Fini Friday! Spookiness Fini!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Fini Friday!
I hope your week had been full of mystery and fun so far!
I've a finished creation (just on the cusp on Halloween!) to show you today!

You might remember mention of ideas, plots and plans a few Fridays ago...
A photo of that beginning...

 
And here is the Fini! 
Title: All Hallows, The Old Way
Ingredients: Czech glass, Artistic wire, metal, surgical steel earwires(hypo-allergenic). 
Can you spy which beads and charms took root in the beginning and which wove their way in later?  
All Hallows is one of three days of ancient Christian celebration spanning Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 (See Wikipedia for more details!).  It is a day to celebrate saints and martyrs both known and unknown.  A celebration similar to this and around this time of year spans several cultures and there is much lively debate as to the beginnings of these holidays.
I leave it up to you, Dear Reader, to decide what you like best. 
As for me, I love the ancient symbols of wisdom, life, death, intuition, mystery, Faerie, stars, and so much more woven through these!
Have a most excellent weekend!
See you Monday!
Ciao!

Fini Friday! Skulls and Spice!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Fini Friday!
It is Fall in our neck of the woods and we've already had a bit of snow and ice! The snow has nearly completely melted (thankfully!) as it was too warm for the ground to freeze just yet.
Pumpkins, scarecrows, crops being harvested and so forth are common sights and I love the rich, warm colours associated with this season! Why mention any of this? Read on and you'll see!!!

First, some creation ideas that are brewing...inspired by the upcoming All Hallow's Eve Holiday!
Methinks these will be earrings and the design touches a bit upon the Day of the Dead as well as the Fae.
The vision I've in mind is wire-wrapping the luscious, smaller multi-coloured beads around the skulls.
YAY!

These second set of skulls, dyed an intriguing yellow, are slated (at least right now) to be a bracelet...possibly on black leather! ...
Possibly with wrapping or braiding...
Hmmm...
Stay tuned to see what happens next!!!

And now...for the spice!
I love tea. Absolutely yes!
So, one of the ways I'm celebrating the season is with a seasonal tea!

MMMMmmmmmm!  Doesn't that look yummy?!  I've found that this company makes scrumptious teas, on the whole, and I'm looking forward to trying their Pumpkin Spice tea!
Not all spiced teas are created equal, so wish me luck on this one!!
Whee!!!  
By the way... did you notice the background?  Perhaps it might look familiar....say from a post on Wednesday, perhaps?  
Hee hee!

One last thing before we part company... There is a second session in the Welcome to Being Human series on BlogTalk Radio!
Sunday, Oct. 27th at 5pm (CST, USA) Cheryl Patton and I will be chatting about often impossible pedestal we humans (especially those in the healing arts) are placed on and the stifling effects of "always staying positive".  
Who put us up there anyway?  
Join us for insight, laughter and fun as we poke at the foiables and follies of life as Human Beans!
See you next week!
Ciao!

Fini Friday! At the Show!

Hello Hello!
Welcome to Fini Friday!
I hope your week has been marvelous so far!

I've a few snapshots of adoptable creations (for the first time at Saturday's Festival) to show you today!

This is a small collection of the newly available earring creations!  You can spy a skate, key, ladybugs, Fairy Cats, vintage ornaments and more!

This second collection of creations are as yet unmarked...this means they are so new I have not yet priced them and they may (or may not) be out for adoption if you visit me tomorrow!  If you fall in love with one that you see here, please do inquire with me about them!

And with that...I give you the details of the show tomorrow!

The Fall Art Festival at City Center Market is 

Saturday, Sept. 14th from 9am to 3pm. 

Click on the link for more details! 

This is my only remaining out-door show this year!
ALSO!!
A BlogTalk Radio Interview!
Faerie Messages for September!
Tuesday, Sept. 17th at 12Noon!

Hope to see you there! 

See you soon!!
Ciao!

Fini Friday! Fini and Reborn!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Fini Friday!

I hope your week has been fabulous so far and that you are looking forward to the weekend!! I've a two sets of creations to show you today.

One is finished and one has been reworked and reborn!

Finished creation first!

On Whimsy Wednesday, I showed you a few design ideas with these red swords. Here is the fini creation!

