Magic Gems Jewelry

It Springtime!

2011-03-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

The trees are blooming and every raindrop smells like a flower. Oregon has secret charms and that's just one of them! I've been finalizing our summer schedule and it's a good one. We'll be going every direction this year, from McMinnville to Vancouver, from North Plains to Albany. We've even got something in the works for a weekly gig that we're really excited about. More to come!

Holiday Time

2010-11-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

It'a already time to get all dressed up in glittery jackets and show off the spectacular holiday jewelry.
The year is flying by! I made several new pieces to post on my blog, and then sold them at my last show! I like that.
I'll be at a few local events:

Nov. 6 & 7: All Saints Episcopal Church - 4033 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland Oregon 97202
Nov. 13: Save this day! I'm waiting for details from a new venue!
Nov. 20: Ardenwald School - 8950 SE 36th AvenueMilwaukie, OR 97222
Nov. 27: Heritage High School - 7825 NE 130th Avenue Vancouver, WA 98682
Dec. 4: Mary Woodward School - 12325 Southwest Katherine StreetTigard, OR 97223
Dec. 11: Aloha Huber Park - 5000 Sw 173rd Ave. Beaverton, OR 97007

I'll be bringing my tools, so come and get your new mother's rings and birthstone rings. I'll have the silver wire and Swarovski crystals and you can choose your colors!
I'll be in the shop making hammering some new earrings since the ones I made in the fall are all gone. I'll also have some of the feather-light flower branch earrings that are so popular. I'll make some in holiday colors too!
I'm going to try to publish some pictures before I add these new things to the inventory. Wish me luck!

Artistic Elegance at Charbonneau

2010-10-06T14:45:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful weekend we had at the lovely Charbonneau Country Club Art show. Leslie does an amazing job organizing this event every year and this was no exception. The food was terrific. (Curry's Landing catered) I hear the wine was fine and the art was nothing short of spectacular! Robert had five paintings on display. He had several conversations about the depth and beauty of his work. "Soul Energy" seems to touch a lot of people in a special way. He also drew caricatures. There was often an appreciative group around him watching art being made.

I was so pleased to see all the inventive, interesting new things people created over the past year. As usual, there were several jewelers but artisan jewelry is all so different that we actually complemented one another with our variety!

I will be hurrying to make new rings as they seemed to be pretty popular. (A great excuse to get out the torch.) There's only one dome ring left and I think that's because I accidentally put it on my finger and forgot to get it to the display! There are several people sporting new wire-wrapped birthstone rings now. Everyone loves to choose their own colors and watch me turn a few Swarovski crystals and a piece of sterling wire into a personalized statement just for them in under 10 minutes. (It doesn't hurt that I make them matching earrings too!) They started out jewelry lovers and became jewelry designers!

The gorgeous green corn-flake pearls with the gold dreamcatcher pendant found a new home. There was a lady that 'visited' them several times Saturday evening, I wish I could see the look on her face when her husband hands her that little silver bag!

I'm going to publish some new photos of jewelry soon. The ones I took last week sold before I got them on the blog. (I know. It's a quality problem!)

We're ready for fun at the Elephant Garlic Festival!

2010-08-05T01:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I was so busy working on new designs that I missed posting about the lovely Yamhill Lavender Festival. It was heavenly! Gentle scents wafting through the air... Sonny Hess, Lisa Mann & Jesse Samsel singing and making guitar magic... ahhhh. I am already anticipating next year!

But now, it's a whole new weekend. It's Elephant Garlic time in North Plains. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 6,7,8. Art, music and garlic everything. Come on out. Robert will draw you, I'll adorn you, and you'll have a blast. What could be better than that!

2010-03-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Many gemstones have myths attached to them. The stories told about labradorite are as varied and lovely as the stones themselves. Labradorite is never the same when you look at it, and it's said that the people attracted to it are able to see things from many points of view. People that are pulled to this mysterious stone are sometimes said to be called by the stars to do strange and wonderful things.

