Rings--silver, stones, and more!

I've been working on a lot of rings lately--rings with funky and unusual stones and settings. Sometimes the stone does all the talking. Like this fire agate:

Simply brushed sterling silver shelf around the stone accentuates the cloudy edges and then the pop of the orange y-brown fire and the iridescent green--gorgeous stone!

And who can resist a large turquoise with black spider-webbing?! Oxidized to set off the large silver hammered balls. Everything is over sized and makes a statement in this ring. 

I am highly inspired by Native American and Mexican silversmiths from days of yore and can truly appreciate their skill and craftsmanship. I feel I struck a real Modernist look with this next ring.

It's a large round red agate cabochon that's bezeled in fine silver and off set in the larger circle. The outer edge is heavy square wire that frames the design. The inside is oxidized to set apart the areas of the ring.

Because I often don't repeat ideas or thoughts (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not), I thought I'd use some of the same design elements in another ring, but boy does it have a completely different look and feel.

A 6mm faceted blue topaz gemstone is tube set in the center of a silver bauble field. The background is oxidized to give depth and texture, while the outer square wire creates the same frame as above. I think it's pretty cool!

So many other things are on the bench, including some commissions that I'm finishing up. Lot's more to come!

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!

Earrings for Everyday

I got back in the studio and went to town on creating some new reticulated earrings.  My next ad in Downeast magazine is coming out in the February issue and I feature a great pair of earrings.  The only problem (not really a problem) is that they sold after the ad was designed.  So, I thought what a good excuse to focus on making earrings.  Here's what I've finished: 

The seven pairs sitting pretty in the studio.

These are the smallest pair--with pink tourmaline seed beads.

I love the simplicity and clean lines here.

Stud backs on heavily reticulated silver with 4mm apple green chryso-prase cabs.

Squiggles and curves dangle on the hooked earwires.

The green aventurine cabs here add just the right touch to the clean lines.

These earrings are most similar to the pair in the ad.  The 6x8mm stones are black lace agate. The squiggle makes for a fun design.

Last but not least, another design featuring the balls and bars on the reticulated metal.

Well, back at it tomorrow.  I have a few pendants in the works.  We'll see where they go. 

Rocks

This weekend I went to the Maine Mineralogical and Geological Society's Gem and Mineral Show in Portland.  It's an annual event and always a fun show to visit, not just for the rocks, but the people watching is something!  I never leave empty handed and this year was no different.  I arrived at USM on opening day at opening time.  I walked the show absorbing what was there and noting what was most interesting to me.  After the initial assessment, I went to work.  I first purchased from Guy and Kim Pilla from Fryeburg.  Guy cuts beautiful cabs and I could easily see them in my jewelry designs. 

From agates to jaspers to beryl and dinosaur bone, I made my selections.  I envision most of these stones for use in pendants, pins, and necklaces.   

Next I headed over to another interesting table and visited with Tim Pratt from Global Pathways in Stowe, VT, and had lots of fun selecting from his inventory.  I came away with some lovely stones including several 

kyanites for rings and earrings, 

opals for earrings and pendants, 

and labradorites for necklaces and/or pendants.

My mind is spinning with new ideas and I can hardly wait to get back in the studio and get the new designs going.