The sword on the right actually snapped in two as I was wrapping the wire around. It seemed important to show this natural step of the creative process as there is so much concentration on a finished, perfect art piece. The sword on the left is whole and unbroken.

 However, these are not identical!

 The piece of wire used was not long enough to finish in one pass, so a second piece was cut and intertwined amongst the leaves.

Again, all part of that wild and wooly creative process! I'm not quite certain what will happen next with these creations. It may be that they will become an art pieces with a more rich story because of their imperfections and differences!

Stay tuned!

Onward to the rebirth!

Title: Spirit Moon

Ingredients: Amethyst moons, Mother-of-Pearl stars, Czech glass, lead-free pewter(USA), sterling silver.

I actually created these quite a long time ago, with very modest materials. They were the best I could do at the time and the design was awesome! However, I'd always wanted to create them with sterling silver wire, rather than base metal, so that the other exquisite materials could shine through. And now it has happened! The moons are Amethyst. Legend has it that Amethyst is a stone of spiritual intuition and connection with the Divine.

 The stars are Mother-of-Pearl. Myths surrounding this this material ascribe healing and soothing properties to it as well as that of protection and connection to the Ocean. The metallic feathers are designed as spirit feathers, with four levels that represent the Four Ages of Man (by Ovid).  

Silver is also associated with the Moon and Sea and nurturing intuition and soul connection. 
Beautiful!

And now.... your weekend!!!
HAVE FUN and see you Monday!!!
Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Scrolling Right Along!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday!

The goal with these posts is two-fold.

First, to infuse some whimsy into the day and our lives.

Second, to give a peek into my artist's life and studio!

Today found me working with scrolls, curves and fluid shapes...hmmm... I wonder if that is the influence of Summer?

Title: Contemplation of the Heart

Ingredients: pearls, wood and bone beads, lead-free pewter, Czech glass, copper, surgical steel earwires (silver-plated, hypo-allergenic).

The pearls are called "potato pearls" in the industry, as they are irregular in shape and colour and resemble...well... potatoes!

I loved the idea of mixing such organic shapes with the comfortably-precise heart-shaped scrolls in the wood and bone focal beads. The designs of these beads seems both elegant and approachable, as if the dark wood shape in the centre were some sort of half-forgotten symbol of an earlier time!

A last-minute edition of the silvery stars seemed fortuitous and wise.

Title: Tempting a Pisces

Ingredients:  Birch wood, Czech glass, lead-free pewter, Artistic wire, surgical steel earwires (silver-plated, hypo-allergenic).

These earrings started with the cut wooden Pisces symbol and grew into completion with charming Czech glass fish, fluid-relief accens and brightly-coloured wire! 

This is a Pisces person at their best...warm, with a light touch and flashes of brilliane yet solidly 'grounded' in the rhythms of the Universe!

Note: Even those these are absolutely inspired by water and aquatic denizens, please do keep them dry!

Let me wrap up this post by wishing you a very best next few days and I'll see you on Friday!
Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday and Fini Friday! A Special Selection!

Hello Hello!
Welcome to a dual edition of Whimsy Wednesday and Fini Friday!
Just a little housekeeping detail: I'll be on blog-vacation after this post!  I'll see you again next Wednesday!
This post is all about some of the hand-picked Sprite Creations that are awaiting adoption in the CONvergence Art Show over the long holiday weekend!
This convention is a fund-raising event for a non-profit organization that you can learn more about here.
So, let's get started!
Title: Co-Exit, With Chocolate!

Ingredients: lead-free pewter, Czech glass, Jeweler's bronze, Artistic wire, aluminum, copper.
I had so much fun creating this bracelet! The charms, from left to right are: something that reminds me of a temple bell in some exotic land, the yin-yang (a symbol of balance), a lotus flower with a star above it (lotus flowers are sacred to Buddhists), the Tree of Life (sacred to many forms of Pagan and Old World belief systems), spirals and stars (sacred symbols in all aboriginal legends across the globe), Celtic-style cross (an ancient mix of Christian and Pagan/Nature-based Worship), and a chocolate Kiss! Yup! There is the chocolate! Need I explain the whimsy in this piece?
A few other tidbits(HA!)...Copper has been a sacred metal in cultures that span the globe. The lock and key clasp includes a heart-shaped key. This symbolizes the key to living harmoniously with all belief systems is through an open heart. And finally, the colours used to suspend the charms match those associated with the seven Chakras of the body.
So! That's my suggestion for world peace - an open heart and chocolate!