2010-03-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

This is actually two different length strands of beautiful various shaped labradorite beads. I've wire-wrapped them and then added identical toggle clasps to each necklace. They turn into one piece when you attach the toggles from one piece to the other.

The earrings are forged sterling spears with a dangle of labradorite at the end.

Spring's Slipping in under the Clouds

2010-03-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

It's spring... and it's pouring rain! But no fear... flowers are growing and the sun is on it's way. No matter how big the raindrops, I know that Festival season is just around the corner. I'll be ready too! I'm pounding silver, weaving wire and wrapping gemstones. Dazzling new pieces of jewelry will be revealed soon!

Here's a little sneak-peek.

Winter was fun...

2010-03-14T00:34:00.000-08:00

... I hope it was as interesting and eventful for you as it was for me. So many changes... isn't that what makes life fun?

I listened to dozens of 'talking books' while I snuggled in and worked on the new spring line. I hope that some of the romance, mystery and adventure I 'read' about translated into the pieces I created.

I made a stack of new rings... some fancy and some just for fun. I made simple copper necklaces to wear with jeans. I made fashion-forward chokers for work days and some fabulous multi-strand gemstone sparklers for the special moments in your life. You asked me for more silver cuff bracelets... I heard you. And the earrings! From simple, elegant little drops all the way to fantastically bold silver geometrics.

Make sure to save July 10-11 for the Yamhill Lavender Festival. This is one of my favorite events. I was there last year and I'm already hearing from some of the people I met there. They can't wear for this year's festival. The music was incredible and word is, it will be again.

I'll be adding the dates of my other art festivals as soon as they're confirmed.

I have been hoping to get so good at photography that I could put up photos of all the work I've done, but I just can't seem to stop making jewelry to master the camera. So, I'll do the best I can, and you can just come see them in person!

Festival Time

2009-08-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer's almost gone! I love to talk to the people I meet at all the events I do, it's so interesting to hear what different hobbies and interests they have.

We were in St. Helens last weekend at Arts & Eats. After dark I watched families walking into the town square carrying blankets and babies and holding toddlers by the hand. They set up in the park and the little ones fell asleep to the sound of the band, rocking, while moms and dads snuggled together, holding hands. I love Oregon.

I'm going to make sure to see the North West Blues Women again. I saw Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann a few weeks ago and was blown away. I need a copy of their cd. By the time I could leave my booth they were all sold out!

I'm meeting a lot of terrific artists this year. If anyone gets a chance to see Lorraine and Robert & their metalwork, run, don't walk. They do things with copper and fire that are crazy wonderful. Their copper leaves... just amazing.

And Rick, the glass sculpter had crowds around his booth all evening. He just asked people what they liked, and then went about creating it in glass. The guys with the Scottie dog were astonished at the 2" high glass replica he created for them.

I love going to new places and meeting artists skilled in such diverse areas. It's one of the best parts of the job. I love it when the customers ask questions that allow them to learn about the artisans whose work they admire. I always feel like I get double my money's worth when I learn the story about the piece I'm buying.

It's festival time in Oregon and Washington and I'm off to make some new rings for my up-coming shows.

Join me!

2009-07-10T00:24:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the Yamhill Lavender Festival this weekend! The fields are in bloom, gorgeous to see, and heavenly to smell.

Several artists spent this past week in different local homes, painting the lavender harvest. The results of the week of plein air painting will hung at the festival. Come and enjoy nature.

Stop at my booth and say hello. (I'll have the royal purple tablecloths)

Take a look at one of the new pieces I'll be bringing with me. It's agate slices and onyx. It will take someone with a big personality to carry this beauty away. Will it be you?

See you June 20!

2009-06-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Take a look at these gentle misty vineyard tones... are these the colors that make your skin glow and your eyes shine? Or are you dazzling in royal purple? Lovely in summer pinks and blues? A fiery gal in reds and golds? Whatever makes you look like "your very best you" I'll make it for you.
See you June 20 - 10AM-3PM supports Kenilworth Presbyterian Church charities

Misty

2009-06-19T14:31:00.001-07:00

This is just one of the lovely designs I'm debuting this weekend. Come find the ones for you!

