Where do you get your ideas? this is my favorite question! The answer is everywhere! Pictured above is an ocotillo cactus in bloom. When I first moved here from the Midwest I was drawn to this particular plant. I love the graceful way the branches seem to reach out towards the sky. The gorgeous orange blossoms just enhance it's beauty. If you have been following me for … [Read more...]
What exactly ARE Cabochons?
If you have been reading my blogs or following me in a variety of places, then you have heard me use the term cabochon. The photo above shows you a sampling of the personal collection I use for jewelry making. First, what IS a cabochon and how was it named? Cabochons (cabs for short) are stones that are cut, polished and shaped with a domed top and flat back. This shape … [Read more...]
Jewelry Designs are perfect every time… NOT!
What a wonderful world this would be if I could create gorgeous jewelry and have it work out the first time.. every time. Sadly the life of a jewelry designer is not so black and white. Over the years I have learned so much from my mishaps. At least this is the way I choose to think of my mistakes. I am the eternal optimist. The pendant shown here has gone through several … [Read more...]
Amber Gem Lore
Lets talk about this gorgeous gemstone.. First of all it is technically NOT a gemstone. Yes that's right, this vibrant rock is really fossilized resin from extinct trees. Most of these trees are 40-60 million years old! Amber today is found in the Baltic regions. This includes Russia, Lithuania, Poland and several other countries considered part of the Baltics. Since it is … [Read more...]
Questions People Ask me.. as a jewelry designer.
Over the span of my jewelry design career, I noticed that people tend to ask me the same five (or similar) questions. For this reason I dedicate this blog to one of those questions. I will answer other questions in subsequent blogs. How did you get started ? Jewelry has always been an integral part of my fashion. Over the years I purchased lots of it! Because of this Art … [Read more...]
