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?

 

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!

My Old Bracelet

I got this old bracelet at a craft show one time.  The bracelet was just a simple elastic, strung with aqua coloured semi-precious stones.  I liked the bracelet for its simplicity and the colour of the stones.  However, it sat in my drawer for quite a while, barely being worn.  I decided to take the beautiful beads from the bracelet and create something new.  I decided on a necklace - sort of a French vintage feel.  Below is what I came up with:

The only problem was that I still wasn't happy!  I felt unsure about the three strands so I changed it again:

K.  I think I'm happy now.  

Mixed Metals

I love the look of mixed up metals.  For the longest time, I thought silver should go with silver and gold with gold.  Recently, though, I started mixing my metals.  Why not mix silver with gold or antique brass?  It lends interest to the pieces and it still goes with just about everything.  Check out the earrings below:

Lovely Lucite

I haven't done anything with Lucite for a while, but I fell in love with these daffodil beads from JJ Bugs Beads www.jjbugsbeads.etsy.com.  I knew I had to do something with them.  Here's my pink Valentine Bauble necklace, which can be found at Faux Creations & Delectables in Milverton, ON.  Visit http://twitter.com/fauxcreations for information on this beautiful new store!