Summer Solstice - the time of perfect balance.

2009-06-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've been making the most beautiful summer flower earrings. They are gorgeous and light as a feather. Everyone seems to look good in these because I make them in such a variety of shapes and colors. What's the silhouette for you? See for yourself at:
10am - 3pm
Kenilworth Presbyterian Church
Saturday, June 20, 2009
4028 SE Gladstone Street
Portland, OR 97202

Spring!

2009-03-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I was out and about, astonished by the gorgeous foliage, buds burst open that very day to celebrate the first day of spring. Trees filled with blossoms, bushes aglow and flowers turning their faces to the sun. Oregon is now officially alive and alight with beauty.

I just had to make something that illustrated what Mother Nature was doing... what do you think?

Stay tuned...

2009-03-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

... there are lots more new things coming soon. I'm having such a good time with the power tools. I can't wait to see what's next!

Thursday and Friday...

2009-03-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

... I'll be at the Littman Gallery at PSU from 12 -4pm. Come see me.

Is it Spring yet?

2009-03-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

No. But soon. In the meantime I've been enjoying working with the warmth of copper. What do you think?

2009-02-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

Mermaid's Treasure...

Faceted mauve pearls are tucked in between abalone beads of all shapes. A pearl moon reminds us our feminine intuition is a gift.

The abalone flower pendant captures pink, blue and lavenders, making it a reflection of all the ocean's secrets.

The accompanying earrings are faceted mauve pearls framed in rich abalone.

Altogether, it's a wealth of delicate beauty. The mysteries of the deep, all for you.

2009-02-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Nefertiti's Dream...

Breathtaking peacock colored 'corn flake' pearls meet at the center at a hand-fabricated dream catcher ending with a sterling silver Eye of Horus.

This is truly a queen's collar.

2009-02-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

Rose Queen -

Luscious mauve mother-of-pearl and silver beads come together to encompass a double strand of mauve 'corn-flake' pearls ending in a delicate sterling hand-forged rose.

A tumble of the cornflake pearls make enchanting earrings.

2009-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dream Swirls -

Deep, gorgeous faceted Amethysts wrapped in swirls of rolled gold wire.

Notes from the Workshop

2009-02-16T04:24:00.000-08:00

It's winter time in Oregon. Snow, rain, sun, we have it all! My little dog Foxcie is surprized every day when she goes for a walk. She spent 14 years in the Southern California sun and now she's in new weather every day.

While I'm enjoying the variety of weather, I'm also creating a lot of new things for springtime.

I'm also keeping busy helping people re-cycle jewelry that they no longer wear. I turn pieces that have been sitting in their drawers for years into fresh new designs. Often I'm able to make them a complete new jewelry wardrobe, as well as give them a lot of additional pieces to give as gifts for a fraction of the price of new jewelry. What a wonderful thing to be able to reduce your carbon footprint while staying fashionable current! This has been an interesting and worthwhile new direction in my jewelry making. My eyes light up when I see a woman coming with a bagful of old jewelry. It's like a treasure chest for me, and when I'm done, it's like a treasure chest for the client too!

Druidess...

2008-11-20T01:43:00.000-08:00

... green coin pearls and peridot wire-wrapped with sterling silver. It feels alive with calming, peaceful energy.

Dreams...

2008-11-19T02:08:00.000-08:00

... caught inside a frame of silver... "Midnight"

is created of Blue Goldstone and Mother of Pearl.

This piece is all about your inner self. Empowerment.

New for the holiday...

2008-11-19T02:07:00.001-08:00

... is this stunning mother of pearl and sterling bracelet:
"Gifts of the Mother"

And after Fire?

2008-11-19T02:05:00.001-08:00

Ocean, of course.

Abalone shells and freshwater pearls.

Soothing and hypnotic.

It's already mid-November...

2008-11-19T01:58:00.000-08:00

... and it's all so beautiful here. The leaves are painting the ground garnet red, pumpkin orange and beaten gold. It's a new palette every morning.

I've been working so hard getting ready for all the holiday shows that I haven't put any of the new jewelry on this blog.