Title: Elvan Fire
Ingredients: Popcap Pendant (Swarovski Crystal, paper, hand-coloured non-toxic resin, popcap), Earthenwood Studio gear link (ceramic, USA), lead-free pewter (USA), light bulb pendant (Zoa Art, USA), anodized aluminum, metal.
The firey teardrop in the Popcap Pendant is a Swarovski crystal!  The gear link is hand-crafted by Melanie of Earthenwood Studios! I love her work!  The light bulb pendant to the left of the Popcap Pendant is from Zoa Art in South Carolina (USA)! I adore the work of this husband and wife team so much! It is sculptural, architectural and sensual all at once!  This necklace creation is Elvish, Steampunk, Dieselpunk and absolutely unique!  The pendant, link and clasp are secured with jumprings woven in a mobius or infinity chainmaille weave using golden yellow and true red colours!  There is definitely a story to this creation! I can feel it!

Title: Her Majesty's Money 

Ingredients: Resin-encased (hand-coloured and painted with non-toxic resin) faux paper currency, Swarovski crystals (Sapphire and Crystal), Czech glass, Jeweler's Brass, surgical steel earwires(gold-plated). 

The idea for both of these creations was to pair them with Swarovski crystals in colours of jewels worthy of royalty. Gold, too, is always favored by the wealthy. And that is metal colour common to these two creations. 

Of course, the Queen Mother (featured on this faux bank notes) would have Diamonds (the closest Swarovski gets to diamond is crystal) and Sapphires! Also, whilst there is some 'frippery' to the design, it remains elegant and simple. 

Just like the Queen would want! 

Title: Investments 

Ingredients: Resin-encased (hand-coloured and painted with non-toxic resin) faux paper currency, Swarovski crystals (Ruby), Czech glass, Jeweler's Brass, surgical steel earwires(gold-plated).

These bank notes focus on a gentleman of stature and repute and so the creation needed a bit more lavishness and adventure! I wanted the earrings to be elegant, yet "dripping" with rubies" (which is the colour of the Swarovski crystals, by the way!). 

Also mixed in the design was the desire to convey a more inquisitive, and worldly mindset (indicated in the metal wire-work and mixing of metal tones). 

These are for those who seek their fortunes in the world, rather than those who rule the world with their power and fortune. 

And I've one more creation to tempt you with (though there are more Sprite Creations and so much more fabulous art in the Show!!!!)....
Title:  Keyper of Time
Ingredients: Gold vermeil, hand-crafted porcelin, old watch parts, hand-crafted brass, vintage glass and chain, metal.

 This necklace is a mix of found objects and objects d'art!  I'd been looking for a design to show off the vermeil box and oval bead and come upon this idea for something Steampunk Royalty would wear!  Mixed into the golden palette are many tiny watch gears, some lovely, textured and patterned porcelin ceramic links from Earthenwood Studio, Swarovski crystals and more!

The colour palette is classic and rich, yet this is an intriguing tapestry of subtle textures and contours!

And there you have it! 
The end of this post and the start of my vacation!

If you're intrigued about CONvergence, click here for more details. 
I'll  see you next Wednesday!

Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! The Fae and the Moonlight!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday!

I've a little bit of whimsy to show you today involving the Fae, moonlight and magic!

Working Title: The Fae's Moonlight Lanterns

Ingredients: Swarovski crystal (Purple Velvet and White Opal), glass, Bali and Sterling silver.

The lanterns might look familiar!  If they do, you've seen them over at this Fini Friday post!

I adore this colour of blue and these immediately called to mind lanterns that Faeries would use as they weave their way through the forest landscape and between the luminous moonbeams!

The purple velvet Swarovski crystals are reminiscent of the beautiful velvet depths of a forest eve.  The white opal Swarovski crystals are the exact colour of moonlight, don't you think?

Betwixt and between all of this is gorgeous, subtle Silver!  Often thought to enhance intuition, I wrapped the sterling silver wire (with Bali silver accents) around and about to echo the shape of the moonlight as it drapes itself across the forest and the gloaming.

