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

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.

Sea Breeze

I'm so very excited to share with you that I am now selling some of my pieces online at www.cynthiaweber.com.  The collection is still in the works, but much of it will showcase my recycled glass pieces.  Personally, I love the organic and natural quality of Indonesian recycled glass.  It comes in a variety of colours, but I especially love the muted greens.  These colours remind me of an ocean breeze and look so beautiful when paired with glass pearls and shell. 

The process for making recycled glass beads is not particularly easy.  While there are different methods used to make recycled glass beads, the overall process is the same.  Glass is collected, sorted and crushed into a fine powder.  This powder is then placed in molds and fired in a hot kiln.  Some shape the glass after it's been fired.  Others simply use the mold to hold the shape.  No two beads are exactly the same and they are all made by hand.  No chemicals are added to create the beautiful beach glass effect of the beads. 

Owning a recycled glass piece of jewelry allows you to truly feel like you own a unique piece of art.  While most of my designs are one-of-a-kind, each recycled glass bead is also a one-of-a-kind piece of art.  Below is one of my charm bracelets featured at www.cynthiaweber.com. 

Sparkling Spring

Soft, pretty, pastel colours are totally in for spring.  I just ordered myself the cutest ivory, Sea-Scalloped Blouse from FrockStock (www.frock-stock.com) and I can't wait to throw it on!  In keeping with the same trend, I created this light, airy, pale blue necklace to compliment a spring wardrobe.  (I also made earrings to match, which are not pictured.) 

What's your favourite Spring trend this year?  I've seen a lot of mint green and pastels out there.  I've also seen some floral-printed pants (which I'm personally not a fan of). I  think I could probably do the coloured skinnies, but floral pants are out of the question.  My favourite finds are in pale blue colours and shades of peach or coral.  I'm a girl's girl and frankly, I'm down with anything that's sparkly and pretty.  Bring on the warm weather!

Spring Fling by carrie-erb-schultz featuring cat eye sunglasses

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!