Here's my "Fire Goddess". All freshwater pearls, and a hand-made glass goddess that's all mine!

2008-10-24T10:57:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it... ? This Saturday is the first of the holiday bazaars. I've chosen events that are ALL fundraisers for local schools, churches and hospitals. It's a great way to help the places that help up stay independent and thrive! Here's where to find me for the next several weeks:
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Sat - Oct. 25, 9 - 4pm
Tualitan H.S. Holiday Bazaar - 22300 SW Boones Ferry Rd.
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VAEA Holiday Craft Fair Nov 3,4 & 5
Mon Tues 6:30am - 6pm. Wed - 6:30-2:30
Portland Veterans Medical Center
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Agia Sophia Academy Artisan Faire -
32nd & Glisan @Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Portland
Sat - Nov. 8 - 10-5pm
Sun - Nov. 9 - 12-5pm
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Holiday Extravaganza
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church - 2036 SE Jefferson, Milwaukie
Sat. - Nov. 15 - 9-4pm
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Girls Night Out Marketplace Bazaar
Southridge High School - 9625 SW 125th Ave, Beaverton
Thursday night - Nov. 20 - 4:30 - 7:30.
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Holiday Bazaar
St. Anthony's Catholic Church - 1660 Elm St. - Forest Grove
Sat. - Nov.22 - 10-5:30
Sun. - Nov. 23 - 10 - 4pm
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Band & Auxillary PTO Craft Fair
Tigard High CAFETERIA - 9000 SW Durham Rd - Tigard
Sat. Dec. 6 - 9am-4pm
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Holiday Bazaar
Butler Creek Elementary School - 2789 SW Butler Rd., Gresham
Sat. Dec. 13 - 9 - 3pm
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There will be a Dec. 6 event as well - I'll give you the details when I get them.
I hope to see you this week at Tualitan High.

It's the end of the farmers market season...

2008-10-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

... and almost the beginning of the holiday season! Whew.
Orenco Station Farmer's Market has rolled up the sidewalks. I hope all the great people we've met there have a wonderful winter and come back healthy and happy in May.
Robert and I have 2 more Saturdays at the Art Court in Beaverton and then we're off to the next thing.
Starting during the Hallowe'en season Robert will be drawing caricatures at the Jantzen Beach Mall most weekends until Christmas. Look for him there in the center court with his easel. He'll be there when he's not drawing at all the private holiday parties and office parties that keep him moving fast this time of year.
Stay tuned because for a list of places I'll be this season. When my new computer comes back from the hospital I'll be posting some terrific new pieces I've been working on.
Hope to see some of you soon!

Saturday at the Market

2008-09-01T11:19:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my new booth setup - still easy to find as people love those purple tablecloths! I'm adjacent to the Beaverton farmers market on Saturdays. It's such fun, and I love the people.
This market is said to be the largest in the state and it sure seems that way when the market bell rings at 8am. It smells heavenly - I was by the fresh tomatoes and basil this week and it was wonderful.

Booth at the Market

2008-09-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Summer in the Pacific Northwest...

2008-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

... is just as hot as summer in Los Angeles! (It just doesn't last as long)

We've been busy every weekend meeting people here in our new home. On Saturdays, between 8am - 1:30 you can find Robert and me side by side in our booths at the Art Court in Beaverton. It's run by the wonderful people at the Beaverton United Methodist Church (thanx Carin) & runs adjacent to the fabulous Farmer's Market. Needless to say, we've gotten healthier and happier since we've been set up there. Every week I pull Robert away from drawing caricatures & have him man the jewelry booth for a few minutes as I rush up and down the aisles getting organic produce for the week. The berries, butter lettuce and asparagus are things we never get tired of. I even know how to make a strawberry rhubarb cobbler now!