This creation is more than a bit romantic, captivating, and mysterious...perfect for the Fae and the night!

I've an idea to combine these into a mixed-media art creation, so stay tuned for that!

Just a little heads-up...

I'm have Sprite Creations in the CONvergence Art Show over the July 4th weekend! 

If you'll be there, stop on by and see all the fabulous, fabulous art! 

If you're intrigued about CONvergence, click here for more details. 

The CON is members-only, however it is no problem to register at the door! 

See you Friday! 

Ciao!

Fini Friday! A Little Early....

Hello Hello! 

Welcome to Fini Friday! 

It is true that today is Thursday (rather than Friday), however tomorrow will be quite busy (away from the Internets) for me, so I'm posting early! 

I've finished creations from materials that might look familiar from this Fini Friday post! 

Let's take a look! 

Title: Her Majesty's Money 

Ingredients: Resin-encased (hand-coloured and painted with non-toxic resin) faux paper currency, Swarovski crystals (Sapphire and Crystal), Czech glass, Jeweler's Brass, surgical steel earwires(gold-plated). 

The idea for both of these creations was to pair them with Swarovski crystals in colours of jewels worthy of royalty. Gold, too, is always favored by the wealthy. And that is metal colour common to these two creations. 

Of course, the Queen Mother (featured on this faux bank notes) would have Diamonds (the closest Swarovski gets to diamond is crystal) and Sapphires! Also, whilst there is some 'frippery' to the design, it remains elegant and simple. 

Just like the Queen would want! 

Onward to the second fini creation! 

Title: Investments 

Ingredients: Resin-encased (hand-coloured and painted with non-toxic resin) faux paper currency, Swarovski crystals (Ruby), Czech glass, Jeweler's Brass, surgical steel earwires(gold-plated).

These bank notes focus on a gentleman of stature and repute and so the creation needed a bit more lavishness and adventure! I wanted the earrings to be elegant, yet "dripping" with rubies" (which is the colour of the Swarovski crystals, by the way!). 

Also mixed in the design was the desire to convey a more inquisitive, and worldly mindset (indicated in the metal wire-work and mixing of metal tones). 

These are for those who seek their fortunes in the world, rather than those who rule the world with their power and fortune. 

 All in all, quite a wealthy bunch, wouldn't you say? 

Don't forget my next exciting event TOMORROW!!!

I'll be a Faerie Reader at Fluevog and Opportunity Partners Charity Event Friday, June 21st from 5-9pm!

This is an RSVP only event and Charity Fundraiser, so click over here for more details and to get your name on the list!

I'll be offering brief 5-10 minute Faerie Readings at the Minneapolis Fluevog Store! 

It would be wonderful if you could join us!

See you soon!

Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Comet Over and See Me Sometime!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday!

I hope the short vacation we had from each other was grand!

I used some of the Holiday time to go on Walkabout and find interesting things (as you saw from last Friday's post).

Let me show you a little of what else was found and what has grown out of those 'raw materials'!

Octopus!

This is a very grand (and adorable!) inflatable octopus!

I think we can see why he had to come home with me(and why he's featured on a Whimsy Wednesday post!)!

I think he'll make a fabulous addition to any pool party!

Other ideas are to keep him inflated and perched somewhere around the house! Stay tuned to see where he might hang out between pool parties!

Next up!

Glow in the Dark Earrings!

Title: As Yet Unknown

Ingredients: Czech glass, anodized aluminum, Glow in the Dark plastic, metal, surgical steel earwires (hypo-allergenic & silver-plated).

I wanted to play with the galaxy of shapes in a first-time project that wasn't a big commitment.

And so, this earring creation was born!

What went into the creating of these earrings, you ask? Well!

I've filed and softened the edges of the plastic comet and shooting star.

A wonderfully colourful batch of jumprings suspending those shapes from hypo-allergenic earwires!

And the entire set accented with matching, celestial blue, iridescent stars!

These are definitely for those with out-of-this-world personalities!

Look for these in my Etsy shoppe soon!

And there you have it!

Another Whimsy Wednesday post finished with giggles!

Thank you for stopping by!

I'll see you on Friday!

Ciao!

Fini Friday! Be the Light!

