Hammerin' and Stampin'...

Wow, where has the time gone? I can't believe it has been 10 days since I last posted! I have been busy playing with metal. Got some new stamps, and some lovely 18g copper discs. Here is a pair of earrings - 3/4 inch discs which I hand stamped with my new dragonfly stamp, then textured a bit with a hammer. Made some sterling silver wires to hang them on, and accented them with a little bali-style copper bead and a tiny sterling bead. I love these, and may just keep them for myself! I really like copper and silver together. Have also been making some chains from fused links - much fun. Have made a bracelet, and am working on a necklace to match. Stay tuned - hope to have these posted in the next couple of days.

Sapphires...

Sapphire is my birthstone, and I have always loved the classic deep blue gemstones. Until I started using semi-precious beads to make jewelry, I had no idea that you could get sapphires (or rubies, emeralds, or any "precious" gemstone) in any other form than the standard transparent faceted gemstones normally seen in jewelry. I have since discovered that often the "lesser quality" semi-precious versions of these gems are quite beautiful in their own right. A good example of this is the milky aquamarine that I posted about earlier. Another good example is this lovely sapphire bead - a deep rich navy blue with interesting "flaws". I think it is gorgeous with classic freshwater pearls. I dream of being able to afford an entire string of sapphire beads, but for now, this will have to do.

Silver Swirls.....

I've been dying to do some filigree, but don't have the tools required yet. I was playing with my fine silver wire last night, and these swirly earrings happened. I love them (so much that I'm keeping this pair!) and they are fun to make. I think these will become a regular item on my web site. Tonight I'm going to take the hammer to a pair for a little different look. Stay tuned....

Antique Soochoo Jade - Yummy!!

This jade has got to be one of the most beautiful stones I have ever used in my jewelry. Each piece is a miniature abstract watercolor with muted tones of sagey greens, peach, olive, and gold. The pendant here reminds me of a sunset, and is my favorite of all the stones in my last purchase of this treasure. The necklace pairs the jade with the muted tones of rhyolite nuggets, and freshwater pearls. I really think this is my favorite necklace I have ever made!