Summer 2013 - Colour and Fun

Now that I have a second little one to look after, I gotta say that my passion for jewelry design keeps me sane!  It's a little trickier finding the time to pump out any number of pieces, but it's still a cherished activity.  I am just so thankful that I have something to be truly passionate about.  I wish that everyone could find their passions in life and have the freedom to pursue them. 

Anyway... I've been working on summer pieces since, well, it's summer!!  Colour is super hot right now, in just about any combination.  Emerald green is, of course, the Pantone colour of the year, but even neon is back with a vengeance!  Accessories are a great way to experiment with colour without too much commitment. It may be a little less comfortable for you to wear that hot pink blouse than it is to wear the hot pink bracelet.  Try adding splashes of colour to your wardrobe, starting with your jewelry and accessories.  Here's some of the pieces I've been working on for the season! 

Multi-Strand Green, Yellow and White Bracelet

Multi-Strand Orange, Pink and Red Bracelet

Chunky Green and Gold Chain Link Necklace

Summer Siesta Earrings



Red, Pink and Orange with Gold Chain Link Necklace

 

 



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?

 

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!



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.

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!

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!

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