Chandaliers --- Earrings that is.

They make a statement and are just plain fun!  I've been wanting to play with chandalier earring designs and finally had the time to play and create several pairs.  Here's the first pair:

Four tiny sterling silver daisies dangle alongside turquoise beads.  They wiggle and shake and are lighter than air to wear.

The second pair is simple, but oh so pretty:

Four tiny sterling silver daisies with centers, linked to eachother. 

Another playful pair features a larger daisy stud with dangling coral beads.  Sterling silver daisies dangle below.

And the final pair, for today:

Sterling silver graduated daisies with a little faceted blue chalcedony bead drop. 

Lots of fun new designs and lots more to come!

Inspirational Flowers

What an amazing time of year!  There are shades of green that you only see now, so I took the opportunity to walk around the yard and capture the colors and flowers of spring. 

The azalea shrubs are coming into full bloom and look beautiful! 

I like the up close and personal shots of the flowers.   I can definitely see some new flower inspired jewelry in my future!

The crabapples have also popped with color.  And the bumble bees are happy! 

It's a wonder I get much of anything done during this time.  The gardens call to me daily and today I answered!  No studio creating today--today, my hands were deep in dirt and pulling out weeds.  A much needed break to soak up nature and to inspire and refill my well. 

And here's a sneak peak of what's coming up next--

  It's lady slipper season and there are LOTS more on their way. 

Enjoy the season!

Deliveries!

It's that time of year--I've been running around delivering jewelry to my retails shops to start the season!  Be sure to check out Rock Paper Scissors in Wiscasset, Casual Interiors in Boothbay Harbor, and Gleason Fine Art in Boothbay Harbor.  Lots of new designs and the series continuation of some of my favorites.  Next Saturday I'll be delivering to CRAFT in Rockland. 

Reticulated cuff with Umba sapphire at Rock Paper Scissors

Coral necklace at Casual Interiors

Hydrangea cluster earrings at Gleason Fine Art

MCA Master Craft Artist Award 2013

I am honored and pleased to have been asked to create the Master Craft Artist pin for 2013's recipient Theresa Secord, a Penobscot basket maker from Waterville, Maine.  As MCA Exective Director Sadie Bliss says, "Secord was selected for this award equally for a career of excellence in her own craft work as well as deep contributions to craft in Maine, specifically support of native basket makers.  The Maine Crafts Association is proud to join a long list of organizations and institutions, such as the Maine Arts Commission and First People's Fund, who have recognized how Secord's basketry, dedication, relationships, and arts administration skills have contributed to traditional craft in Maine and throughout the United States."

I decided to play with my reticulated series and split the pin to create negative space.  I also liked the idea of joining pieces to make a whole.  Here's how the pin came together:

I hope Theresa will respond to the textural surface design, along with the addition of the shiny silver balls and 10x8mm black lace agate. 

This is the back of the pin--highlighting the award and event.  Supporters of Theresa Secord, Maine Indian Basket Makers Alliance, and the Maine Crafts Association are invited to attend the award ceremony Thursday, May 9th, during a special reception at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine.  The public is invited to attend the award presentation from 6:30-­‐7:30pm, which will include the pin presentation. 

I am truly honored to be a part of such a special event!