On Sundays, we have a whole different experience in Milwaukie, in front of the Masonic Lodge. Patrick Sheehan makes it fun to be on Main Street criss-cross from the Milwaukie Farmer's Market. We're there from 10am until 2, except for when I zip over to the Market to get the plants that are all over our balcony. I'm wild for hot pink & purple fuchsias, so I have several of them.(They always put me in mind of black & white Humphrey Bogart movies and arched doorways.) I got a big pot of miniature petunias in purple, white and violet. Last week I got an ornamental oregano, which I'd never before seen. It's foliage has very subtle coloring, lavender, green, cream - but the amazing thing is - if you rub the leaves it releases a heady oregano scent. Otherwise, it gives off a much lighter version all the time. It's heavenly to sit out there at night, smelling the pine trees & spice.

I've been making a lot of new jewelry, I can't wait to see who gets what. It's always such fun when people find 'their' special piece. It happened last week with a lady who stopped in her tracks when she saw a kyanite necklace I had on display. The stones matched her eyes and looked incredible on her. But it wasn't quite the right style for her... she told me what she thought would be perfect... but she wasn't sure she should splurge... Well, her husband was behind her, watching, and when she reluctantly moved on he came up to me and said "Make her the necklace you two talked about... it's her. She looked beautiful in it." I'd like to add a picture here of the lady "in" the necklace, but I think he's going to give it to her in a more personal setting. Meanwhile, I put the first kyanite necklace out again the next day and a woman put it on and never took it off. Don't you love it when that happens?

Spring Snow...

2008-04-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

... Blossoms.
When we went to the library last week we were astonished to be in the midst of what appeared to be a snowstorm - bombarded by a flurry of white blossoms that drifted in the streets.
Oregon... fascinating.

December in Oregon

2007-12-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

It's fresh, it's clean, it's misty, it's romantic...I love it! I'm happily awaiting the rains too, I just think that I'm destined to be happy here.
I'm writing this as I put the finishing touches on my displays for The Thirst Wine Bar tomorrow, Dec. 13 - 5-10 pm. It is a cozy, intimate place. I hear their customers are fun and stylish, just my type! Last show of the season.
I'm looking forward to being able to set up my studio again. I really miss my hammers and my torch.
We're going to have a Pacific Northwest holiday this year & we are delighted. Oregon is stimulating our creativity. Hallelujah!

It's the season!

2007-11-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

I slipped out today to walk on Cannon Beach with our dog, Foxcie. She's 14, and ran like a puppy for about 3 hours. It was raining and smelled fantastic. The Oregon Coast is the place for me. I love everything about it. I'll have to go back after Christmas and get more crab dip at Cranky Sue's - that was the best.

Now it's back to work - I need to make some dragonfly necklaces - a lot of them flew away this past weekend. I'm having a great time meeting all the talented folks at the different shows I'm attending. One of the best parts of being an artist is - other artists.

What do you think of the new freshwater pearls? I made the pendant out of gold-filled wire, peridot and tiny pearls. I made the clasp too.

This is the most eye-catching shade of green.

"Ever Young"

This necklace is white mother-of-pearl beads.

The gold-filled pendant is graced with Swarovski crystals

and delicate pearls.

"Sun & Sea"

Here's where I'll be showing my jewelry. Come see me if you can!
11/3 Gresham Armory - great folks - fun gals in the cheer club - go Pink & Black! Done
11/10 Clackamas Park Friends Church -Milwaukie - warm, welcoming place. Done
11/17 Countryside Christian Church - Keizer - terrific people - and what a well-run show! Done
11/24 & 25 Winter Fest Bazaar - True Value Hardware - 9-5 - Molalla

11/30 11-2 Salem - private bazaar
12/1 & 2 Carnegie Museum - 606 John Adams St. - Oregon City
12/8 9-5 - St. John's Community Center - 8472 N. Central - St. John's Landing
12/13 Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro - 5-10 pm - 149 A Avenue - Lake Oswego

Robert's going to be drawing caricatures at the Jantzen Beach Mall near the carousel so go say hello! He's available for private parties too!

We're in Oregon...

