The simple things in life

I love gardening. There is something so calming and satisfying about working in the yard. Even pulling weeds is good. I think it's because you can actually see the changes coming along with the work you do. If you're into flowers, colors, textures as I am, then you know the excitement when the flowers are in bloom! It gives me that happy feeling.

As a jewelry artist, I use the garden as a pallet for my designs. I may never think about combining certain colors until I see them growing together. It's one of those light bulb moments when this happens and the floodgates open.

Here's an example of colors from my garden. The olivine color of the peridot and the lavender and purple amethyst. Reminds me of the wallflower and butterfly bush that are blooming now. I also oxidized the pendant. This was a first for me. I thought it would be a good trial piece and didn't really know what to expect. I decided to use the boiled egg method. Seemed so easy.... and it was. I boiled two eggs. Really only needed one. Boiled the eggs for 2 minutes then turned off the heat, covered them and set the timer for 15 min.

I put my pendant in a freezer ziplock baggie and got some tongs to grab the egg. It's very hot so don't touch it! I put the whole thing, shell and all, into the baggie and closed it. I took a ceramic cup and gently mushed it up. You could see the silver immediately start to oxidize! I have read that it can take as long as 30 min. and lots of turning of the piece to get the color you want, but with mine, it happened very quick. I do like the results.

I'm now working with some thicker gauge wire and pounding out different designs for earrings and pendants. It has a lot of potential and has me excited to get into something new. Will post a picture of the earrings when I finish them up. So far they are looking very cool.

Thanks for coming by for a visit. Please check out my jewelry at http://twistedjules.etsy.com

Simplicity

June 6th, 2008 (Last day of school)

My husband is breathing a big sigh of relief since his days of confinement as a high school teacher are over 'til August. Hmmm, now he's going to be home all the time. We'll see how that goes. At least he'll keep the kitchen clean, the laundry done and wants to do some cooking. I suppose I could get used to that!

Last week a good friend called me up and asked me to make her a pair of earrings. She's not real big on earrings. Likes them very simple. I wanted to do something a little different than just hanging a bead off an earwire. I decided to take a look at my design diary and see what drawings I had made over the years. I came upon the design pictured above. I knew this would be perfect for her. It's a very simple, minimalistic design yet can be somewhat elegant or even casual. What a mouthful, right? I love this design and have decided to do a line of earrings and necklaces called "Simplicity." Here's the idea; sterling silver or 14k goldfilled earwires with gemstones, pearls or crystals at an affordable price.

Don't get me wrong, I do love to make elaborate, intricate, dramatic jewelry that stands out and makes a statement; but there's something to be said for simple designs. My main goal in designing jewelry is to make the recepient feel happy and confident when they're wearing a piece I've made. It's just like that favorite outfit; you put it on and instantly feel sexy, confident and ready to conquer the world. That is how jewelry should make you feel.

The earrings pictured above are made out of Sterling Silver wire and dark purple faceted barrels of Amethyst. Please check my shop out for more of my Simplicity line.

http://twistedjules.etsy.com

This is a cute pair of hot pink freshwater pearl earrings.