Christy Lucius | LUCIUS Fine Jewelry

Behind the Scenes: Longhorn Skull Necklace

2011-12-06T20:21:00.052-06:00

I've been on a bit of a southwestern/ wild west kick lately. I think it began when I finished reading "The Dark Tower" series by Stephen King a few months back. Images of windy, desolate terrains littered with longhorn skulls kept entering my mind.So I began to sketch these skulls and make an attempt to create them in wax. Normally it's not too difficult for me...I will often carve or form what I am looking for in just one try. Oh yea, I'm just that good ;). Well, not this time! This lil guy took me three failed attempts to get it right. Starting over on a design is not fun, but doing it three times is just crazy. Normally I might have just decided it wasn't going to work and move on to something else. But I had to get it right, and I'm pretty pleased to say I finally got it looking exactly as I'd planned.

Carving out of wax:
Cleaning and finishing the casting:
The finished product:
So upon channeling my inner cowgirl, I came across these awesome images by Gil Elvgren:
And I'm in love with this chic southwestern inspired clothing by Haute Hippie:
Next three Haute Hippie images from Shopbop.com:
Wouldn't those ensembles look great with the Longhorn Skull Necklace?!

The Tide Pool Collection

2011-10-05T17:17:00.048-05:00

Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.
Robert Henri

I love the ocean. Frankly, I can't understand how someone couldn't love it. And as cliché as it sounds, it inspired my newest jewelry collection. I wanted to create waves of shiny metal, in varying sizes and patterns. So I carved out three wavy disc shapes, and the Tide Pool Collection was born.
This collection has really just begun, because there are limitless designs I can create with these little guys.Large Tide Pool Necklace:
Tide Pool Necklace and Earrings:
Large Tide Pool Ring:
Tide Pool Rings in Small, Medium, and Large:
Tide Pool Bracelet:
I will be adding everything shown to the website shortly, as well as countless other Tide Pool designs! In the meantime, I leave you with some beautiful vintage inspired seascapes I found on Etsy:Seascape photos by The Black Spot Books.

Anniversary Dinner

2011-09-25T22:33:00.041-05:00

My husband and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary about a month ago, and I've been meaning to post some photos of our delightful dinner ever since! I wanted to surprise him with a nice meal at home complete with a set dinner table (we usually eat on TV trays so this was pretty fancy for us, hehe). I actually pulled out one of our folding tables we use for shows, and set it for a romantic dinner for two!
"Fine dining" placemats from Anthropologie:I love these little animal head shot glasses from Goody Grams:
I made us delicious bourbon tea cocktails, muddled with orange, mint, and honey: And for dinner I made us chicken pot pies and melon mozzarella salad:
To top off the southern feel, I played some old school blues and folk music...it was a perfect Monday night in after all of our weekend celebrating.

Behind the Scenes: Hama Rikyu

2011-06-15T17:14:00.049-05:00

As I've mentioned before, many of my pieces are inspired by travel and different cultures. Though a lot of them come from my own travels, a few are taken from my imagination about places I want to go to! Case in point, my newest piece named after the Hama Rikyu gardens in Tokyo. I would just love traveling there someday and sipping tea in one of their breathtaking Japanese gardens. With these images of weeping willow trees and peaceful bridges, I got to sketching.

Hama Rikyu Necklace with White Topaz:
Here is a look at the making of my Hama Rikyu earrings and necklace:

The Final Products:
Both the earrings and necklace with be available in an array of gorgeous natural gemstones. Below is the Hama Rikyu Necklace with Amethyst:
Some beautiful photos of Japanese Gardens, by Raceytay:
Lovely artwork by Katsushika Hokusai, a Japanese artist in the early 1800s:
And last but not least, I would be lying if I said that one of my favorite video games didn't inspire this piece a little bit. It's called Okami, available on PlayStation 2 and Wii. For those of you that don't know me that well, I must admit that I am a bit of a video game nerd. So for all of the other nerds out there, believe me when I say you must give this game a try. The imagery is stunning and the game itself is amazing. I keep telling Kevin when we get our German Shepherd someday I want to name her Okami. He is not convinced. But it would be cool right...right?? ;)

Things I Love

2011-04-25T15:14:00.015-05:00

I am loving these glasses by vital. We really, really don't need any more beer glasses, but I think we could use a few more rocks glasses for our bar...
Aren't they fun?