2007-10-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

... and it's even better than we hoped. It's an artist's dream, vivid colors, changing weather, and fun, hospitable, interesting people. For a painter and a writer... what else could we ask?
We got here just in time to do some holiday shows. My first is this weekend, in Gresham at the Armory. I'll add several other events as soon as I get the details for them.
I'm looking for more events at hospitals, churches, schools, & businesses. If anyone knows of any, email me, I'm ready. Everybody loves handmade gifts, I make them, people want them, we just have to find one another.
Robert is making contacts for drawing caricatures at parties. After drawing at Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and Magic Mountain for 24 years, he had a big list of repeat customers for the holidays. He took a real leap of faith, giving all that up to live our vision of "Artists in Oregon". It will work out because he's so gifted, and easy to work with. Once he gets the first job, they always call him back. One of his best work situations was his time at Film Roman Studios, painting backgrounds for King of the Hill, Bobby's World, The Mask and Mortal Kombat. He is a real cartoon & comic fan. I think teaching animation studies in Community College helped him too. It showed people how patient and pleasant he was. Talent and character, what a combo. Anyway, I'm trying to enjoy him now, because once Oregon discovers him, he'll be all booked up.
I'll write again, as I learn more about this wonderful place. I hope to see some of you in Gresham, at the Armory, this weekend. New friends are the greatest surprize in life.

Spinner Ring - 2 views

2007-06-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

This is a reallyfun ring. It's silver, with a patina added to the main ring. The spinner is hand-forged sterling.

"Sea Lover"

2007-06-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, soft mauve stick pearls drape perfectly to embrace a sterling heart frame with a web of garnets, silver and rose quartz inside. A sterling 'clasped heart' catch completes the mood.

"Mists of Avalon"

2007-06-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Three strands of different sizes and shades of gray pearls are held together by a hand-crafted heart created of sterling silver treated with a deep gray patina.

"Perfect Storm"

2007-06-02T22:25:00.001-07:00

Silvery stick pearls are graced by a free-form sterling framed web of gray pearls.

"Primitive"

2007-06-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

Mother of Pearl is not just sweet anymore! This one is as hot as the tropics. Just for perfection, it ends with a perfect blue paua shell enhanced pendant.

"Southern Nights"

2007-06-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

This necklace is composed of various shades of freshwater pearls. It culminates in a pendant of delicate pink shell, surroundes by large glass leaves.

"Stix & Stones"

2007-06-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

Barely peach-colored stick pearls and coin pearls come together to make an elegant necklace.

"Pure Hearts"

2007-06-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

This lovely freshwater pearl necklace is everything pure and true.

The "heart within a heart" inside the sterling frame is created using freshwater pearls. The clasp is a sterling 'clasped heart'.

"Woman Paua"

2007-06-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

I love this one. Peacock stick pearls with a wonderful paua shell pendant. People are drawn to these intense colors.

Frosted Flakes bracelet

2007-06-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

This is a gorgeous double strand of corn-flake pearls.

It's all good...

2007-06-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

I've finished the May shows and have started making pieces for the Bridgeport, Ca. 4th of July celebration. I look forward to this one all year. We stay in a little town about a half hour away from the show so there's a wonderful demarcation between the day job and our little vacation. Cool, fresh air, silence, stars and absolutely no mosquitoes.

We're in transition. A few months ago we moved an hour away from the place we lived for 14 years and are house-sitting for friends. When this place sells, we're off to start a new life in Oregon. Robert's looking forward to more time to paint, and I am excited about writing, and making jewelry in our new environment. We've waited a long time to be together and create. Now it's happening.

For now, I've a big studio to work in and no one to complain if I hammer all night long. I'm plugging in the Foredom and making some music!

2007-05-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard to get ready for the show season. I've already been to the first two.

The first weekend in May I'm always at Hillside Farm, in Norco, Ca. It's on an old Christmas tree farm, and we use all the buildings and both the front and back lawn. My booth is in the chicken coop(!). They are very careful that everything is hand-made. It's horse country, so anyone that has a "country turn of mind" is going to find everything they want.

Last weekend I was at "Art on the Waterfront" in San Pedro, Ca. It is a one-day event combined with an Installation Art exhibit. It's wonderful. I made new friends from around the world. Making the simple 3 bead rings at my booth is a great conversation starter. My husband was in the booth next to me, creating watercolor caricatures. As always, he had everyone laughing.

