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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

River Walk Earrings

Yesterday I took a lovely walk along the Deschutes River, in Tumwater, WA.
I was inspired by the intense green of the lush growth along the riverside. Even the river looked green.  I was also struck by the fact that despite the many shades of green, most of it was some variation of blue-green. 
This tree received a constant fine mist from the nearby water fall.  It was an ideal environment for lichen growth.  I love the crusty texture and the browns and greens of the bark and the lichen.
I spent nearly 2 hours wandering around and photographing everything.  When I returned home, I was anxious to express my impressions through some jewelry designs.
I chose some of my own polymer clay charms on which I have layered many shades of blue-green, with small hints of other colors.  I added patina'ed copper discs to pick up the colors of the tree bark and I wrapped them all together with patina'ed copper wire. 
 Tumwater Falls

Linda


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Come on Summer!

I am so exited for summer to get here! I live in WA state and we've had such a wet cold winter. The weather forecast says we are in for a treat with high temps all week! I'm treating myself to a few days off at Long Beach.

Instead of sharing a pretty outfit to match my earrings I am sharing some beach pictures. Not the sunny white sand beach with the blue ocean. But OUR beach. Our beach is windy and cold (mostly) and sunny warms days are a rarity. This week promises to be amazing. I cannot wait. 

These pictures were taking a few years ago. I went to this spot with my daughter looking for something special to convert to a bead or bauble. Unfortunately we just found a lot of driftwood. However it was a beautiful site- the ocean rolling in, the waves were huge. Kind of scary but a rush at the same time.
My beach inspired earrings~
Peruvian Opal with Frosty White Beach Glass 
Wrapped in Fine Silver wire
Finished with Hand Crafted Ear Wires.

Peace & Blessings
Cindy

Monday, May 12, 2014

Athena Earrings

http://www.nathalielesagejewelry.com/collections/handcrafted-earrings/products/athena-pearl-clusters-14kt-gold-filled-earrings


I have an extensive collection of pearls, including some beauties from the Sea of Cortez, some salt water pearls and large cultured freshwater pearls (as shown here). I've been hoarding them for some time, and I do make the occasional special jewelry with them, but other than that, I keep my stash close to my heart.

I've decided that they really need to come out and play. It's not fair to keep them stored away. They are meant to be enjoyed and worn. It's just hard to let go sometimes...

So today, I introduce you to my Athena pearl earrings, featuring a pair of large (~10mm) natural cultured freshwater pearls, wire wrapped in 14kt gold-filed wire and surrounded by an eclectic cluster of sparkling Labradorite gemstones that seem to 'dance' around the pearls.

These sassy earrings would go great with this adorable little quilted Jeans dress, don't you think?


Athena Summer Outfit


http://www.nathalielesagejewelry.com/collections/handcrafted-earrings/products/athena-pearl-clusters-14kt-gold-filled-earrings


You can find these modern flirty pearl earrings HERE on my website.
I will be making more in various colors of pearls/gemstones combinations... they make me happy :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Don't forget to participate in our We're All Ears May Challenge! (details HERE)

Nathalie Lesage
Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist

Friday, May 9, 2014

Sea Salt

This. bead. Love this bead. As soon as it came out of the kiln and was cleaned out I was making a bracelet with it. After that was completed I asked my husband if he could please make tiny shell beads to match because this bracelet just HAD to have a pair of earrings! I was pleased with the result.
And here's a full shot of the bracelet...
The earrings are available HERE and the bracelet HERE. If you are interested in having a shell bead or two for yourself please check out Bubby & McGurk Beads or their Facebook page where a flash sale is held every two weeks. Next one is tomorrow (Saturday May 10th) at 2pm (EDT.) and there will be shell beads and shell beads for earrings offered. The sales are lots of fun and beads are offered at a lower price to save on website and Etsy fees, etc.

Oh and speaking of shells....before I close, don't forget about the "We're all Ears:: May Inspiration" by our very own Erin Prais-Hintz.

Thanks for checking out our blog and have a fabulous weekend!

Kristy Abner
Kristy's Kreations 

 


Thursday, May 8, 2014

Graffiti

Twice in one week!  Here I am again, with another pair of earrings.


They had an odd evolution, this pair.  I came across this little (ever so simple!) cold enamelling set that I acquired years ago, and realised that I had a small selection of blanks that I bought to use with it.  These feathers looked fun and it seemed a shame to leave them unused, so I roused the enamelling set from its rusty, dusty slumber and splashed some red on the feathers. I then blackened the tops with LoS, and gave them some brushing, etc.. 

I had this earring design in mind and I made one but it wasn't quite what I planned - there was supposed to be more going on.  Undecided, I put it to one side. I came across it some weeks later, when I had some time to kill.  Still in two minds, I made the second earring up and, lo, despite all my havering, I actually liked them!



Bye for now, Claire

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

At First Blush

Let's talk about our feminine sides for a sec, kay? 

 

My whole life I've considered myself to be a tomboy. Sure, I like to wear cute retro dresses every now and then, and I can really rock a pair of '40s heels, but in my heart of hearts, I've never identified with the pink-loving girly girls out there. In fact, for years I've vehemently maintained that I hate the color pink.

 
Like, HATED it. 


 


But over the past year something miraculous has happened. I've had a change of heart. I've really warmed to the color pink. Now, mind you, I will never be partial to hot pink or bubblegum pink or barbie pink. But lately I've really been loving blushy salmon coral pinks. A little bit faded and dusty, a little bit of old romance, a little bit of organic girly.

 





One of my signature staple styles of earring is a wire wrapped natural stone slab. When I saw these plume agates I knew that I had to have them. Dreamy, blushy, a perfect celebration of spring's tender petals. Who says earrings have to be overworked and complicated? When something this amazing can be mined from the earth, cut, and polished, who needs much else? I'm a rockhound, what can I say? I guess that goes along with being a tomboy, too, huh?



Happy May <3
Nikki 
LoveRoot on Etsy

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Chieftess


Rustic Copper Shield Earrings

Sometimes we need a little boost to feel great about ourselves. You know that outfit in your closet that effortlessly works and always makes you feel like you're at the top of your game? I think we all have one of those. So you don't have to actually be the "Chieftess" or the "Alpha", just feel like one every now and then. That is what these earrings say to me, "Look out, here I come!". Maybe I should call these my attitude lifting earrings?

To the wonderfully rustic copper shield components from Kristi Bowman, I added hammered copper wire arches and wire wrapped loops, and niobium ear wires. Sherbet orange Czech glass drops and tiny turquoise rounds add color and positive energy to the design.


Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire