Diving Right In...

So... I'm finally getting a chance to make stuff and I'm diving right into making jewelry. I'm kind of going back and forth between vintage repurposing, mixed media creations, and detailed beadwork.

I was totally inspired by some gorgeous mermaid pendants I had purchased a while back... and am enjoying outfitting them with the perfect colors and combinations of freshwater pearls, vintage beads and Vintaj natural brass findings, chain, charms and wire.

I fell in love with these chocolate brown freshwater pearls and they really worked perfectly with this sea-inspired piece. With a mix of faceted vintage beads that have a hint of metallic sheen, everything just kind of fell together...

The filigree bead caps really lend an edge of sophistication to any bead... even oddly shaped vintage glass notions or freshwater pearls...

And a sweet little hook and oversized jump ring make the perfect duo for a closure on this refined yet whimsical piece.

It's funny but, it took a little while for me to get back into a comfortable rhythm of jewelry making again. Kind of like riding a bike. You get back on and you're a little wobbly, but then you ride around the neighborhood a couple of times and you're like... "oh, yeah... I've got it now!"

This piece is available on my Etsy shop.

The World Is My Oyster...

I'm still riding high on the creative wave I caught at the Squam Art Workshop... and I am loving every minute of it! My mind races with thoughtful ideas in multiple mediums. Jewelry... paper clay... collage... and so much more. I made a second necklace, based on several of the techniques I learned at the art retreat. I used shells found on the beaches of my home town of Ocean Grove. The focal point of the piece was this gorgeous blue oyster shell. Sidenote: the beautiful lampwork bead on the left below was given to me by Anne Lichtenstein...one of my classmates (she made it!). Thanks Anne!
I added a sea snail shell... and a compass... so I wouldn't lose my way...
And my little crabby (a gift from my mom) anchored to the rock (given to me by yet another generous classmate...Carol Belliveau. Thanks for sharing!).
My mind is running wild with even more ideas using seashells! Yay creativity. And yay for sharing, caring people!