Week 15: "Under the Sea"
While I am not able, at this time, to focus on new techniques because of the jewelry shows and custom orders, I am using the Year of Jewelry as an incentive for making some soul-pleasing pieces; I can soak up the energies and creativity of the pieces, and then allow them to be sold sometime in the future.

One of the most beautiful products of the sea is the abalone shell. The patterns on these diamond and oval shaped beads seem to simulate the swells and ebbs of the tide. I have combined them with fresh water pearls of many different colors colors and shapes, dangling some shells to give the piece movement and picking up the "oil slick" hues for more color. An adjustable clasp assures this piece can be worn by most people.

Ocean Motion

Week 14: "Heart's Desire"
I interpreted this theme to represent my own desire to make and wear a delicate, interesting and versatile piece of jewelry that I have been desiring for some time. The evening presented me with an hour to take some deep breaths, to immerse myself into my wire and beads, and to actually play! This necklace, made with yellow and rose gold and sterling silver, lays lightly on my neck and the dangle, formerly a pin that broke, swings against my throat with my every move. The irregular hammered wire and the contrast between the Byzantine link and the Queens link sets off the three rich colors. Definitely what my heart desired tonight, as I get ready for yet another show the next three days.

Triple Rich

Week 13:
Another show this weekend, and unfortunately, plenty of time to make a new dangle pin. My piece for this week was to have been a spiral pendant with pearls and coiled wire, but I didn't have my magnifying stand and wasn't able to see well enough.

For this piece, I laid some components on the scanner and printed a sort of pattern. Then I put the components into a small container and took them along, with the chain and different wires. I spent Saturday and Sunday making lots of earvine style earrings, and two pins, one of which snapped in two when I hammered it, so it will now be a pendant component.

Heart Dangle Pin