Hello Hello!
Welcome to Fini Friday and the end of most folks' work week!
I've the creative path from raw materials to completion to show you today!
First, some of the materials!

I found these materials in the form of a necklace/badge holder when I was on Walkabout a while back.  They definitely have a Winter Holiday theme to them!
The colours and the well-made glass "lights" were what fascinated me the most.  I wanted to create several things that might or might now match the original Winter Celebration theme.
Let me show you the first one to grow up!

Title: Be the Light
Ingredients: Swarovski crystals, glass, metal, surgical steel earwires (silver-plated and hypoallergenic).

My vision for this creation was something like a candle, a lantern or luminous device...perhaps from a distant Fae land!
I'm so pleased with how they grew into completion!
Stay tuned to see what the rest of the light beads are woven into!
WHHHEEEEEEEE!!!
So!
What am I up to this weekend and coming week?
Check it out below!

Saturday, May 18th only! 

Spring Psychic Faire at Lake Harriet Spiritual Center! 

Many of you have seen me at this Faire offering my Sprite Creations jewellery and creations. 

However! For the first time ever!!! I'll be offering Faerie Readings during this fundraising-event! 

There will be good food, hand-crafted art of all mediums and wonderful insights offered, so consider joining us! 

PLEASE NOTE! THE TIME CHANGE OF THIS INTERVIEW!!!

I have another Faerie-inspired BlogTalk Radio Interview!!! 

Tuesday, May 21st from 12 Noon to 12:30pm (CST, USA) with Cheryl Patton of 1Woman's Wisdom! 

Join us to see what insight the Faeries have for the month of May! 

See you Monday!

Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Starry-Eyed!

Hello Hello!

Welcome to this Whimsy Wednesday!

I hope the weather in your neck of the woods is just as beautiful as ours!!!

This post is all about star-filled creations!

Let me show you!

Title: Starry-Eyed

Ingredients: Czech glass, Artistic wire, metal, surgical steel earwires(silver-plated, hypo-allergenic).

I love mixing copper and cobalt blue, as these earrings clearly demonstrate!  Both colours have an ancient vibrancy that fascinates and almost never more than when they compliment each other in a creation!

YAY!

Next up!

Title: Moonlight In the Forest

Ingredients: Swarovski crystals, Czech glass, Artistic wire, metal, surgical steel earwires(silver-plated, hypo-allergenic).

These are the more lush of the two creations and feature a crescent moon and lots of stars on a smoky background!  The Swarovski crystals are the colour Vitriol.  The dusky flashes of metallic colour are hard to capture with a camera!  The silvery leaves echo the moonlight-colour of the earwires, just as moonlight weaves it's way inexplicably through all things! 

Look for these earring creations in my Etsy shoppe soon!

Onward to the upcoming events!!! 

Saturday, May 18th only! 

Spring Psychic Faire at Lake Harriet Spiritual Center! 

Many of you have seen me at this Faire offering my Sprite Creations jewellery and creations. 

However! For the first time ever!!! I'll be offering Faerie Readings during this fundraising-event! 

There will be good food, hand-made art of all kinds and wonderful insights offered, so consider joining us! 

PLEASE NOTE! THE TIME CHANGE OF THIS INTERVIEW!!!

I have another Faerie-inspired BlogTalk Radio Interview!!! 

Tuesday, May 21st from 12 Noon to 12:30pm (CST, USA) with Cheryl Patton of 1Woman's Wisdom! 

Join us to see what insight the Faeries have for the month of May! 

See you Monday!

Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Legends!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday!

I hope your week has been fabulous so far!

This post is all about Legends and I'm excited to show you what is ahead!

Title: Grounding Tiger Spirit

Ingredients: Hematite, Fimo Tigers, Czech glass, metal, silver-plated surgical steel earwires.

Hematite is a natural stone that is thought to offer protection and grounding to the wearer as well as helping with focus and concentration.

Tigers are legend all their own! They, too, are often seen as protectors and royalty (Buddhist Saints have been known to ride tigers).

I chose the glass beads to bring out the colour of each Tiger's eyes. This also gives an eerie and ethereal quality to otherwise very concrete and solid materials.

The second creation I have to share is...

