Large Serpentine Beads

I had a strand of these large (1 3/8") serpentine (olive jade) beads in my stash for several years before I discovered filigree wrapping. They are too big for earrings, at least for me, but are the perfect size for this type of necklace.

If this necklace looks familiar, it's because I've sold several variations of it in my shop since mid 2008. Sometimes I vary the dangling beads at the top, or the beads that I use at the bottom. For one of the variations, I used copper chain instead of brass. Each one has sold. I've also sold some locally. People seem to love green and brass together. I know I do.

Now, this latest version is for sale in my etsy shop. Click on the photo to go directly to the listing.

Color Match :: Three Items, One Color

I started knitting a new top-down sweater a few weeks ago. It's a v-neck pattern that I've done before. The yarn I chose is a beautiful periwinkle color. It's made by Cascade and it is 80% pima cotton, 20% wool. It's a delight to knit with and I think the sweater will be wearable -- much more so than the last one I made.

I've just reached the point where I will divide for the sleeves and continue to work on the body of the sweater. This next photo gives you an idea of how much more I have to knit. These balls of yarn are two deep in the bag!


Knitting this sweater made me think of the wild geraniums that grow along the road and throughout the woods near my house. Their color is similar. This is my kind of flower -- it grows all by itself, with no human intervention. The rain is the only water it gets, yet it blooms for several weeks. Note to self: dig a few of these up and plant them in my perennial garden.


The third item in this color journey is from my etsy shop. This necklace starts with a briolette of gray/blue quartz. Looking up the chain, you can see that I've included some small beads of mystic topaz, which are the exact color of the yarn in my sweater and the flowers that adorn my street.


It feels like a circle has been completed.

Archery

Several years ago, Rick set up a 5-station archery range in the backyard. During the summers, we try to do the range at least 3 evenings a week. Surprisingly, I'm not that bad at it! Of course, Rick is much better.

Here's me:


And here's Rick:


And here's our best target:


The 5th station is a huge styrofoam moose:

This archery stuff is much more fun than I ever would have imagined. I've definitely noticed an improvement in my aim over the past few weeks.

Peach Moonstone Earrings- AND A SPECIAL!

Simple designs seem perfect for summer. These earrings satisfy that requirement -- and the color of these marquis shaped briolettes isn't too far from creamsicle color. Perfectly summery!

I hand crafted the earwires from sterling silver wire and oxidized with liver of sulfur to achieve that graphite color. A little hand sanding reveals just of bit of the shiny silver beneath.

These earrings are for sale in my etsy shop.

In honor of the 4th of July holiday, I am offering free worldwide shipping on any order from my etsy shop. This offer is good through Sunday, July 6. Use the phrase "July 4th" in notes to seller and I will refund the shipping charge.

Have a great weekend!

Labradorite Flash . The Necklace

This brand new necklace started with an amazing labradorite cabochon. I wrapped it in brass filigree, added a few charms and suspended it from antiqued brass chain.

While at the Tucson gem shows, I found a vendor who carried cabochons in just the size I need for filigree work. I think I purchased 6 labradorite cabs and an assortment of other stones.

Click on the photo to go directly to the listing.

New Wholesale Account

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the manager of Meg Allen Salon in Anchorage with a wholesale inquiry. She had seen my work on etsy and wanted to carry some of my jewelry. Rebecca and I met and she liked the items I brought. Voila, a new account was born. They also have a nice blog.

The salon was warm and inviting. The front "room" had some lovely comfy chairs and sofas. The tables were adorned with fresh chocolates and there were handcrafted items available for purchase attractively displayed throughout.

If you find yourself in South Anchorage, stop in and have a look around.