Quote of the Month

2011-03-31T09:13:00.009-05:00

It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, "Always do what you are afraid to do."
Ralph Waldo Emerson Prints by tamgutlich.

New Spring Gemstones

2011-02-28T18:09:00.019-06:00

I recently got some gorgeous new gemstones to add to my collections. I piled them together to take some photos, and I think they look absolutely edible! The topaz is so sparkly, and I love the cool, frosty look of the blue green chalcedony. Check them out:Mayan Reef Necklace with White Topaz:Candy Drop Earrings with White Topaz:Mayan Reef Necklace with Green Mystic Quartz Greek Isle Necklace with Green Mystic Quartz:I still have a lot of work to do in order to get them all up on the website for each piece, but they are all in stock if you see something you like!

Behind the Scenes: Sparrow Necklace

2011-02-22T16:11:00.018-06:00

I've finally gotten around to making my little birdie necklace, and I must say that I am so happy with how it turned out! As you may remember, I made some sketches some time ago and posted them here. I decided to go with the graceful flying bird for now, and I'd like to show you just how I handmade it.

The Sparrow Necklace:
As you can see below, I started with wax and began sculpting and carving according to my drawing:
Once I had carved the piece out of wax, I waited until it was cast in sterling to add the small elements of the design. Since wax is sometimes rather tricky to deal with when working with fine details, I decided to wait and make the tail and beak out of silver and solder it to my bird shape. Here are some more shots of the finished product:

The Sparrow Necklace is coming soon from LUCIUS Jewelry, and should be on the website in the next couple of days! In the meantime, I will leave you with some stunning photos that are sure to make you smile:
text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/luciusk2000/il_fullxfull216745235.jpg" border="0" alt="" />Bird photography by Olivia Ruth of ORphotography.

Quote of the Month

2011-01-30T20:48:00.012-06:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain

Seaside eye candy by myan photography.

Behind the Scenes: Mayan Reef Necklace

2011-01-25T10:52:00.031-06:00

Ahh, once again I am constantly daydreaming about Mexico. Perhaps it's the gloomy January days that have me thinking more and more about escaping to a tropical locale. Whatever the cause, I am quite happy because it has inspired my latest piece! I was looking at these photos from the last time my husband and I went to Mexico:
Upon looking at these photos and numerous books about Mexico, I began sketching ideas. These ideas have translated into one of my favorite pieces that I have ever made. Here is a look at the making of the Mayan Reef Necklace:

The final product:
The Mayan Reef Necklace is coming soon to LUCIUS Jewelry, and will also be available in a variety of gemstones. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Quote of the Month

2010-12-30T23:49:00.017-06:00

Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am in love with these dresses from CLF by Claire La Faye. Aren't they gorgeous? Now I just need a fancy event to attend so I have an excuse to get one for myself!

Photo Shoot

2010-12-30T23:48:00.036-06:00

I recently did a LUCIUS Jewelry photo shoot with some friends of mine, and I could not be happier with the results! Everyone did a wonderful job, and the jewelry just looks great. I look forward to doing another shoot outdoors when it gets warmer out!

Greek Isle Earrings with Blue Topaz
Skully Ring
Victorian Ribbon Necklace and Earrings
Phoenix Wing Earrings
Sweet Cupcake Necklace
Skeleton Key Necklace
Victorian Ribbon Necklace and Earrings
Photos: Chris Turowski Photography
Model: Andrea Lucius

Quote of the Month

2010-11-28T00:55:00.013-06:00

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
Albert Einstein

Gorgeous winter photos by isphotography.

Holiday Sale!

2010-11-24T09:43:00.003-06:00

Things I Love

2010-10-25T11:00:00.010-05:00

I am loving this underwater sea life jewelry by Stephen Webster:

Quote of the Month

2010-10-05T11:05:00.033-05:00

All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.
Edgar Allan Poe

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, and I came across these amazing art prints on Etsy the other day. The colors are wonderful, and I just love the overall mood of the work. The artist's name is Annya Kai, and her shop is www.etsy.com/shop/annya127. Kind of makes me want to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas again for the third time in two weeks...!

Local Lookbook Grand Opening Party

2010-09-17T15:40:00.038-05:00

I had a great time at the Local Lookbook Grand Opening. It's such a fabulous store featuring only local Chicago designers. From clothing, to jewelry, to hats and accessories, Local Lookbook has it all!
Proud owner Halli Mulei (right) cuts the tape.

Here I am with Jackie, who works at Local Lookbook and is rocking the Victorian Ribbon Necklace by LUCIUS Jewelry!

These two lovely ladies modeled designer outfits all night.

LUCIUS Jewelry at Local Lookbook:

If you're in the Chicago area, check this boutique out!

My Jeweler's Studio

2010-08-31T10:17:00.048-05:00

I just love my studio. It may not be big, but I try my best to make sure it has character! I spend a great deal of time here, so it has to be a place that inspires me. I love toys, and my studio is a perfect place to deck out in stuffed animals and little trinkets I find. Admittedly, these things would be pretty ridiculous out in my living room. So with my studio I really get to be a kid again!

Here are some of the tools I use when making my jewelry...and some cupcake key toppers I got creative with. They come in a set of 6, and the other three are on my keys. Aren't they fun?

I love mint and red together, so I painted a mint accent wall and added a red floral arrangement. I know it's a slightly strange combination, but I like it!

This is my inspiration wall, where I pull photos of jewelry I just adore out of magazines. A few of my favorites are Dior Fine Jewelry, Ippolita, Chanel Fine Jewelry, and Stephen Webster.

I had to decorate the studio with some of my husband's work! These three images look great together.

I especially love kitschy pin up pics from the 50s and 60s. I got these at a flea market and discovered they are reproductions from the famed pin-up artist Gil Elvgren. He has literally hundreds of photos like these. I love the expression on the blonde's face. Who is your favorite?

Quote of the Month

2010-08-29T23:56:00.051-05:00

I do a job I really, really love and I kind of have fun with. People think you can't be grown up unless you're moaning about your job.
Robert Smith
Who says we need to grow up anyway? Everything in life seems just a little more fun if you approach it with a sense of humor and whimsy. I am trying to live by my own advice, and every day it does seem to get easier. The more I learn about the business, the more fun I have and the less scary it gets. I think that is when really good things happen, when you let go and dive right into the unknown. Granted, being in a creative field helps, because I believe there is nothing more fun than the arts.
I also must say, it's pretty easy for me to remember to have fun with my work when I have such an amazing husband to remind me! He is, after all, the artist behind these creative and incredibly fun prints. You can view his entire collection at his Etsy shop LuciusArt, The Visual Work of Kevin Lucius.

And who is the little fella behind this next print?

It's our cat Tango, and I think he makes quite a dapper young gentleman in a suit. Here he is just hanging out by the bar, apparently he doesn't like to listen to our "no paws on the table" rule.

Here I am with Tango, forcing a snuggle as usual.

Some more prints in the LuciusArt Shop:

I love the use of texture and vintage imagery in each one. It's easy to see that Kevin had a good time making each of these prints! Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

Photographing Jewelry

2010-08-11T22:36:00.062-05:00

Lately I've been working on taking better photos of my work. I must admit, however, that photographing my jewelry is one of my least favorite things to do. It's very tedious, and not nearly as fun as making jewelry! I am aware of the importance of a good photo though, especially when it comes to selling work online. I've been told time and time again that my work looks even better in person than it does in my photos. I decided it was time to step it up a notch, so people can get a feel for what my jewelry is really like. Here are a few new shots of my work:

Victorian Ribbon Necklace
Magnolia Blossom Necklace

Greek Isle Earrings

Jewelry is one of the most difficult things to photograph, what with all the strange reflections and shadows it creates. I finally decided to try a light box - and wow, does it make a difference. I'd searched for light boxes in the past, and thought they looked like a waste of money. Luckily, my husband decided to take it on himself to create one for me and it works great! The tissue paper diffuses the light on the sides and the round light clipped to the wall makes the piece sparkle. Here is a pic of my setup:

Yes, I could probably use better light than these flood lights, but when I have my camera on the Tungsten setting it looks just fine! With some little color adjustments in Photoshop, I am able to get it looking close to the real thing.

Here is the Sweet Cupcake Necklace I was photographing in the above shots:

I am in in the process of adding these new images to the website. I know I still have a ways to go with photographing my work, and I hope to keep getting better in the process. I think I've come a long way though, as you can see in these before and after photos below!

Biergarten Necklace

Angel Falls Necklace

Phoenix Wing Earrings

Things I Love: Mignonne

2010-07-29T22:26:00.036-05:00

I just adore these handmade lovelies by Mignonne. I'd feel like a little forest fairy in one of these whimsical pieces. They are perfect for a wedding or special occasion. Although I would probably just wear it around the streets of Chicago, while pretending I was skipping around in a lush meadow...

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...
Susan Polis Shutz

Photography by Sloan photographers. Beautiful gowns are by ktjean.etsy.com. Handmade flowers by Mignonne.

Chicago Sidewalk Sale

2010-07-27T10:33:00.023-05:00

I had a great time last week at the Chicago Sidewalk Sale. Despite talks of storms on Tuesday, the weather stayed beautiful! I was also pretty excited that it wasn't insanely hot like it has been recently. There was a great mix of local businesspeople shopping on their lunch break, and tourists checking out the area.They even had a fashion show at noon each day, so much fun!
Here are some images of the jewelry in our booth:
It was so much fun to be working outside downtown, and I met some wonderful people who stopped by my booth. All and all, it was a fantastic show and I look forward to doing more like it!

Old Hollywood Starlets

2010-07-12T12:19:00.057-05:00

It's difficult to deny the class and sophistication of the old silver screen movie stars. They had so much poise and charisma. I find myself utterly mesmerized when I watch them! I found these beautiful images here, and was inspired pull out my sketchbook.I think most of the inspiration for my sketches came from this fantastic ruffled ensemble worn by Audrey Hepburn:
I am very excited to begin this next piece, though I have fallen behind a bit on making new designs. I will have more time to work on these new ideas after my next show! I want to create something very feminine and beautiful, something reminiscent of Old Hollywood. I think it would make a very gorgeous necklace, and perhaps I could even make a smaller version for earrings. Here are the sketches I came up with:
I also love these necklaces worn by Rita Hayworth and Ingrid Bergman. Look at the coy looks on their faces. There truly is something enchanting about the women of this era.
And what's a throwback to Old Hollywood glamour without Marilyn Monroe? She was such a fascinating and beautiful woman.If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere.
Marilyn Monroe

Quote of the Month

2010-06-29T15:12:00.026-05:00

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
I like to believe we are all stronger and more capable than we think we are. With starting my business recently, there have been numerous occasions to which I've had to confront my fears and uncertainties. That truly is the scariest part for me...not knowing what will come next. How will this show be? Will I sell enough this month? Did I fill that form out right? What should I do next?
But you know what? That is also what makes owning a business exciting. The amazing little surprises that come along. When all of your hard work pays off. The first time a new piece sells. Being featured on a great blog. Getting into a show I really wanted at the last minute. Those are the surprises that keep me going. They make me willing to look fear in the face.

Stunning images by Lara Jade Photography.

Behind the Scenes: Skeleton Key Necklace

2010-06-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

As I'd mentioned here in a previous post, I've been really into skeleton keys lately. I'm not sure where this fascination came from, but I'm guessing it could have been brought on by all of the buzz about Alice in Wonderland. That is around the time I was doing my sketching, after all. I loved the sketch I'd made with the skull, and I'd like to take you behind the scenes to see how it was made. But first, here is some amazing Alice in Wonderland inspired art:

Last 3 images by pareeerica's Alice In Wonderland Series

Here is a quick look at how I made the key. I began with silver wire and shaped the key shank. I added details to the key, and soldered those onto the shank. Then, I hammered out two small pieces of silver to make the key bits (the part that opens a door). I finished the piece by soldering the skull to the top, otherwise known as the key's "bow".
The final product, Skeleton Key:
You can purchase the Skeleton Key Necklace here on LuciusJewelry.com

For, you see, so many out-of-the-way things had happened lately, that Alice had begun to think that very few things indeed were really impossible.

From Lewis Carroll's book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, 1865

Wedding Inspiration: Birdies and Branches

2010-06-16T16:54:00.000-05:00

Since we recently received our wedding album, I've been looking at it quite a bit. Perhaps a bit too much, but I just love it! Christa at Print Weddings did an amazing job on our photos, and I love how Kitty put it all together for our book. They captured our day perfectly, and I have so much fun looking back on it!
As you can see, we have a little birdie on a branch theme going, which my husband Kevin designed. We had it on the save the dates and the wedding invitations, and Kitty added it to our book. It looks just lovely, and I couldn't be happier!

Kevin and I handmade each of the centerpieces using birch branches, hearts cut out from an old book, and little fake birdies:
I also wanted to carry the birdie theme over to the wedding cake, so I made this bride and groom wedding cake topper:

Images and book design by Print Weddings. http://printweddings.com/

All and all it was a perfect day, and looking back on it inspired me to sketch up a few birdie and branch necklace designs:

Which are your favorites?

Behind the Scenes: Dead Guy Skully Necklace and Ring

2010-06-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

Ever since our honeymoon in Mexico, I've had a slight obsession with all things "Day of the Dead". Though I've always really enjoyed these things, it became my mission on our honeymoon to find the perfect "dead guy" figurine. I'd say I hit the nail on the head with this:I found my bride and groom at a little shop in Playa del Carmen. How perfect to find it just after getting married! And so, obsession had begun. It wasn't enough that one of my favorite beers is Rogue Dead Guy Ale...I needed more.

So I decided to create a line of jewelry after this 'dead guy' I began to love so much. Here is a behind the scenes look at Skully. First, I begin with carving wax. As you can see below, I form and carve it with files until I am satisfied with the way it looks.
Once I have it cast, I can tweak and perfect the piece before being molded.
Finished Skully Ring and Necklace Shots:
The Skully Necklace and Skully Ring are coming soon to LUCIUS Jewelry!

Last but not least, upon searching for skull art, I discovered a great designer to whom I already had one of his shirts! I'd gotten it from Rudy's Roundup awhile back, and I just love it. It's of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and their faces are smiling skulls. A-mazing! I decided to search for Frida and Diego, and came across the actual photo the artist must have used to create his design. It is so cool to see them side by side:The designer's name is Jose Pulido, and his shop is Mis Nopales Art. He has everything from art prints to tote bags and tees. I also love the Star Wars Couple, and Johnny Cash Calavera tees. In fact, I just purchased the Johnny Cash one so I am anxiously awaiting its arrival!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MisNopalesArt

Quote of the Month

2010-05-27T14:59:00.000-05:00

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
Buddha

This is one of my favorite quotes. It's so true, and it's actually pretty funny. Most quotes about being thankful are clichéd or redundant...or just plain cheesy. But this one is different, and it makes me smile when I read it!

It's a little too easy to point out everything negative that is going on in your life. Perhaps you just had the worst day ever, or even just another mediocre one. But you are still around to talk about it...so it can't be that bad, right?

Gorgeous photos by Lupen Grainne of Honeytree Photography. http://www.etsy.com/shop/honeytree

Things I Love: Stone & Honey Agate Necklaces

2010-05-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

These agate necklaces by Stone & Honey are such a unique and fabulous idea. I love the combination of delicate metal on top of stone, for it creates such a wonderful contrast. They have many stunning pieces, and here are a few of my favorites:

Since no two stones are alike, each piece is one of a kind. The combination of hand-cut pinwheel and honeycomb designs with colorful stone slices are sure to make a statement.
http://www.stoneandhoney.com/shop/

Behind the Scenes: Magnolia Blossom Necklace

2010-05-10T14:39:00.000-05:00

Walking along Chicago's tree lined streets with my husband, I am inspired by the delicate blossoms on each tree. After a long winter, these blossoms are a welcome sight in my eyes! I decided to make a branch necklace with lovely blooming flowers, and I would like to share with you how I did it.

Some spring magnolia eye candy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AliciaBock

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raceytay

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raceytay

I always begin with a sketch to get my thoughts on paper:
Then, I move on to forming the sterling silver wire. I start on the branch, tapering two pieces of wire to a point. I solder the two together and proceed to each individual blossom.

The blossoms are made by hand forming "petals" and then soldering them together to make a flower. More stems are added to the original branch shape, and each flower is soldered into place.

After finishing and polishing to a high shine, the piece is then put on a double rolo chain and is ready to wear! The final product is the Magnolia Blossom Necklace, coming soon from LUCIUS Jewelry.

Gemstone Spotlight: About Topaz

2010-04-28T16:34:00.000-05:00

"There is nothing prettier than the gilded waters of a topaz"
~Coco Chanel
Topaz is a very lovely stone indeed. Transparent with beautiful luster, a topaz's sparkle can light up the room. It can occur in a multitude of colors and is one of may favorite gemstones, especially the blue variety.

http://www.palagems.com/topaz_buyers_guide.htm

Raw, uncut topaz:
http://www.smartminerals.com/pakistan/articoli/bp_topaz.htm

a>http://www.chineseastrologer.org/lucky_chinese_horoscope_gem_stones.php

5 Fun Facts about Topaz:

1. Topaz is an ancient gemstone, and is named for the Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning fire.

2. The Egyptians believed that yellow topaz got its color from the golden glow of the sun god Ra. The Romans linked it to Jupiter, their sun god. It is easy to see this association today in yellow topaz, with its golden luster.

3. Topaz is an 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Though it is one of the hardest stones, it still pales in comparison to a diamond. Care must be taken so as not to fracture the stone, especially in rings and bracelets.

4. A topaz crystal found in Brazil is the largest known, weighing in at 600 pounds. It is now housed in the Museum of Natural History in New York.

5. Topaz is said to stimulate metabolism and digestion. It is also said to promote relaxation and ease tension. I, however, have experienced none of these fantastical side effects while wearing my topaz...so I'm not going to make any promises.

You can find many LUCIUS Jewelry pieces with blue topaz. Here is a sampling of the many wonderful pieces you can find!
http://www.luciusjewelry.com/product/aphrodite-mini-earrings-with-sky-blue-topaz

http://www.luciusjewelry.com/product/biergarten-earrings-with-blue-topaz

http://www.luciusjewelry.com/product/greek-isle-necklace-with-swiss-blue-topaz

Modern Vintage Show

2010-04-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

We had a great time last weekend at the Modern Vintage Chicago Show. LUCIUS Jewelry was in the Indie Designer room, and we met so many fabulous fashionistas there!

Our inventory layed out the night before the show:

Some booth shots, everything looked great!

We met so many awesome designers. Here are a few of my favs:

Swaby Handbags.
http://shernettswaby.com/

Heron Adornment Jewelry.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/heronadornment

Rach B Jewelry.
http://www.shoprachb.com/home.php

LUCIUS Jewelry will be doing the May and June Indie Designer shows as well, stop by our booth and say hello!
http://www.indiedesignermarket.com/ PQMGCXWGNCAB

Quote of the Month

2010-04-08T15:10:00.000-05:00

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

When it comes to motivation, much of it is fleeting. Often, we get discouraged because we just cannot see how on earth we are going to get to the end result. Which is why I love this quote. It truly applies to anyone trying to accomplish something.

We don't always need to know what lies around the corner. In fact, we CAN'T know. So just get started, and have faith in what you can do. Just take the first step...

Beautiful photography by French artist Elisabeth Perotin
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Serpentine

Sweet Inspiration

2010-03-31T14:56:00.000-05:00

I've always considered myself more of an eater, not a baker. Though recently I have managed to wow even myself with my sweet treats. So, I decided to archive my work here for anyone who didn't believe I could bake without burning the house down (myself included).

I mean, what could possibly be more fun than cupcakes? They are, in fact, the inspiration for my newest creation. Since I've recently been making a variety of cupcakes, I figured it would be fitting to try and make a necklace with the same beauty and whimsy as those little cakes do. The Sweet Cupcake Necklace is handmade by me here in my studio, and guaranteed to last longer than the real thing. :)

Retro Glam

2010-03-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

Going through Stephen Webster's amazing website, I came across these advertisements featuring Christina Aguilera. I just love the glamorous 50's feel they have. Really makes me want to go platinum blond again.....!

Featuring: Christina Aguilera Styling: Victoria Adcock Photographer: Vincent Peters (2008)Creative Director: Stephen Webster
http://www.stephenwebster.com/default.aspx

Pretty, shiny things

2010-03-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of rose gold, so naturally I was attracted to these amazing bangles by Ippolita. They are actually sterling silver mixed with a precious alloy of 18K gold and plated with 18K rose gold. Obviously they can be worn year round, but I think they are just perfect for spring...don't you?

http://www.ippolita.com/catalog/rose.php

Things I Love

2010-03-09T21:09:00.001-06:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahseven?page=1

I just adore these dresses handmade by fellow etsy seller sarahseven. They look like something out of a fairytale! Maybe someday, sigh....

New Necklace Sketch

2010-03-09T21:09:00.000-06:00

I've been working on some sketches for new designs lately. This one is my favorite, inspired by birch tree branches.

My fancy new sketchbook

2010-03-06T15:20:00.000-06:00

I am absolutely loving my new sketchbook! My husband found this for me and figured it would be a perfect Christmas gift. The website is http://www.bookjournals.com/. They have a wide variety of covers and are handmade from recycled books.

I've been really into old skeleton keys lately, so I've been sketching new designs for some necklaces.

New Ring Design

2010-03-06T15:08:00.000-06:00

Been working on a new ring design that incorporates my Victorian Ribbon Mini. I'm pretty excited to add more rings to my collection!