Mixing It up

Big meeting at work today. It was the kind where you need to dress like a true professional. If you've read any of my past posts, I'm sure you realize this can pose a big challenge for me. I'm just not an "in the box" kinda girl. It's really hard for me to dress like every other professional woman. There's this little bitty rebel streak in me (creativity?) that makes me want to mix things up a bit. I can usually minimize this so that it's not too obvious.

So, I found a muted checked blazer, black skirt and shell ... and decided (last night) I'd make a new necklace for myself. Now, I'd been thinking about this new (prototype) design for sometime. And, if I can brag for a minute--it really came together nicely! I love it! I actually felt really good all day--because I was so proud of how cool it turned out. I used three different kinds of gold chain, then beaded three sections of vintage (costume) pearls--each centered by a pretty amber colored vintage cut glass bead. I added some chandelier earring findings to connect the sections and two charms---a filigree heart (Past Perfect Style) and cross (props to my fav Jewish carpenter.) It's long enough to double ... or wear as one long strand. I paired it with my Mommy's old pearls from her high school days. Feelin' groovy! Watch for more of these coming soon!

Domino Style

I was on a creative buzz this past weekend and it was great. I'm trying to finish up a new batch of stuff (my "fall line" :-)) for the "boutiques featuring my work." (Do I sound professional?)

Now watch ... none of it will sell, proving (once and for all) that what I think is cool is just, well, weird. No matter--I'm happy with it.

You have to admit ... domino bracelets are fun. And conversation starters, right?

See what you think. Sneak peak ...

Dominos?

Dominos as art? Jewelry? Both! My newest creations feature hand-painted dragons on the backs of dominos. I've read that the dragon is a symbol of power in Chinese culture--and often associated with the Emporer. I'm interested to do some additional research on this.

Meanwhile, maybe the wearers will enjoy power, success and balance! A good luck charm? Certainly, all those fun colors will bring happiness! More to come.

You Gotta Kiss a Few Toads

Ahhh ... I indulged in a little much needed, jewelry-making therapy over the weekend. I was WAY overdue. (Even T said, "You haven't done that in a long time!") It's good to be back.

I spent the hour (or so) creating this new bracelet, which I'm going to call ... "You Gotta Kiss a Few Toads Before You Find Your Prince." It has funny little frog charms, a crown, some chunky & funky big blue beads, a Tartan Plaid bead, some vintage beads and even a little turquoise. There is something about the combination of the blues and greens that keeps drawing me back to these color families.

I'm going to be incorporating more chunky, big beads into some of my new creations--just for fun. More to come soon!!

Art is the only way to run away without
leaving home. ~Twyla Tharp

Check out my newest creation--"Pieces of Old." I added all these fun finds and vintage baubles to this contemporary looking chain. I think it's a fun mix of old & new. The dragon flies enjoyed a former life as a set of barrettes; the glass beads are from two different Victorian era pieces. The prayer box at the bottom weights the piece. Isn't it fun?