Back to Work!

I've been away on a short but needed vacation and buying trip.  After relaxing and renewing, I am back and busy working on some commissions and inventory--will post again soon.  Wish it was warmer here in Maine--this is what I just left and it seems like a distant memory!!!!

HATS!!!

I thought I'd show you another one of my loves--hats!  Not only do I wear them, but I also make them.  I've been collaborating with my mom for over 5 years now--she crochets and felts the 100% wool hat and I needle felt the decorations with unspun fiber.  We call ourselves Toppers. 

They are fun...

and colorful...

and warm.

But we're definitely out of the wool season (I hope!), so here's an option with no season required...

A completely different take on hats--fascinators.  Wearable hairpieces for everyday and special occasions.  I don't need an excuse to wear a hat, but some people do, so with the Royal Wedding and Kate Middleton being featured everywhere, it's time to bring hat wearers together! 

I've started collaborating with my friend Chris to make these exciting and fashionable new hairpieces.  What fun we have had!  We've used feathers, crinoline, ribbon, vintage buttons and pearls, creating these one-of-a-kind whimsies. 

large black silk flower with ostrich feathers

ostrich feathers and hen feathers with vintage rhinestone buttons

curling pheasant feathers

green feather pad with peacock fringe and vintage button

You can buy these and more at Darling and DeLisle in Damariscotta, Maine, 112 Main Street, 207-563-1919. 

Let me know what you think.

River Arts Fine Crafts Exhibition

Three pieces have been accepted for the River Arts Fine Crafts Exhibition!!!  The show is May 6 through May 30, with an opening reception Friday, May 6, from 5 to 7 PM.  This show will be held at River Arts Gallery II on Route One, near the intersection with Business Route one in Damariscotta.  Please stop by to see the first showing of my flowering vine jewelry at this fine crafts exhibit.

More Flowering Options

Lately, I've been too busy creating to post, but thought I'd take some time to catch you up on one of the new pieces.  The flowering vines series has been occupying my thoughts and designs, so I've been pushing the idea to some new heights.  First, here in process is a new cuff bracelet:

I wish I had taken more photos during the process, but I think you see the base structure in the picture.  The vines are 12g sterling silver wire and I formed the base flat and then curved it around the mandrell.  I added the flowers one at a time, deciding the design as I went. 

And this is the finished piece:

Here's what it looks like on the wrist:

I LOVE it!

The First Year

Happy Anniversary Studio Minutes!  It's hard to believe I've been blogging for a year now.  I was just looking back on "the beginning" and am pleased to say (or write) that I've really enoyed the whole thing.  I was skeptical and questioning of the whole blogging and social networking thing but now--I'm hooked.   I look forward to another year telling my story of designing and creating jewelry.  Please feel free to add to the conversation.

YEAH!

Excellent news!  I have been selected to participate in the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, on September 10 & 11, 2011.  The Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is held in Wells, Maine every September on the weekend after Labor Day. 

This prestigious event brings nearly 100 artisans, selected by jury, to exhibit their wares for thousands of browsers. Music, food, and environmental education round out the 2-day festival, which takes place on the spectacular Laudholm campus of the Wells Reserve. 

Mark your calendars now so you can come and see my new designs.  I'll give you reminders as it gets closer. 

Following an Idea

I've found so much inspiration with the flowering vine piece that I've been working non-stop on translations and variations.  From the initail inspiration piece, I started making a necklace.  Here's how it started:  sterling silver flowering vines much like the original element; I tried different stones and loose flowers and leaves.

I kept playing with elements and then turned them into this:

To finish, I set an opal as the featured stone and linked the vines together with wire scrolled links.  I particularly like the clasp--a flower and leaves to bring the design around the neck. 

Here's a detail of the front:

After the necklace, I opted to make a pair of earrings.  Here are 22g sterling silver flowers and leaves on 18g sterling silver vines.  They have stud backs behind the swirled stems and are about 2 inches long. 

More designs are coming including bracelets, earrings, and more necklaces!  Check back soon.