Working Title: Raven Royalty or Morgan LeFaye

Ingredients: Czech glass, metal, silver-plated surgical steel earwires.

  Morgan LeFay has long been associated with Morrigan, Ravens, the battlefield, death, rebirth, lust and so forth. You can read more about the legends here.

I've had these glass beads in my collection for a long time now and this designed fell into place. I love the progression from the ethereal 'true red', chased with gold to the darker crimson and fluttering feathers!

There is a bit of th 1920's flapper in those dangling feathers...an inspiration of which I think Ms. LeFaye would approve!

Where is the whimsy in these two creations, you ask?

Surely a purple tiger is made of whimsy!

As to our ravens and fay? Whimsy comes in all colours - from grand and charming to thoughtful and ebon!

So! There you have it!

The fini of this Whimsy Wednesday!

See you Friday!

Ciao!

Fini Friday! Christmas in April?!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Fini Friday!

I hope this week has been good to you (so far)! It has and is snowing in our neck of the woods!

We received about a foot of snow yesterday and it looks like more is on the way. Why do I mention this? The snow is so beautiful! I took photos! I also started experimenting with turning Christmas ornaments (given to me a few years ago) into earrings, hence Christmas in April! Let's start with a photo of that gorgeous snow! I like how the snow swathes everything in a soft, clean, winter white!

Next up! A photo of the set of those ornaments I mentioned!

Aren't they lovely?!  I see all sorts of possibilities with them!

So! Let me show you what a few pairs of ornaments grew into!

Title: As Yet Unknown

Ingredients: Czech glass, Artistic wire, plastic ornament, silver-plated surgical steel earwires (hypo-allergenic).

 

 Title: As Yet Unknown

Ingredients: Czech glass, Artistic wire, plastic ornament, silver-plated surgical steel earwires (hypo-allergenic).

The idea behind both of these was to nab them and some wire and create from there!  I love the Czech glass drops and wanted to play with the spiral texture of each ornament!  The iridescent, pearl-like ornaments have a vintage feel to me and so played with that feeling, while the brilliant blue ornaments were more vibrant, modern and fun!  They have a more electric and eclectic sense of grace about them! 

I'll have these up for adoption at my upcoming show, barely a week away!

What show is that, you ask?

Why the... Saint Paul Art Crawl!   I'm so pleased to be a returning Guest Artist at the Lowertown Lofts Artist Co-Op - in the 3rd Floor Atrium!

Come on out and see me Friday, April 27th; Sat. April 28th and Sun. April 29th!

Click the links above for details!

See you Monday!
Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Skating Through the Week!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday!

This is the day that I showcase whimsical and fun creations!

I've two to introduce today! They are a 'riff' on the older-style roller skates as well as mixing old and new colours, textures and ideas!

Here we go!

Working Title: At the Rink

Ingredients: Czech glass, Artistic wire, metal charms, silver-plated surgical steel earwires (hypo-allergenic).

The juxtaposition of older roller skate charms in an antiqued brass finish paired with the ultra-modern faceted, rainbow-hued Czech glass reminiscent of furnace glass is something I love! This creation reminds me of evenings at the roller skate rink, with the lights turned down and coloured spot-lights bouncing off the disco ball and all around the building in sync with the music of the day!

Whee!!!

Working Title: Skate and Key

Ingredients: Czech glass, coated copper wire, lead-free pewter charm(USA), metal charm, silver-plated surgical steel earwires (hypo-allergenic).

Once upon a time, roller skates had keys. These keys were slung around the necks of kids, usually on a cord or ribbon, so that the skates could be taken on or off of the shoes at any time. More information about it is here! Again, I had so much fun mixing the modern colours (red and clear) within the cathedral-cut Czech glass beads with the skate and skate key charms (which are many, many years old now). Roller skates gave such a feeling of speed and freedom and it is my hope that both of these creations embody this! 

So! That's it for today's zoooooming post! 

I'll see you on Friday! 

Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Natural Good Luck!

Hello Hello! 

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday and Spring! 

Today is the day of the Spring Equinox and many people are chomping at the bit for warmer weather! 

In celebration of the new season, I have wonderfully whimsical new earring creations to show you! 

Take a look! 

Title: Natural Good Luck 

Ingredients: Czech glass, Artistic wire, silver-plated surgical steel earwires(hypo-allergenic). 

