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?

 

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.

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. 

Gold's Coming Back!

OK.  Well, maybe it never left.  But for me, it was never there in the first place!  I'm a silver kind of gal (white gold for the wedding bands).  Gold seemed, well... old.  It seemed a little too traditional, like something that my mom was expected to wear.  Silver was for more youthful, hipper folks.  Now, however, I can see the error of my ways!  I have seen the light!  Gold is actually pretty darn cool, especially matte gold mixed with silver elements.  Gold isn't just for old ladies!  It's for everyone - and it's definitely for me.  Here's a piece I created using some sweet little ribbon-like links.

Spiked

What's seems to be really in right now are chains and a rocker vibe.  These tiny "spike" beads made me think "dog collar gone girly".  I thought of creating some kind of choker, but the bracelet is what transpired.  Oh, and I made earrings to match.  I have a question for all of you ladies (or men), though.  Do you like jewelry sets?  You know, the necklace with the matching earrings or bracelet?  Or, do you like buying individual pieces?  I'm seriously really curious, so please don't hesitate to leave me some feedback.  I've always sort of done individual pieces, but I know some women dig the sets.  Let me know your thoughts.  I'd love to hear them!

Below are the matching earrings!

Rhinestones Are a Girl's Best Friend

How much do I love rhinestones?!  They are so girly and glitzy, and they're the next best thing to diamonds! I've been inspired lately, by a coworker, who regularly sports some beautiful jewelry with these sparkly stones.  I've also been inspired by my usual vintage jewelry and all the rhinestones found in brooches and clip-ons.  This world needs a little more bling!  I created this long, dainty rhinestone necklace and added some pearls to make it ultra girly.  This piece would be great with a white or cream collared blouse.  The design is simple so the jewels speak for themselves.  Hope you like it!

Hair-Brained Idea!

Here's a great way to use those vintage necklaces you may have lying around in your jewelry box.  Or maybe your mother has a few lying around.  Either way, I've found a few great pieces here and there and attached an elastic to create an ultra girly, ultra pretty headband.  Have you found great ways to repurpose old jewelry?  If so, I'd love to see some of your ideas!

 

This hair accessory was made using a really cool pendant that I wasn't sure what to do with.  A necklace design just wasn't coming to mind when I looked at it.  So, I decided it would make a great statement piece in my hair!  Big and bold.

Heavy Metal

Well... not that heavy!  I conjured these metalicious pieces during a bit of a slump in my creative process.  So, I made a feeble attempt at a steampunk-inspired set of earrings, and a "now" set of chain earrings.  I love the look of mixed metals - the antique bronze with the silver.  I was wishing I would have had some gold chain to throw in there too.  Unfortunately, I've never worked with gold (just a personal preference), so I didn't have any in my supply.  I think I'm going to change that, however.  Gold is cool. 

Metal Rocks! Necklace

Chained Up Earrings

Clockwork Earrings

Swarovski Crystal Earrings

Retro Rocks!

Remember the hideous earrings from the 80's?  If you're my age, you probably had a pair or two.  I found these interesting earrings and decided they had some potential.  I'm not 100% sure they are all from the 80's - they could be older.  Nontheless, they're dated and they needed a little sprucing.  Rather than trash them, I thought they'd be awesome as rings.  What do you think?