Delicious Dioptase Pendants!!

I wrapped my last two Russian Diptase crystal clusters this week. They are gorgeous --there is something about this gem that just draws you in!

Dioptase is a natural deep emerald green gem with cubic crystals. The color is AMAZING and the crystals have nice flash & sparkle! I think dioptase is prettier than emerald and it's definitely more durable. Being a May baby, I guess I'm drawn to an alternative to emerald (the May birthstone). I have yet to find an emerald I can't break or lose within weeks! Watches and emeralds--I have the worst luck with both of them!

I'll be listing these 2 pieces in my store this week with a few new phantom quartz pendants. I have many new pieces in the works--I've been playing with my torch too--so look out!

Hello from Ollie & Sallie

Ollie & Sallie had to get a hello in...it's been awhile since they've appeared here and they aren't happy about it! I promised I would give them their moment in the spotlight if they would let me take a picture. They sighed and gave in.

They are happy the spring weather is here...now they can cut back on the cookies and start going for more walks (me too). Sallie misses her chipmunk friends from NY. The rabbits here, in PA, are too fast for her. Ollie & Sallie spend most of their day on the couch watching everyone in the neighborhood out the windows. The UPS man is their favorite person to bark at--they know the sound of his truck before he even pulls down the road.

Meet me at Gallery 141 for ArtWalk this Weekend!

I'll be at Gallery 141 in Lancaster this weekend for Spring ArtWalk Weekend. If you're in the neighborhood be sure to stop in to say hello! The weather is supposed to be beautiful Saturday and Sunday. Perfect for wandering about downtown to see the Galleries and to get some good eats! The trees & spring flowers are in full bloom.

Madagascar Quartz & Tibetan Quartz Crystal Jewelry

I've been addicted to working with Quartz Crystals this week! I have been wrapping & sculpting with Tibetan Quartz & Madagascar Quartz Crystals. Though they are both quartz, they have very different appearances and energy! I've been hooked on both this week.

Tibetan Quartz (in the pendant pictured here) is often double terminated and has interesting black inclusions or phantoms. They typically have lots of unique surface indentations (apertures) and or frosting. This quartz has a strong grounding and protective vibe! Many feel wind and warmth when they are exposed to Tibetan Quartz. The energy is quite direct and even those that are not normally sensitive to crystals are surprised with what they experience! A POWERFUL healing gem.

Madagascar Quartz Wands (in the earrings pictured here) have a very soft, smooth, harmonious energy. Most of these crystals have unique linear bands/lines on the surface. The inside of the crystal is clear, yet the outside patterns cast a frosty/cloudy glow. A great quartz for those that are sensitive. They seem to thrive on converting chaos and negativity into calmer, soothing vibrations. Perfect quartz for earrings....I think Tibetan would be a little too much to hang from the ear!

Wire Play--Scrolled Sterling Silver Necklace

I have taken a few days to let loose and play with my wire. It's been too long since I took a break and just experimented without purpose. Sometimes it is easy to fall into a creative rut... when that happens I like to take time to let the brain go crazy and try new things. I have a pile of experiments, good ideas that need work, concept drawings, and a handful of new pieces that are unlike anything I've done before. It's fun to forget everything and just create! This is a scrolled necklace crafted various gauges of sterling silver wire...it's pretty and I haven't even cleaned and polished it yet. I'm liking lacey, open designs for warmer weather...I'll have to keep experimenting!

A New Wire Design!

Time for spring cleaning and new designs! I have been working on new necklaces and collars. As I complete them I'll be featuring them at sculpted windows jewelry and at Gallery 141 in Lancaster, PA.

This collar features several strands of smooth and twisted sterling silver in a freeform sculpted design. Oxidizing and buffing really brings out the texture and detail. I love taking long lengths of wire and working them with nothing but my hands. You just let the wire tell you where it wants to go and how it wants to flow and go for it. Each one of these comes out completely different. I've done a handful of these and none are ever the same.

First Friday at Gallery 141, Lancaster, PA

First Friday at Gallery 141 was a lot of fun last week. We had great music, lots of new guests and visitors, and new artists. A nice vibe--spring is in the air! First Fridays are a great excuse to get out of the house! Whether you're visiting or an artist like myself it's fun to stroll through the galleries and take it all in.

I love working online and creating jewelry, but sometimes it's good to get out of the house and interact with people beyond the keyboard & computer monitor! I met some great people this past Friday & extend a hello and thank you to them for their support. Russell Frost, a local photographer, and new friend, took the pictures you see here. I definitely have camera envy after seeing his camera and skill!

Aside from meeting new people, as an artist, it's amazing how much you learn by observing how people react to your designs. They don't even have to speak, you can see what does or doesn't catch their eye, even if only for a moment. I love when people pick things up, inspect them, ask questions, or offer criticism! It challenges and inspires me to try new things! I haven't done a show in quite awhile, even if I didn't sell much at a show it was always worth going to see people interact with my creations. Hmmmmmm....I have to get out more!

Hope anyone that lives in or is visiting Lancaster, PA on the First Friday of the month, ventures out to visit Gallery 141 and enjoy the downtown scene with all of the local galleries. You won't be disappointed & perhaps you'll find a few little treasures to take home with you.

Raindrops on Daffodils

Today was a cold and rainy day... quite mundane. The only rays of sunshine today were the daffodils! The way the rain was collecting on them was so pretty, I couldn't help but take a picture. The rain droplets on the petals hardly look real. Can you see them hanging off the tip of the left petal... so neat!! This was a result of misty rain that came down most of the day---now it is Midnight & it's warmer than it was all day. Crazy spring weather.

I think I'm going to have to work some of these colors into my designs! Hmmmmmm.... I haven't really played with yellow much yet.