Fundamentally Me

For anyone who asks, I tell them that my work is just as much about finding unique components as it is about fancy technique. I'm by no means the most widely accomplished jeweler in terms of depth and breadth of skills. But I do have a keen eye for beads, stones, fossils, and random found objects that have artistic potential. I'm not going to divulge how many hours of my life have been spent surfing the web for strange items or pawing through bead/rock show tables. Let's just say it all goes "into the soup". 

I'm especially fond of stocking up on treasures that I know I'll most likely never ever find again. Seems like a smart approach, right? Until your hoard starts to cast shadows on the floor...I digress.

Something that I found a few years ago and have been greedily holding on to are these fossilized echinoderm "petals". Echinoderms include sand dollars and sea urchins---so when you look at these fossils, imagine their spokes or arms. I saw these fossils and snapped up more than a few pairs, knowing that they were fundamentally ME: rustic, old, organic, neutral earth-tone. 

A couple weeks ago I bravely decided to cut one pair loose. Continuing with the soldered bead cap concept that I've been working lately, I added in a rustic spiral to each cap to give some energy and movement to the metal. I think it helps accentuate the shape of the fossils, as well. A healthy dose of oxidation and buffing really help to bring out the underlying texture and pattern. Add in some of my extra long ear wires and you've got versatile, crunchy, dark, edgy little twins for your ears.

Hope your week is a delicious one!

Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy

Southwestern Bold

These Big Bold Sea Urchin Buttons have been hanging around my studio for some time,

I decided to finally use them myself!

I received these amazing Southwestern Headpins not long ago from Karin Hruza of Beadfairy and I've been dying to use them!

So I decided to go for it and make these long and luscious Southwestern Bold Earrings!

I added Faceted Turquoise beads on top!!

They are 3.25" long, I think possibly the longest I've ever made!

You can find them available for sale

HERE!

Thank you!

Kristi

KristiBowmanDesign.com

KristiBowmanDesign.Etsy

KristiBowmanDesign on Facebook

It's the Small Things In Life

What is it about small things that makes us all warm and fuzzy and squealy inside? A fuzzy mewy kitten? A wee bud vase only big enough for one flower? A small shell found on the beach. Baby toes? 

See, you're smiling. 

As much as I love long dangly earrings, I'm also learning to appreciate the beauty of post earrings. It's harder to fit what you want to say into a smaller package, but if executed right, they can be deliciously wearable without sacrificing statement. 
 
Several weeks ago I had a free weekend---rare and choice---and spent it in the studio making a quartet of fossil post earrings in sterling silver. I had been saving these little fossilized sea urchins since my trip to Austin earlier this year. As an aside, if you're ever there, hit up Nature's Treasures for some serious rock candy. 

Please, please, try to suppress your squealing until this post is finished. 

Aren't they just so wee and cute? Plump little fossils with a bumpy geometric star pattern, naturally occurring thanks to Mother Nature. Did you know that fossilized sea urchins are also called sea biscuits? Think about that imagery in your mind - how appropriate? And I crafted two gnarled little prongs to reach out and hug each fossil. 

The warm neutrals of these make them suitable for any outfit - dress em up or dress em down. In fact, my good friend Staci of Staci Louise Originals is currently rocking this pair.

Alright, it's ok to squeal now...

Happy Wednesday!
Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy

Lavandula

These were so much fun to create!!! I had these unfinished Polymer Clay Urchins and gorgeous Lampwork beads I knew they would go together well.
So I finished the Polymer discs to accompany the Glass beads.
 

These amazing Lampwork beads are the creation of Jen Cameron of Glass Addictions, the Polymer Clay Urchins I created and the fiber is a very small random piece of unknown type that was in a Sari Silk bundle that fell out on to the floor at just the right moment. There wasn't a lot of it so I cut it in half to be sure each earring had equal amounts and it was just barely enough.
Wonderful serendipitous moment!!

 

 I found this gorgeous picture on Pinterest that just fit these earrings so well. The page no longer exists but the blog has some other beautiful Hand Painted Fiber to enjoy!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/16607092348722673/

 These earrings are available HERE in my Etsy shop.

Kristi

KristiBowmanDesign.Etsy

Sea Urchin Wheels

These new Turquoise Urchin Discs have been sitting on my work table for a couple of weeks,
 I knew I wanted to make my next Earrings Everyday earrings with them
 but of course I waited until the last minute!

I've had an idea what I wanted to do and they turned out pretty much right on!

These are the new Wonky Discs I've been making from Polymer Clay, I also made the wood textured discs above them using Ivory.

I love the wood texture, I made lots of different shapes and sizes you'll see soon in my Etsy shop.

I added a little bit of sparkle on top with the beautiful Icy Blue Lampwork Spacers by That Bead Girl!

They may be big and bold but because they are Polymer Clay they are quite light! 

These earrings are available to purchase
HERE

Kristi

KristiBowmanDesign.Etsy

Summer Sunset

 I love these sea urchin shell beads...so unusual and unique in coloring. They reminded me of a sunset on a gorgeous summer day.

Fine Art Photography by Kristin Camacho

You can find these earrings here and see more of my designs by checking out my website.

Thank you,

Kristy Abner

Kristy's Kreations