These are a "riff" along the same design idea of ladybugs perched on leaves. I decided not to decide on only one design and create both! 

I find these both incredibly cheerful!!

Title: Nature's Tableau 

Ingredients: Czech glass, Artistic wire, silver-plated surgical steel earwires(hypo-allergenic). 

I love the idea of asymmetrical earrings and the expansion on the bright and sunny colours of the initial design! 

Did you know that ladybugs are thought to be a symbol of good luck? 

They are! 

And so I'll wrap up this post by wishing you-all a huge bit of good luck! 

I'll see you on Friday! 

Ciao!

Fini Friday! Sweetness and Passion!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to Fini Friday!

I hope your week has been grand so far!

This post will be a bit shorter than usual as I'm making the final preparations for my first show of 2013!  Yes! In spite of the snow, we intend to be at the 10th Annual Burst Into Spring event in Cambridge, MN (USA)!

I had so much fun creating earrings with the Honey Bee Mood beads you saw on Wednesday, I decided to create one more pair!  Here they are!

Title: The Sweetness of Life

Ingredients: Honey Bee Mood beads, Czech glass, lead-free pewter(USA), metal, silver-plated surgical steel earwires.

I'm so pleased with what these grew into! I love the bit of sunny yellow that shines through those gorgeous dark teal flowers! And it's neat that the illusion of the Bee drinking from the flower is made! YAY!

This second creation is an earring and necklace ensemble. The ceramic links and pendant are hand-crafted by Melanie of Earthenwood Studio. They've been languishing around the studio for quite a while and I'm thrilled that they've grown into completion!

I adopted the two round links and Passion pendant together because they evoked a sense of weaving Passion into life in the style an Old World (or perhaps Fairy World!) tapestry. I also love the idea of Passion growing!

Let's start with the entire ensemble: Title: Passion Grows Ingredients: Earthenwood Studio ceramic links and pendant, artisan glass, lead-free pewter(USA and other), metal, surgical steel (silver-plated) earwires (earrings), steel cable neckwire (necklace).

And the focal of the necklace!  I adore the accent of matte black leaves that form a sensuous fringe around the generous slices of fiery artisan glass! What a luxurious feel!

Our last photo is of those fabulous earrings!  I've always found keys mysterious and intriguing and love the idea of giving people the key to their own locks.  I thought it was fitting to use a heart-shaped lock, since what is Passion without Heart?  More of those matte black leaves add an organic flow!

These creations (and more!) will be available for adoption at my first show of 2013!

Burst Into Spring!

It is in Cambridge, MN, USA and details are here! 

It would be grand to see you there! 

In the meantime, I'll see you tomorrow or Monday! 

Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Winging Towards Spring!

Hello Everyone! 

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday! 

This post is chock-full of whimsy and winged-things! 

The perfect thing to help celebrate many of us as we look forward to Spring! Whee!! 

Both winged creations are earrings and we'll start with a bit of buzz! 

Title: Abuzz 

Ingredients: Honey Bee Mood beads, Czech glass, lead-free pewter(USA), metal, surgical steel earwires. 

The Honey Bee beads are Mood beads, which means they change colour according to the temperature around them! Isn't that nifty? They are accented with honey-coloured beads and dangle from hypo-allergenic surgical steel earwires! Honey was considered to be the food of the Gods in Mayan and Greek cultures. Bees have long been associated with kings and gods and even the birth of the human race! Little wonder given the yummy richness of the honey they produce! 

 

Let us turn to another winged creature - the dragonfly! 

Title: Dragonfly Alights 

Ingredients: hand-made metal dragonflies, Czech glass, Artistic wire, Sterling Silver. 

I found the hand-made, metal dragonflies on Walkabout and knew they were destined to grow into some much more! Don't they have such a wonderful, architectural feel to them? 

I suspended them from a lush green vine from sterling silver ear hoops, wrapping in a vibrant leaf the colour of new growth. The idea was to capture the vision of a dragonfly pausing to rest on a stalk of grass. Dragonflies have long been associated with the ability to see through the illusions of life and that which holds a person back from their dreams and goals. 

Both of these creations will be available for adoption at my first show of 2013!