Since it was a major harbor, Homeland Security made its presenceknown by not allowing the people to park onsite. Everyone had to park far away and be transported by shuttle. It severely limited the number of people attending. The ones that did enjoyed intersting music, and stimulating art.

I'm completing some "Story Pendants" for the Iris Festival this Friday, Saturday & Sunday in Yucaipa, Ca. It's a beautiful weekend, full of flowers.

Memorial Weekend I'm at the Western Dance Convention in Covina, Ca. It's a lot of fun. All the participants dress in costumes, so it's a natural outlet for my western jewelry. (Most of which I sold at the seashore. Sigh)

I'm posting some of the pearl pieces I created.

2007-05-09T02:01:00.000-07:00

I'm finishing the preparations for the San Pedro Arts Show this Saturday. I've been making a lot of things with pearls for the people at the ocean. I hope they like them.

Mahogany Obsidian

2007-02-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

I made the matching pendant and clasp. The best thing about this is the long 'bar' on the clasp. It simply slides into the ring, and the length keeps it from sliding out until you want it to. Very easy to get on and off and totally secure. I'll be making more of these clasps.

2007-02-11T13:14:00.001-08:00

Copper Cuff

2007-02-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

This copper cuff is fold-formed and patinaed.

"Transforming"

2007-01-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

I think resin is my new love. There's something magical about taking disparate objects and creating a story. This one is my personal statement: The fern is from our nightly walk, the opal butterfly came from my friend John Connelly in Venice, (thanx John!) and the citrine cabachon sun is one of my favorites.

The idea of changing and growing is one I hold personally dear.

"Frost"

2007-01-30T18:08:00.000-08:00

This resin pendant has 2 of my favorite things embedded in it - twisted silver wire and tiny gemstone canachons.

"New Leaf"

2007-01-30T18:04:00.000-08:00

This 9 strand citrine, blue topaz and amazonite necklace spills from a hand-forged sterling silver leaf clasp. The leaf has a rich patina with bronzes and blues glimmering like sunshine on the water.

Amazing.

"Sweetheart"

2007-01-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

This is an elegant wire-wrap necklace combining faceted garnets, pink pearls and heavy Bali silver.

Garnets put action to your passion - while pearls help a lady 'flow with the tide'.

2007-01-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

You can't see the color of this elegant wire wrap necklace. It's all gold filled wire with pink, green and black tourmaline.

This is all brought together in the 'dangle' created of a waterfall of tourmaline spilling out from an amazing watermelon tourmaline.

2007-01-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

Large, luscious dusty pink mother of pearls are graced by a side clasp sterling silver leaf.

2007-01-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous faceted blue kyanite necklace is electrified by a simple gold-filled chain.

Pearls and... ?

2007-01-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

These mauve pearls are enhanced by the hand forged, front clasp. It's two parts interlink, creating a unique closure that adds interest to the simple necklace. A pink CZ adds a little lady-like sparkle.

Pendants

2007-01-30T16:21:00.000-08:00

This is a little sampling of the pendants I've been making. One of these is me, right down to the ground. I wear it nearly all the time. I like it that they are so very individual.

Rings

2007-01-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

These are silver wire rings I make "on the spot" at shows. I've tried to show

every angle.

Bracelets

2007-01-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

These "Garden Bracelets" are one of a kind. They take many hours to make, but they're worth it when I see a woman catch sight of one across a room, hurry over, take a second look, try it on and delightedly take it home. Each bracelet seems to 'find' the one person that feels it's a personal expression of her own personality. One woman bought a teal and root-beer colored set although these were colors she never wore. Now she tells me she wears it so much the bracelet has it's own outfits. (A little more glamorous than she used to wear.)

2007-01-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

I've added lab created opals to this sterling silver cuff and ring.

2007-01-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

This sterling silver bracelet is light and airy, and just the tiniest bit 'jingly'.

2007-01-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

This forged silver link bracelet is extremely comfortable. I fell in love with it and wear it every day.