Firey Carnelian Gemstone. Rusitic Silver Hoops.

Happy Halloween! 
So much going on today. 
Thank you for joining me!

In my last post I shared a leaf photo that had inspired me. And I never tire of looking at leaves in Autumn. I walk often and take a lot of photos. I took this one last week... 

The color of the leaves absolutely captivated me and still does. The rich hues of the reddish brown are stunning. Maybe that's why I've been wearing Carnelian all week. 

Carnelian gemstones have always been a go-to favorite of mine. The translucent colors can range from orange to reddish brown. These odd little nugget shapes often remind me of apples. 

According to my book the illustrated book of Healing Crystals, Carnelian is a very positive energy stone. "Carnelian is above all a crystal of personal happiness and fulfillment; if you believe in your unique talents and follow your personal goals rather than those set by others, you can achieve anything." Which I think goes for anything in life whether or not you wear gemstones! However, I do get a real sense of positive energy from this stone. 

Look for this set to be available with my next Art & Soul Jewelry shop update in about 2 weeks. TBA. 

Peace & Love, 

Change is a-Comin'

Let's face it, we all have a favorite season: 

...the quiet white introversion of winter...
...the unrestrained energetic rebirth of spring...
...the saturated free-wheelin' heat of summer...
...and then there's the spicy moody deliciousness of autumn...my favorite, the best.

Every time this year a little kernel of excitement starts to grow in me as I realize that fall is right around the corner. By the time the leaves have burst into flames and pumpkins are on every porch, I'm in full-blown heaven. And Halloween - oh, the mystery and the wickedness!

Lately I've subconsciously found myself gravitating to designs using the patron colors of autumn - burnt orange, rusty red, golden honey, warm brown, and faded sage green. It's as if even my design sense realizes that change is coming. 


One of nature's little miracles, Picasso jasper, happens to capture all of these hues perfectly in one stone. When I saw this pair, I knew that some angular primitive metalworked post earrings were in order. I bezel-set the stones in sterling silver and then soldered a few hammered bars on for a spray of movement. When worn just-so, the shape of these stones accentuates the ear perfectly. 

Get your sweaters ready as you walk through the crunchy sweet leaves, hear the din of late year cicadas and crickets, feel the nip of cool evenings on your nose, and warm yourself around a blazing bonfire with a mug of hot mulled cider.

Happy Wednesday :)
Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy

Stacked

It seems so simple - making a stack of something. We make piles and stacks of things all the time in our everyday lives - bills, shoes, sandwiches, dishes, folded clothes, the list goes on. Yawn. Boring.

Now talk about making jewelry stacks and you've got my attention. I've been loving stacked earrings lately, both vertical and front-facing. It's an exercise in graduated size, texture, color, and medium. I love to mix ceramics, glass, stone, textiles, shells...you name it.

 

Here's an sweet little pair I listed last week that plays with all of these different elements. Two reptilian ceramic discs from Petra at ScorchedEarthonEtsy serve as the base, and I've layered them with art nouveau steel PMC washers from Kiyoi Design as well as crusty little shards of violet Roman glass and flashy raw moonstone nuggets. 

I love how the garish chartreuse olive yellow-green of the ceramic base contrasts with the eggplant purple of the Roman glass and the ultraviolet flashes in the moonstones. Olive and violet - a weird color combo I've been stuck on lately. 


OK girls, now get stackin'!

Happy Wednesday :)

Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy

Designing for Yourself

One of the biggest perks of being a jewelry designer is the ability to create killer accessories for any outfit. If I see a dress that I'm dying over and can't stop daydreaming about, not only can I treat myself to it, but I can also create handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry to go with it. No need to shop around, find something that's in my style, compare prices, hem-and-haw...I can just sit down and make it myself. Your friends and family can all be jealous, it's ok.

 
Over the years, one of my favorite Etsy clothing designers has been Gaia Conceptions. Andrea makes "eco chic apparel for the global nomad" using "certified organic and sustainable fabrics which have inspired simple, timeless, and ethical designs rooted in comfort and multifunction". Love? Love. I've got quite a few of her skirts and dresses and find myself wearing them all the time, including this one.

I've been experimenting with creating bezel-set stone earrings in sterling silver lately. Up until now I've just been making rings, but I'm now starting to branch out and create these designs for ears, not just fingers.


 




These picasso jasper stones went perfectly with the rusty orange of my dress, plus added some summery sage green and magenta - they remind me of a sunset in the desert. Simple, organic, full of energy and color, yet not overwhelming. 

Sometimes I end up listing the jewelry I make for myself, and sometimes it ends up on the ~MINE~ jewelry stand. Hey, we've got to pay ourselves every now and then, right? :)

Happy Mid-week!
Nikki

LoveRoot on Etsy

Amber Iron

It's going to be a short post from me today.  I woke up at 5.30am following a nightmare and I don't function well with too little sleep!  I have managed, however, to fix up some new earrings to share with you today. I'm picking up where Nikki left off yesterday, with more crustiness.

The rusty droppers are some I made a while ago and they've been hanging out on my desk, as beads do, waiting for a fit.  I particularly like this rusted iron patina, which I've dotted with yellow dye-oxide.  You wouldn't think they have a polymer clay base.  These earrings are available now in my Etsy shop.  Similar beads can be found in my bead shop.

Before I go, a quick reminder about tomorrow's blog hop.  I hope you'll think about taking part.  I've got mine made!  There are also some beautiful earrings up for grabs, along with some fabulous components and a rather splendid earring stand and there's still a chance to enter.  Click here to read all about it and get involved.

Bye for now, Claire

(something to do with your hands)

Autumn Tapestry

I love me some acorns! Such potential within. Does anyone else get excited that fall is just around the corner? It is my favorite time of year. The way the colors explode into a dazzling natural array of shades is gorgeous. Wear this cozy ensemble with suede skirt, burgundy sweater, tall riding boots, yummy scarf, ultra-hip bag (look at the key closure!) and of course, top it all off with these perfect Autumn Tapestry earrings to welcome in the season.

Hello September by erin-prais-hintz

Erin Prais-Hintz invites you to go on a journey of inspiration at her blog Treasures Found :: Inspiration is Everywhere. You can view a gallery of her work and purchase your special wearable art treasure at http://www.tesoritrovati.com/ or find her new line of 'Simple Truths' in her Etsy shop.

eaturing leather boots