bird pendant below is also very sweet and understated.  It's 925 sterling silver and absolutely adorable.  Anyone that loves birds would love this pretty little pendant. 

If you're like me, you probably feel naked without something around your neck and in your ears!  Simple pieces, like these, add just a touch of elegance to your look, without being too overbearing. 

Just Beachy...

Right or wrong, I love many styles of jewelry and I want to create it all! Some artists stick to one specific style, making their work easily recognizable. Maybe I'm crazy, but I just can't do that! Sure, I understand the logic. But, if I stuck to just one specific style, I'm pretty sure I'd get bored! We, creative junkies, want to do it ALL. I wanted to try sewing, baking, card/book-making, crocheting, knitting, you name it! I did, in fact, try all of these things, but knew that I just couldn't do everything I wanted and do it well. I knew that, with limited time, I needed to focus on one thing. Jewelry design is my passion, so I decided to stick with that. But, ask me to stick to just one style and I'll out-right refuse!

I love experimenting with different materials and looks. If I want a glamorous piece, I use rhinestones, glass and faceted crystals. If I want a vintage vibe, I take apart old necklaces and earrings to create new pieces. If I want a natural feel, I lean toward my favourites: seeds, wood, shell, and recycled glass.

As summer is approaching, I'm thinking about creating those natural pieces that I love. I realized, in my creative process, that I've used a lot of shell over the years. From Mother of Pearl to Hammer Shell to many other exotic types, shell comes in a huge array of shapes, colours, sizes, etc. It's amazing stuff!  Plus, who doesn't associate shell with those blissful summer days at the beach?  It adds texture and interest to my pieces and helps to pull the overall components together. Here's a couple of different pieces I've created using various shells. I think these are super hot colours for this spring and summer.

I'd love to know your favourite summer colour to wear.  If you have some time, leave a comment!