Burst Into Spring!

It is in Cambridge, MN, USA and details are here! 

It would be grand to see you there! 

In the meantime, I'll see you Friday! 

Ciao!

Fini Friday! A Rosy Life!

Hello Hello!

Welcome to Fini Friday!

I hope this week (so far) has not been too arduous and that you have many fun things planned for your weekend!

I'm pleased to have two new creations to show you today that grew out of materials that have been languishing far too long (in true Fini Friday fashion!)!

Let's start with the earring creation first!

Working Title: Tree of Life

Ingredients: Bone and wood, Czech glass, lead-free pewter (USA), metal, surgical steel earwires.

The focal pieces of these earrings are bone and wood cunningly fashioned into a tree of life design! I love mixing metals and had fun mixing the shiny silver with a bit of warm copper, mirroring the contrast of bone white (HA!) and dark wood! The Czech glass accent bead is a beautiful combination of shimmering metallic-matte and clear copper! I also love throwing in many different textures into what seems, at first glance, to be a clean and uncomplicated palette! WHEE!!!! The Tree of Life focals have been with me since last Fall and this is the first creation that's grown out of them! 

This next creation grew out of materials that have been lounging about for more than a few years now! 

Let me show you! 

Working Title: The Rose Garden 

Ingredients: hand-carved Jasper rose, Rose Gold-plated brass chain, hand-made brass clasp (Thailand), wood, metal, Jeweler's Bronze.

 

I brought the hand-carved Jasper rose home many years ago.  I selected it because of it's beautiful shape as well as the small streak of yellow at the bottom of the rose!  The chain is has a hefty elegance to it.  It is brass over-layed with Rose Gold.  If you look closely, you can see that there are vines in raised relief twining all along the links of the chain!  I adore creating with fabulous little details such as that!

 

Here is a view of that same necklace on dress-maker's dummy!

 

So that's it for this Fini Friday!

Before I go, I'll mention my first show of 2013!

Burst Into Spring!

It is in Cambridge, MN, USA and details are here! 

It would be grand to see you there! 

In the meantime, I'll see you Monday! 

Ciao!

Whimsy Wednesday! Out of the Cocoon!

Hello Everyone! 

Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday! 

I hope your week has been full of good cheer so far! 

Like many people, I'm turning my thoughts towards Spring and my first show of this year! 

The title of the show is Burst Into Spring, organized by Master Gardeners, and I'm taking that as inspiration for a new batch of creations! 

Let me show you the start of it! 

Title: The Joys of Flight Ingredients: hand-carved and painted wood dragonflies, anodized aluminum, repurposed acrylic butterflies, sterling silver. The hand-painted wooden pieces in these and the necklace I'll show you in a moment are repurposed. I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them and knew I had to play with them! I love the colours, the textures, everything!! The idea was to update them with punches of colour. The green jumprings are woven in a mobius-strip pattern and bring out the verdant shades of the leaves behind the dragonfly. The lilac-coloured butterfly softens the colour palette and adds interest and becomes a companion to our dragonfly! These are so lively!!! 

Title: As Yet Unknown 

Ingredients: hand-carved and painted wood dragonflies, hand-dyed fibers (USA), anodized aluminum, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver, lead-free pewter clasp.

Everything that was mentioned above for those fabulous dragonflies holds for this beautiful wooden Monarch butterfly! 

The anodized aluminum is woven in the same chain maille style and the colour themes are along the same lines. The gorgeous fibers that comprise most of the necklace are hand-dyed from an artist in Idaho. 

The tiny butterflies seen here are Swarovski crystals to give a bit of sparkle and additional texture! Also! It is rare to see just one butterfly and so our Monarch gets companions, too! 

This necklace is especially long, roughly 32 inches, as I wanted to give the option of draping and tying it as a scarf. The pretty and petite clasp (with another sparkly butterfly!) will weight the ends and hang beautifully down the back! I've included a view of that lovely, lovely clasp!  

All in all, a post filled with whimsy, wings and definitely a coming out of Winter cocoon! 

My first show of this year, as I previously mentioned, is Burst Into Spring! 

It is in Cambridge, MN, USA and details are here! 

It would be grand to see you there! 

In the meantime, I'll see you Friday! 

Ciao!